Jewish tax collectors in the time of Jesus were thought of as being something like traitors by their own people. Tax collectors worked for the Roman rulers, and sometimes they took advantage of their situation by raising taxes so they could take the extra amount for themselves. They were considered untrustworthy people. However, even though Zacchaeus the tax collector had a deceitful heart, he was drawn to Jesus and wanted to get close to Him. And this encounter had a big effect on the man! All at once, his heart was changed. Instead of trusting in riches, Zacchaeus found his worth in trusting Jesus.