Zacchaeus at the IRS

A first-person report from Zacchaeus, IRS agent, helps us understand how a visit with Jesus changed his life.

 “Zacchaeus at the IRS” is a first-person drama, offered as one-half of a call to a telephone assistance service. The speaker puts on a telephone headset, presses an imaginary button to take the call, and then offers the following lines. Pauses are inserted where the caller would be speaking, but no words from the caller are needed. In fact, the message is more effective as a one-sided call. Memorization of the script is not required.

 

Hello, you have reached the telephone assistance center of the IRS: Israel Revenue Service. My name is Zacchaeus. How may I assist you today?

Pause.

Yes, that’s right: Zacchaeus. The name means “pure” and “innocent.”

Pause.

I understand your laughter, ma’am. I really do. I know that most people don’t think of IRS agents as pure and innocent. So, where are you calling from?

Pause.

Jericho. Excellent. Great place. Lots of history. Occupied our ancestors when they crossed the...