Have you ever been so desperate for something that you were willing to go great lengths to get it? Whether it be making a new purchase, or waiting in line for some good food, or even trying to get the number of a person you liked? That was Zacchaeus in the Bible, he was desperate to see Jesus pass through his town, but he had one issue: he was too short.
Because Zacchaeus was so short, he couldn’t see Jesus through the big crowd. Instead of letting his physical limitation hinder him, Zacchaeus climbed up a tree. He didn’t ask someone to help him, nor did he try to push through the crowd. He was determined to do what was necessary to guarantee a glimpse of Jesus. And when he finally saw Him, Jesus called him by name and said “quick, come down! I must be a guest in your home today” (Luke 19:5 NLT version). Zacchaeus was looking for Jesus, but he didn’t know that Jesus was looking for him, too.
Let’s look more into who Zacchaeus was. The Bible says he was a chief tax collector. Tax collectors were seen as traitors because they taxed their very own people and collected money not only for the oppressive government at the time, but also for themselves. People in town did not like tax collectors, and people in Jericho especially did not like Zacchaeus. So when Jesus said he was going to Zacchaeus’ house in Luke 19:5, people in town grumbled about it. Who goes into the home of a tax collector? The person you know is habitually stealing money from you? No one does that.
However, Jesus said in Luke 19:10 that “the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost” (NLT version). I love that this scripture says “seek,” because the word “seek” signifies that Jesus is intentionally looking to find, and not just looking for looking sake. Yes, Zacchaeus was a tax collector and a notorious sinner, and thats exactly why Jesus came. He came to seek and save the lost. Zacchaeus was lost in his ways because he didn’t know Jesus. I’m sure he heard about Him, that’s why he followed the crowd to see who Jesus was. But Jesus didn’t want to just be seen, Jesus wanted a relationship. Although this story started off as Zacchaeus climbing up a tree thinking he was just going to see Jesus pass by, Jesus had bigger plans and wanted to offer him something deeper: salvation.
The posture of Zacchaeus’ heart has a lesson in it. The desperation Zacchaeus had to see Jesus is one we should always mimic. He didn’t let his shortcoming stop his pursuit. Jeremiah 29:13 says “if you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.” So let me ask you two questions: one, what are you looking for—is it peace, companionship, joy, strength? Two, what’s stopping you from seeing Jesus? Is it sin? ask God for forgiveness (see 1 John 1:9); Is it inconsistency in your relationship with Him? Keep coming to God and ask Him for new grace to be disciplined (see Matthew 11:28-30). Whatever it is, Jesus has the answer and the same Jesus that met Zacchaeus’ desire, and surpassed his expectation, can do that for you too.
Jesus’ invitation to a deeper, more intimate relationship is always open. Revelations 3:20 says “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.” That’s exactly what Jesus did with Zacchaeus. When Jesus called Zacchaeus by name and told him he must be a guest in his home today, Zacchaeus didn’t deny Jesus. The Bible says “Zacchaeus quickly climbed down and took Jesus to his house in great excitement and joy” (Luke 19:6 NLT). You might have already welcomed Jesus into your heart, but there is still more. He still has so much more in store for you beyond salvation. If only you would let Him into those areas of your life that only He can fill with more of Himself. Then like Zacchaeus, we can be filled with great excitement and joy for the growing relationship we’ll have with our Savior.
And if you don’t already know Jesus, now is the perfect time to come to know Him and receive Him in your heart. The Bible says “that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9). That’s it! If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Jesus from the dead, you will be saved. Click here for next steps as a New Believer.
Until next time,
BeautyOluwa
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