Biblical Principle Micro Econ
The bible verses I have chosen that relate to economics consist of Luke 19:1-10. In these verses are the story of Zacchaeus the tax collector and his confrontation with Jesus. These verses basically explain how tax collectors are known for robbing the people when they go around collecting from the poor. Yet in this certain situation Zacchaeus had climbed a tree in order to get a good view of Jesus walking by. Jesus noticed him and introduced himself to Zacchaeus and asked if he can visit his home. Zacchaeus was extremely excited and vowed to Jesus that he will be a better and will give half his possessions to the poor. Zacchaeus also promised to pay back four times the amount he may have robbed the people for. Zacchaeus probably became rich by cheating people, something tax collectors were known for in those days. But Zacchaeus met Jesus, and he became a new man. He had faith in Jesus' power and love. Zacchaeus promised to pay back even more than he had taken those he had cheated. But the crowd didn't like this. They needed new hearts too, but they didn't realize it. Real faith is not a matter of simply believing in and loving Jesus. It involves turning from old ways that go against God's commands and starting a new life. Real faith acts to make things right again. This passage was most likely written by Luke and he wrote stories of the life of Jesus of Nazareth. In my opinion in writing this story it is directed to people who feel money is everything and would do anything to achieve it. It can also be directed to robbers who are stingy and think stealing from the poor is acceptable. However, with this story of Zacchaeus it shows that turning to Jesus will change your entire perspective because the power of Jesus is great and will lead his people in the right direction. The story of Zacchaeus the tax collector can also be used to teach the way Jesus accepted, forgave, loved, and welcomed outcasts and sinners and can be a basis for discussing how we are all called