Happy Monday, friends!
Today’s devotion came from a conversation with my daughter-in-law, Cass, who recently learned she’s been accepted into veterinary school. She asked, “Mom, do any of your books have the story of the ‘tiny little man in a tree’?” While she and my oldest haven’t been to church in a while, she was enthralled by Zacchaeus’ story in Luke 19.
As Cass and I talked, I could see my oldest give the biggest eye roll I’ve seen in a long time. While it’s been many years since I suspect my kid has been to church, that eye roll proved that Kai hadn’t forgotten all those Bible stories taught at home, church, and twelve years of Christian school. I’m still a mama believing that where God’s Word has been planted will flourish again one day!
I decided to re-read this popular children’s story and one powerful detail stood out to me that is worth highlighting with you today.
Zacchaeus may have been the “tiny little man in the tree,” but he teaches something important about directing big energy into action instead of just sitting with good intentions.
Even if you’re familiar with Zacchaeus’ story, I invite you to join me with fresh eyes and an open heart today to receive whatever God may have for you.
Most of us know that Zacchaeus was a Jewish tax collector, also called a publican, and the Jewish people hated tax collectors who used a method called tax farming to extort more taxes from Jews than Rome required. Not only was Zacchaeus a tax collector, but he was also the chief tax collector, meaning he oversaw the other tax collectors and likely maximized the money collected.
Zacchaeus wasn’t a stand-up guy. He cheated his people. Lied to them. Got rich off them. He could buy anything he wanted at any time because he stole from his fellow Jews. Just the kind of guy we’d like to hate.
Here’s a moment that stands out to me:
He was trying to see who Jesus was, but he was not able because of the crowd, since he was a short man. -Luke 19:3 NLT
Notice this: Despite the money and power Zacchaeus possessed, something stirred strongly enough inside him that he desired to find out more about Jesus.
As the chief tax collector, Zacchaeus may have known Matthew, one of Jesus’ disciples, who left his job to follow Jesus.
Perhaps Zacchaeus heard about this and wondered what kind of influence Jesus had that could woo someone away from riches and power. It would not have been impossible to think that Zacchaeus heard about how Jesus went to a gathering at former tax collector Matthew’s house (Matthew 9:10).
Zacchaeus’ actions reveal his desire to see Jesus. Here's how:
First, he showed up when Zacchaeus heard that Jesus was coming, even though no one would have wanted him there. This meant that he had to put up with mean looks, rude comments, or more. Yet he showed up anyway.
Next, Zacchaeus had to find a way to actually see Jesus. This was a challenge! Luke points out that Zacchaeus was short. We don’t know how short he was, but since Luke was a doctor, I wonder if Zacchaeus was unusually short for Luke to make note of it.
I’m quite tall, so I haven’t faced the frustration of people blocking what I’m trying to see, but Zacchaeus didn’t give up. He did something that would have shocked the crowd:
So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree beside the road, for Jesus was going to pass that way. -Luke 19:4 NLT
He ran ahead to set himself up for success. In the shame-honor culture of that time, a person’s behavior had to match their social status. However, Zacchaeus desired to know more about Jesus, so he abandoned what was expected.
Not only did this wealthy man run, which would have been socially unacceptable, but he also climbed a tree. Stop for a moment and imagine the flapping jaws of the people as he ran by and the wide-eyed stares as he reached for that branch and pulled himself up. Imagine the people staring at him and whispering. They had no idea what Zacchaeus was doing. He may have even questioned himself.
But he desired to know more about Jesus.
You can read the rest of the story in Luke 19:1-10, and you’ll see that when Jesus arrived, He pointed out Zacchaeus in the crowd. Not to criticize him, but to make a personal connection. That encounter changed Zacchaeus, so he repented right there and offered to return what he had stolen four times over.
As I reflected on Zacchaeus’ story, I was impressed by the lengths he went to in order to connect with Jesus. As you read the following, ask yourself if this is the type of energy you bring to pursuing Him.
1. Zacchaeus fought through distractions.
Question: Everyone has problems and difficulties. Yet, we have victory in Jesus! Are your struggles drawing you closer to God or pushing you away?
2. Zacchaeus didn’t delay.
Question: Are you putting off your time with God or reading the Bible because you have too many other things keeping you busy? What else are you doing that is more important than time with God?
3. Zacchaeus didn’t care what others thought.
Question: Where do you need to reduce the negative voices so you can hear God more clearly?
4. Zacchaeus was willing to surrender his way to follow Jesus’ way.
Question: Where do you sense God prompting you to say “yes” to trusting Him more?
If you like to journal, perhaps these questions can kick off a time of reflection or prayer for you. Ultimately, Zacchaeus may have started off on the wrong foot. Yet in this story we can admire his pursuit of knowing Jesus. This is the kind of energy we need to our Christian life each day!
Thank you for joining me for this week's devotion. Special thanks to my daughter-in-law and her fascination with the “tiny man in the tree.” If you have a favorite Bible study, hit reply and let me know. I'd also love to hear about any reflections or insights you have about this week's devotion!
