by Jerry Senn
Jesus was passing through Jericho, “the city of Palms,” about 12 miles from Jerusalem where he will be crucified in just a few days. Our Lord is well known for his healing ability and personal concern for people generally. Everyone had heard of him, but few really knew him. As he passed along, crowds always gathered.
A “wee little” man wanted to see who Jesus was, so he ran ahead and climbed a tree for a better look. This little man was a tax collector for the Roman government, hated, filthy rich, but alone. Such men were considered crooks and traitors by the Jews.
He was an undesirable, social outcast to Jews, but to Jesus he was anything but that. His name, Zacchaeus, means “righteous one.” Desiring to see Jesus, he ran ahead of others to a convenient perch in a tree. At least he was curious and perhaps empty inside because of being isolated, without close relationships.
Wanting to see Jesus was the turning point for Zacchaeus. The people were likely laughing at him, or shaking their fists his way. But, he was courageous to stick with his perch in the tree. He didn’t fear ridicule.
Jesus must have been impressed because he stopped, looked up into the face of this wicked tax man, and called to him by name, “Zacchaeus
come down because I want to visit with you up close and personal today.”
His seemingly limited interest in Jesus made all the difference. His curiosity allowed him to get to know Jesus’ meek and lowly spirit, his desire to help sinners change the direction of their lives.
What can we learn from this familiar story?
1. It demonstrates the fact that Jesus wants all men to be saved and come to a knowledge of (get to know) him.
2. We should come to grips with the fact that we were once “up a tree” of separation from Christ. “Everyone who comes to Jesus must come down” (M Henry).
3. Alexander Maclaren wrote this: “A church which does not address itself to the outcasts has no business to live; and that Christian people who are too proud of their righteousness to go amongst the unclean and the degraded are a great deal more Pharisees than Christians … Self-righteousness gathers up her skirts in holy horror; perfect righteousness goes cheerily and without fear amongst the outcasts, for where should the physician go but to the sick, and where should the Christ be found but in the house of the publicans?”
Jesus wants to go into the house of every sinful heart and bring the same amazing transformation which touched the heart and life of Zacchaeus. He was not seeking Jesus, Jesus was seeking him. He’s still seeking empty souls with his merciful and love.
Has He found YOU?