Zaccheus had heard about Jesus and was curious. Out of the whole crowd, Jesus took notice of this small man and called him by name. Everyone knew Zaccheus because he had become wealthy by taking advantage of them. He was a sinner, but Jesus wasn’t ashamed of him. Jesus doesn’t see people for what they have done, but for who God created them to be. When Zaccheus got to know Jesus he was transformed. Jesus loves to bring out the best in people and when you get to know Him, your life will be transformed, too.
Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins. You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature. By our very nature we were subject to God’s anger, just like everyone else.
But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!)
Ephesians 2:1-5