Like Zacchaeus

Luke 19:106  Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. 2  A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. 3  He wanted to see who Jesus was, but being a short man he could not, because of the crowd. 4  So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way. 5  When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, "Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today." 6  So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly.

Zacchaeus is one of the favorite children’s story that you hear in Sunday School.  And usually the lesson they teach is that we must be like Zacchaeus, who climbed a tree to see Jesus, who made that extra effort to seek the Lord.  So, we, too, are to climb our trees and do our best to seek Jesus.

But is this what happened?  Was it Zacchaeus’ effort that brought his new relationship with the Lord, or was it the Lord’s working?  Let’s take a look at his story.

2 A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy.

Zacchaeus was corrupt.  And because of his corruption he was wealthy.  He is an example of many people today – people who are corrupt, rich and do not need God.  There is no indication in the story that Zacchaeus was someone who felt that he needed the Lord.  Usually people who are corrupt and rich do not feel they need the Lord.  They may have religion, but they do not need the Lord.

3 He wanted to see who Jesus was, but being a short man he could not, because of the crowd

Zaccheaus was not seeking the Lord, he just wanted to see who Jesus was.  This was simple curiosity at the most.  All he wanted to do was to have a glimpse of this “new kid in town” who was making waves in their society at that time.

Why did he climb the tree?  So he could cry out to the Lord?  No.  He was short, and so couldn’t see through the crowd.  There was no desire at all to call upon the Lord, or for the Lord to take notice of him.  He just wanted to see who this Jesus was.  It was out of curiosity, not out of spiritual need.  But the Lord turned a simple curious moment into an encounter with Him.  In fact, I believe this was God’s appointment with Zaccheaus.  What was simple curiosity for Zacchaeus was actually God setting an appointment.

Even if Zacchaeus was not after the Lord, it turns out the Lord was after him.  Those “curious” moments in your life, when you’re wondering about the Lord and His teachings and what He can do in your life – those are actually God’s appointments with us, and He uses them to call us to Him. 

5 When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, "Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today."

When Jesus reached the spot He looked up…was this coincidence?  No, it wasn’t.  For we see that when Jesus looked up He called Zacchaeus by name!

He knew Zacchaeus, just as He knows us.  He knew Zaccheus by name.  He wasn’t “creation X”, or exhibit A.  God knew who he was.  He knew he would be on top of the tree.  And God had plans for him, which is why He called him.

He knew who Zacchaeus was – a rich, corrupt tax collector.  And yet He called him.  That call did not mean He was condoning the sins of Zacchaeus.  Jesus’ call to sinners is a Savior’s call, a holy God’s gracious hand reaching out to bring us to a new life, His life.

Zaccheaus responded.  It is hard to turn away from God’s invitation.  Sadly some do.  But there are those who respond to His grace, just like Zacchaeus.

6 So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly.

Not only did he welcome Jesus, but the presence of the Lord brought a change in his heart!

Luke 19:8  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."

Zacchaeus wasn’t looking for Jesus, but Jesus was looking for him.  When Zacchaeus realized it he welcomed Jesus, and allowed Him to bring a change to his life. 

Repentance from sin is not us trying to change our lives so that we can come to the Lord.  Repentance is a response to the grace and love that God shows us through Jesus Christ.  When we realize it is God calling us, bringing us to a new life, then our hearts begin to long for the change God desires.

When Zacchaeus realized that the Messiah actually called him by name, despite of who he was, and wanted to enter his house, this was what brought the change in his heart. 

Many of us can relate with Zaccheaus.  I know I can.  I wasn’t looking for the Lord, and yet He came after me.  And I’ve been thankful for His grace ever since.  I don’t know where I would be now if not for His grace in reaching out to me.

Some of us reading this may be exactly at that moment.  You’ve been curious about what Jesus has done, has been doing, in the lives of people you know.  You’re climbing up a tree.  When you hear Christ call you, come down and welcome Him into your home.  It’s His divine appointment.  You will not regret it.  Be like Zacchaeus.