There were a lot of people who wanted to see Jesus that day. The streets and courtyards were packed and anxious faces filled the upper windows. No one saved a place for the little man … no one invited him inside.
Zacchaeus was a two-by-four man in a six-by-eight world. The Greek word used to describe him in Luke is “micros,” from which we derive such words as microscopic or microprocessor. His stunted growth didn’t stunt his ambition; as a matter of fact it probably fueled his desire to command a position of power. Firmly ensconced in the office of tax collector, Zacchaeus cast a long shadow. He wasn’t popular but he was powerful and most men will make that trade.
I like what I see in the snapshot of Zacchaeus that Luke displays. I like the fact that he was willing to make restitution above and beyond actual damages. I like the fact that he was singled out by Jesus and called by name. But most of all, I like the fact that Zacchaeus climbed the tree. When he reached his limit he refused to give up – he climbed up!
Therein lies the key to discovery and recovery. An “unclean” woman; a shouting blind man; a grieving father; a too-short tax collector. Determined people always find their way to Jesus.
“So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree in order to see Him, for He was about to pass through that way.”
Luke 19:4 NASB1995
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