What?
You’re telling me there’s a song that goes with this Bible story?
But you won’t let me post it because it might irritate some of my friends?
Oh, it’s a kid’s song?
What about a dog song? Woo woo!
I’m still waiting for Jesus to give me extra treats.
Okay, I’ll listen to the story.
But if I don’t like it I’m gonna start singing.
.
***
Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy.
***
I bet Zacchaeus has some extra treats for me.
What? Nobody liked tax collectors?
Then he really needs to give me some treats.
I’ll like him if he gives me treats.
I am listening.
***
Zacchaeus wanted to see who Jesus was, but being a short man he could not, because of the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way.
When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly.
***
Okay, now I’ve got it.
In order to get Jesus’ attention you’ve got to be up in a tree.
Sounds easy enough.
Oh wait. What do I do?
I don’t know how to climb a tree.
Scratchy, come here. Now!
I need you to give me tree climbing lessons.
I’ll listen – as soon as I get up in this tree.
***
All the people saw this and began to mutter, “Jesus has gone to be the guest of a sinner.”
***
I guess Jesus had better think twice about who’s house he visits.
***
But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.”
***
Zacchaeus, I think you cheated me out of some treats.
***
Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.”
***
I think the only thing that’s been lost are my treats.
***
***
Don’t tell my person, but if you really want to hear the song about Zacchaeus, it’s right here.
bongodogblog 
PigLove
February 16, 2014 at 10:34 am
I remember this story. You know dad and mom read from the bible every night. I like the way you think about the treats. I’m going to have to listen more closely for these suggestive underlined messages my friends. 🙂 XOXO – Bacon
Bongo
February 16, 2014 at 2:55 pm
Bacon, sometimes you have to read between the lines – but treats are everywhere in the Bible. And here’s something you’ll really like about Jesus. He doesn’t eat pigs. He must think pigs are pretty cool.
PigLove
February 16, 2014 at 3:15 pm
I have picked that up. I think it’s because he thinks we’re special, right? 🙂 XOXO – Bacon
Mags Corner
February 16, 2014 at 4:44 pm
Oh, we know that song and story very well sweet Bongo. Let us know if Scratchy gives you those tree climbing lessons. : ) Those extra treats could come to you from an unexpected source so keep the faith sweet Bongo. Hugs and nose kisses
Bongo
February 16, 2014 at 9:45 pm
Chancy and Mumsy, Scratchy never goes outside – except he went a few feet outside this weekend – so I guess he won’t be teaching me how to climb trees. I’ll have to grab one of the neighborhood cats I guess. Trouble is, they always run off when I go after them.
marina kanavaki
February 16, 2014 at 4:54 pm
Oh, no Bongo, I don’t think so… you can pray for your treats, remember?!!! 🙂
Bongo
February 16, 2014 at 9:45 pm
Marina, I’m praying hard.
eripanwkevin
February 17, 2014 at 7:00 am
The video is so cute! I’m glad that Zacchaeus decided to help poor people and someone who were treated badly by him. Jesus made him do that! Another miracle, isn’t it? 🙂
Bongo
February 17, 2014 at 10:07 am
Kevin, it’s definitely another miracle. Especially since Jesus doesn’t make anybody do anything. But I’m sure he had a lot of influence on Zacchaeus’ decision. Oh, and please don’t tell my person about that video. She might make me take it off. It’s a Veggie Tales video. They make lots of videos for kids, but I don’t think they have any dogs in them – just vegetables.
FleaByte
February 17, 2014 at 8:44 am
OMD! My youngest is 16, so I only know the first of the Veggies. That was GREAT! And what’s up with the Egypt scene?
Bongo
February 17, 2014 at 10:11 am
FleaByte, I think someone got lost on the way and ended up in Egypt. Or maybe one of the animators just likes drawing pyramids.
colliesofthemeadow
February 22, 2014 at 11:33 am
Jesus should have cut the tree down.. that would’ve taught this guy… muwahahaha… oh the old guy is telling me off so I am out of here… Ginger
Bongo
February 23, 2014 at 4:30 pm
Ginger, if Jesus cut the tree down then we wouldn’t have any trouble climbing it.