Three random fictitious conversations between Zacchaeus and Moses about Taxes. That might have taken place at various times in history… But did not!
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Three random fictitious conversations between Zacchaeus and Moses about Taxes. That might have taken place at various times in history… But did not!
Zacchaeus: Hey, Moses! What’s up?
Moses: Hey Zacchaeus! Not much, just trying to lead these stubborn Israelites through this desert.
Zacchaeus: Yeah, I feel that. Being a tax collector is tough too, especially when people hate you for it.
Moses: I bet. But at least you’re repentant, right?
Zacchaeus: Absolutely. I promised to give half of my possessions to the poor and pay back anyone I cheated four times the amount.
Moses: Wow, that’s very admirable. You know, in the Old Testament, God commanded us to pay our taxes without complaint.
Zacchaeus: Yeah, I’ve read that. But what about in the New Testament when Jesus said to give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s? That’s a tricky one.
Moses: Ah, I see what you mean. But ultimately, Christians are called to obey the governing authorities and pay their taxes as a form of submission to God.
Zacchaeus: That’s true, but it’s hard to stomach when the money is going towards things we don’t support.
Moses: I hear you. But we have to remember that God uses even the most imperfect systems to accomplish His purposes.
Zacchaeus: Yeah, you’re right. I think the moral of the story is to have a heart of humility and submission when it comes to taxes. Trust that God has a plan and use whatever resources we have to further His kingdom.
Moses: Amen to that!
Zacchaeus: Hey there, Moses, I hear you don’t like paying taxes. What’s that all about?
Moses: Ah, come on Zacchaeus, you know how it goes. Nobody likes taxes. It’s like getting a root canal.
Zacchaeus: Well, I have to say, I like collecting them. That’s why I became a tax collector!
Moses: You would like taking people’s hard-earned money, wouldn’t you?
Zacchaeus: Hey, somebody’s got to do it! And besides, it’s in the good book.
Moses: Really? I don’t remember reading that.
Zacchaeus: Oh, it’s in there! “Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s.”
Moses: Yes, but that doesn’t mean we have to like it.
Zacchaeus: Of course not, but it’s our duty. Just like your duty was to lead the Israelites out of Egypt.
Moses: I suppose you’re right. But still, it’s not easy.
Zacchaeus: Hey, nothing worth doing ever is.
Moses: Truer words were never spoken. But I still don’t like it.
Zacchaeus: You don’t have to like it, but it’s the law. And besides, you can always write it off as a charitable donation.
Moses: Hah! That’s a good one. I’ll have to try that.
Zacchaeus: Hey, you never know. Maybe the Big Guy upstairs will take pity on you.
Moses: Here’s hoping! But seriously, Zacchaeus, it’s nice to have a sense of humor about things like this.
Zacchaeus: Hey, if you can’t laugh about it, you’ll cry. And nobody wants to do that.
Moses: True enough. Well, I’ll leave you to your tax collecting. Just don’t take too much from the poor, okay?
Zacchaeus: Hey, I’m a repentant man now. I’m a changed man!
Moses: I believe you. But just in case, keep your hands out of my wallet, okay?
Zacchaeus: You got it, boss!
Game: Twenty Questions
Zacchaeus: Alright, Moses, let’s play twenty questions.
Moses: Sure thing, Zacchaeus. I’m ready.
Zacchaeus: Ok, I’m thinking of something related to my job.
Moses: Is it something physical?
Zacchaeus: No, it’s not something physical.
Moses: Is it a rule or law?
Zacchaeus: No, it’s not a rule or law.
Moses: Is it something that people often complain about?
Zacchaeus: Yes, people do tend to complain about it.
Moses: Hm… is it something related to taxes?
Zacchaeus: Yes, you got it. It’s taxes.
Moses: Ah, I see. Alright, my turn. I’m thinking of something that’s often associated with taxes.
Zacchaeus: Ok, I’m ready.
Moses: Is it a specific form or document?
Zacchaeus: No, it’s not a specific form or document.
Moses: Is it a type of tax?
Zacchaeus: Yes, it is a type of tax.
Moses: Is it related to property?
Zacchaeus: No, it’s not related to property.
Moses: Is it income tax?
Zacchaeus: Correct. It is income tax.
Moses: Alright, one more. I’m thinking of something that people may not know about taxes.
Zacchaeus: Ok, I’m intrigued. Let’s hear it.
Moses: Ok, so this is something that involves taxes, but also has to do with giving back to the community.
Zacchaeus: Hmm… is it tax credits or deductions for charitable donations?
Moses: Yes, exactly. You got it, Zacchaeus.
Zacchaeus: Wow, you’re pretty good at this game. Maybe we should play again sometime.
Moses: Absolutely. And next time, I’ll stump you with my questions.
Zacchaeus was a tax collector in Jericho during the time of Jesus. He was not well-loved by the Jewish people as tax collectors were generally viewed as corrupt and collaborating with the Roman authorities. However, despite his reputation, Zacchaeus was drawn to Jesus and yearned to see him. Being short in stature, he climbed up a sycamore tree to get a better view of Jesus as he passed by.
When Jesus reached the tree, he called out to Zacchaeus by name and invited himself to Zacchaeus’ house. This act of kindness and acceptance caused Zacchaeus to have a change of heart. He immediately repented of his wrongdoings and resolved to make amends by giving half of his possessions to the poor and repaying anyone he had cheated four times over.
Jesus commended the transformation of Zacchaeus and affirmed that he was indeed a son of Abraham. This encounter shows the power of grace and the mercy of Jesus to save even the most despised and sinful person.
As it says in Luke 19:10, “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” Zacchaeus is a testament to the transformative power of Jesus and the hope that can be found in turning to him.
Moses is one of the most prominent figures in the Old Testament. He was born to a Hebrew family during a time when the Israelites were being oppressed by the Egyptians. Moses grew up in the household of Pharaoh, but after killing an Egyptian who was striking a Hebrew, he fled to Midian. It was there that God called him through a burning bush to lead the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt.
Moses initially resisted God’s call, but eventually accepted it and returned to Egypt with his brother Aaron to confront Pharaoh. Through a series of miracles, God demonstrated his power over Pharaoh and the Egyptian gods, and convinced Pharaoh to release the Israelites.
Despite facing numerous challenges and obstacles, Moses remained faithful to God and continued to lead the Israelites through the wilderness for forty years. It was during this time that God gave Moses the Ten Commandments, which established the foundation for God’s covenant with his people.
Moses was revered as a prophet and leader among the Israelites, and his influence can still be felt today. He was a man of great faith, courage, and obedience to God. As it is written in Hebrews 11:24-26, “By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward.”
As Christians, we are called to be good stewards of our resources and to contribute to the common good. One of the ways we fulfill this responsibility is by paying taxes. While it may not always be a popular practice, taxes help support essential services such as education, healthcare, and public safety. In fact, Jesus himself instructed his followers to “give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s” (Matthew 22:21) as a way of acknowledging the role of government in society. Additionally, paying taxes is a tangible way of showing love for our neighbors and fulfilling our duty to support the less fortunate through social programs. Therefore, while paying taxes may not always be enjoyable, it is a crucial part of our calling as Christians to love and serve others.
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Have fun creating a conversation between two Bible characters. One in the Old Testament and one in the New Testament and see what happens!