desert surrounded by balsam wood
forests and large rose gardens, beside
through the area. Because of its proximity
to Jerusalem, it was a city of priests. It was
wealthy, too, as it was located on one of the
main north/south trade routes between
city of the holy, the unholy and the
despised.
his country to pursue the lucrative
career of a tax collector. The Romans
cared little about how much tax
collectors raked in as long as they
supplied the required amount, so it
also known as publicans, not only supported a govern-
ment that occupied and oppressed Palestine, but they
cheated their fellow Jews. No wonder the term publi-
can was synonymous with sinner.
had been bullied, perhaps because he was very short,
which may have led him to select a profession that al-
lowed him to be the bully. He was wealthy and power-
ful but incredibly lonely.
how? The crowds would be thick and he knew from
way. Ah, yes! The sycamore tree he had climbed as a
perched where he had the best view and waited for
sight of Jesus. There He was! The disciples carefully