Thankfully, we don’t have to climb a tree to see Jesus.
I participate in an online Bible study that had me reading the Zacchaeus story found in Luke 19. Are you humming the wee little man song that you learned in Sunday School? If so, give a quick prayer of thanks to the teacher who took the time to teach it to you. I’m thankful for Anne Brooks for teaching me the song and the story. It has always stuck with me. As I’ve said before, it’s about planting seeds.
The Bible study I am participating in is focusing on hospitality, but as I read the story, something completely different jumped out at me. That of course, is the beautiful mystery of the Bible. It speaks to every one of us a little differently.
Zacchaeus was one of those dreaded tax collectors and not only was he a tax collector, he was a chief tax collector. He had become filthy rich from cheating fellow Jews, definitely not a very noble way to make a living. He likely had other tax collectors under him who he encouraged to do the same. He was not a good guy.
The text tells us that Jesus was coming through town. He must have been surrounded by people because Zacchaeus was trying to get a glimpse of him and was too short to see him. That makes sense. Jesus was healing people left and right. He was constantly surrounded by folks seeking his help.
Zacchaeus’ next move was the first step in changing his destiny forever. He could have thrown up his hands and walked away. No one would have ever been the wiser. He could have continued living his comfortable life cheating others. But, something in his heart, convicted him to climb a tree to see Jesus.
Think about that for a minute. This guy was a major fat cat. I kind of picture one of those television lawyers, those “Have you been in an accident?” guys. He willingly climbed a tree. He had to have looked kind of silly, a grown man, a wealthy man, a likely hated man, climbing a tree. Yet, he did. We don’t get an internal dialogue, just that he ran ahead and climbed a tree. He ran and climbed. This man was clearly eager. He didn’t even know for what. He just wanted to see Jesus, not touch him or talk to him, just to see him.
But, that tiny bit of curiosity, that tiny bit of seeking something different, was enough. Jesus came by and called him by name. Jesus noticed him. Zacchaeus took the first step and it was enough. Of course, Jesus wanted no part of people watching him from afar. Nope, he wanted face-to-face, personal contact and he told Zacchaeus to come down from that tree because he wanted to be a guest in his home.
Tongues went to wagging. There was disapproval from the crowd that Jesus would keep company with such lowlife. But, then Jesus never sought human approval, something we could all learn from him.
The entire incident lead to Zacchaeus changing his life forever. A personal encounter with Jesus has a way of doing that. It didn’t matter where Zacchaeus had been or what he had done. What mattered was his heart’s desire for something different. He found salvation that day just because he was willing to seek. It was just that easy.
I still love the song, but the adult story of grace and redemption involved in this Jesus encounter is just too good not to share. All we have to do is seek to know just a little bit of Jesus and that can compel us to change our focus and our destiny forever. It’s awe-inspiring stuff.
Have an awesome day!
Wendy 🙂