I don’t know much about clams, but I’m told that the only way to get them to open their shells - other than violently, with a knife - is to place them in warm water. After awhile they’ll open of their own accord. That's always seemed a good metaphor for the way God loves us into opening our spirits, and a way we can love really shut-down people into transformation. The hardest heart can be melted by acceptance and mercy, just as the softest heart can be hardened by rejection and judgment.
I think that’s what Jesus did for Zacchaeus. His acceptance, signaled by coming to his house; his willingness to stand with him when no one else would, elicits not only repentance but an astonishing offer of restitution: “Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord, ‘Look, half of my possessions, Lord, I will give to the poor; and if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I will pay back four times as much.’”
It’s easy to say “I’m sorry.” As people in recovery will tell you, it’s a lot harder to make amends, go back to people you’ve hurt and offer them restitution, when possible, for what you’ve taken from them. Restitution is the visible fruit of true repentance. And here, Zacchaeus is a champion.
Those who disapproved of Jesus going to Zacchaeus’ house probably argued, “By going to a ‘sinner’s’ house, Jesus is dignifying all tax collectors. His presence is tacit approval of the guy’s wickedness. Better to isolate him than to suggest approval.” We hear voices like that in all sorts of issues. But if we isolate those who are destructive, where is the hope for transformation?
I'm reminded of the heat Jodie Foster took for hiring Mel Gibson after the many revelations about his anti-Semitic remarks and actions. She did not condone his views, but made a choice to stand with a friend – and so helped foster (sorry...) the possibility of transformation in him. The hardest heart can be melted by acceptance and mercy, as the softest heart can be hardened by rejection and judgment.
Jesus went to Zach’s house, not knowing that he would repent – perhaps inferring some openness from his tree-climbing. And his risk was rewarded, his grace met with not only sorrow but amendment of life and reversal of justice. Where Zach had taken money from the poor to appease the Romans, he was now giving half his fortune to the poor. And if there was fraud, he offered to make a four-fold restitution. Now that’s an “I’m sorry” with teeth.
How do you respond to this story? Do you want to follow Zach or to Jesus today? (Or both…?) If it's Zacchaeus, you might ask whether you feel any debt related to wrongdoing on your part? Is there anyone, the thought of whom makes you wince with guilt? What would restitution look like?
If you were to emulate Jesus, ask: Who do you know who is isolated because of their destructive words or actions? We don’t need to affirm the behavior, just provide an environment where hearts can open, and see what happens.
If you’ve ever been a clam shut tight and found yourself in a bath of warm, accepting love, you know what it meant to you. Is God inviting you to give that gift to someone?
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