Jewish Zaccheus was a tax collector for Rome.  He was despised by his people.  He was considered a sinner.  Rome occupied Jerusalem, indeed Rome had all of Israel under their rule; they were in charge and they were hated.

  Jesus told Zaccheus “…I must stay at your house.”  And Zaccheus gladly welcomed Him into his home.  (Luke 19:5-6)
  What about the crowd that was following Jesus on His way through Jericho?  How did they feel about Jesus “making nice” with Zaccheus? 

(NASB) Luke 19:7 “When they saw it, they all began to grumble, saying, ‘He has gone to be the guest of a man who is a sinner.’”

  What is your attitude toward any nation or group who are clearly against God and His people?  What is your attitude when individuals from that nation or group respond to the Lord Jesus and invite Him into their homes, into their lives?

  Do you grumble and resent those individuals who eagerly respond to Jesus as Zaccheus did?
  Why do you grumble and mumble, follower of Christ?  Do you doubt their true motive?  Do you doubt that they could be changed, even by Jesus?  Weren’t you?

  In the ministry of Jesus, He told a parable of the one lost sheep out of 100.  And when that one lost sheep was found, there was rejoicing in heaven!  (Luke 15:3-7)
  Come!  Let us rejoice over the “ones” who receive Jesus into their homes and into their lives.
  Come!  Let us rejoice with all who are in heaven because the “ones” have received eternal life in the presence of the living God!