The answer is: Jericho

Luke 19:1-2

In the Gospel of Luke, we delve into the story of Jesus and Zacchaeus in Jericho—a city bustling with commerce and a strategic crossroads in ancient times. Jericho was known for its rich palm trees, balsam plants, and as the famed initial stop for settlers entering the promised land after wandering in the Wilderness. This setting adds a significant layer awash in symbolism, reflecting the journey of transformation that Zacchaeus would undertake.

Zacchaeus was a tax collector, detested by many for his role. Beyond being short in stature, he was socially marginalized, an outcast who represented greed and treachery, collecting taxes on behalf of the Roman Empire. Yet, in this story, Jesus shows us something profound about inclusion. When Zacchaeus climbed that sycamore fig tree, it wasn't just a child's practical maneuver to see over a crowd; it symbolized his desire to look beyond his constraints and experience something greater.

As Jesus spotlights Zacchaeus, we see the echo of what’s central to many teachings in the gospel: valuing the marginalized. This event epitomizes grace, showing how jubilation can happen when one seeks to know and be known, transforming lives in the process. Also, after their encounter, Zacchaeus repents—and he promises to give half of his possessions to the poor, echoing themes of reformation and restitution that resonate throughout many Biblical narratives. It’s a depiction of the hope that casts light even in the shadows of societal disapproval.