Story is found in Luke 19:1-10

“But Jesus associated with sinners because he wanted to bring the lost into God’s kingdom. Later Jesus has an encounter with a tax collector and sinner named Zacchaeus. Coming into Zacchaeus’ hometown Jericho Jesus invites himself over for dinner at Zacchaeus’ house. Zacchaeus was so moved by the encounter that he resolved to change his dishonest ways. He says to Jesus enthusiastically, “Okay, Lord! I will give half my property to the poor, and if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I will give him back four times as much.” Jesus rejoiced and said, “Salvation has come to this man’s house today… for even this man is a son of Abraham. The Son of Man has come to search for those who are lost and to save them.” The tax collectors and sinners had no access to God through the synagogue due to the leadership. They had no access to the temple because of their being outcasts. Jesus had to go to them, to seek after them in order to save them. They came in droves just to listen to him proclaim the coming kingdom of God; good news to the poor and the outcast.”

An expert from chapter 2 of my book📚, “The Lost Son: To Seek and Save the Lost“ Available in Kindle and paperback: The Lost Son: To Seek and Save the Lost