“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. He wanted to see who Jesus was, but because he was short he could not see over 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. All the people saw this and began to mutter, “He has gone to be the guest of a sinner.” 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.” 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 the lost.””
Luke 19:1-10 NIV
Zacchaeus was a curious, ambitious and creative man. He was also a Jewish tax collector despised by his fellow countrymen. Yet, when he heard that Jesus was passing by, all he wanted was a glimpse.
Zacchaeus, a grown man, a grown wealthy man, climbed a tree like a child to achieve his goal. He climbed a tree! In his outdoor apparel of potential finery, he climbed a tree. Just to see Jesus. Not to converse or ask for something, just to say—“I saw Him.”
Jesus sees this man who is off the road in a tree, and calls to him, and doesn’t say, I “will” have dinner at your place—but “I MUST have dinner at your place.” Why the “must?”
I’m sure Jesus had never seen anything like it, and He obviously saw faith. Jesus wanted to know who this man was who would sacrifice his clothes and what was left of his reputation just to get a peek at Him. Who is this one who would be satisfied with just a glimps?
Are we satisfied with just a peek at God’s Word, knowing Jesus is found on these pages? Are we willing to sacrifice our dignity, reputation or worth to look foolish to gain a moment with Jesus? What would that look like for us?
Father,
Often I am Martha, running around my house tucking in and picking up, before sitting down. Forgive me for intentionally making You second place.
Help me to be like Zacchaeus, who would do anything just to see You.
Thank You for Your faithfulness towards me and my family and friends. Thank You for waiting patiently for me to put down the broom and just sit with You. Thank You for the fellowship You bring to my table. I love You.
I want to climb trees for You.
Amen.
Enjoyed this. Thank you !