| The main street of Jericho was noisier than usual - crowds had gathered to see the great Teacher, Jesus. He was on his way through to Jerusalem. James and John had been with him about three years now. | |
| JAMES: | Big crowd out today, John! |
| JOHN: | Seems like a lot of interest in the Master going up to Jerusalem. |
| JAMES: | Just remembering - Jesus, Joshua - the same name. Remember when Joshua came into old Jericho. The crowds were all up on the walls to watch. Then it happened - the walls started to crumble! That must have been quite a sight! |
| JOHN: | Today's different, of course! But... I wonder if the Master will do anything spectacular here today.
(pause) Hey, there's a bit of a stir over there! |
| JAMES: | Some little bloke wants to get through! Can't see! |
| JOHN: | Huh! Looks like he's not too popular with the locals! Wonder who he is? |
| JAMES: | He's gone now. |
| JOHN: | You know, James, the Master is a pretty remarkable person. You've only got to look around the twelve of us to see he didn't check the popularity polls before choosing us! |
| JAMES: | Look! He's stopping! |
| JOHN: | There must be something up in that tree. |
| JAMES: | Someone! |
| JOHN: | It's the little guy. He looks all embarrassed. |
| JAMES: | The crowd doesn't look very pleased. From that bag he's carrying, I reckon he must be the local tax collector. |
| JOHN: | That would figure! I wonder what Jesus will do. |
| Yes, what did Jesus do? and what does Jesus do - when he comes into the life of someone like Zacchaeus - and me - and you? | |
| Reading: | Luke 19.1-10. |