How did Zacchaeus repent and change in his behaviors after meeting Jesus?

In the first century there was none so despised as the tax collector. They were reviled by most people and any respectable citizen would not associate with them. In fact, Jesus was rebuked by others when He stayed at the home of Zacchaeus. But after meeting Jesus and hearing the good news of salvation, Zacchaeus saw the error of his ways. Gaining forgivness, he repented, relieved himself of his worldly possessions and joined the Jesus movement.