Climb the Sycamore Tree
Christ wasn’t concerned about Zacchaeus’ past. He was interested in his future. Zacchaeus had sincerely sought Him, and Jesus chose to abide with him - not for a passing moment, but in a life-changing way.
The story is found in Luke 19:1-7.
Zacchaeus was a chief tax collector - wealthy, influential, and widely disliked. Because he collected taxes for the Roman government from his own people, many viewed him as dishonest and unworthy. He was not someone the crowd admired. In fact, he was probably the last person they expected Jesus to notice.
But Zacchaeus had heard that Jesus was coming through Jericho, and he wanted to see Him for himself.
There was just one problem. He couldn’t see over the crowd.
Zacchaeus didn’t let the obstacle stop him.
Instead, he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree, determined to catch even a glimpse of Jesus. He refused to let embarrassment, opinions, or limitations keep him from seeking what his heart longed for.
And then something remarkable happened.
As Jesus passed by, He stopped, looked up, and called him by name:
“Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.”
Out of all the people lining the streets, Jesus noticed the one man everyone else had written off.
As Zacchaeus hurried down and welcomed Jesus joyfully, the crowd began to murmur:
“Why would He go to the house of a sinner?”
But Jesus wasn’t focused on Zacchaeus’ reputation; He was focused on his heart.
Christ wasn’t concerned about Zacchaeus’ past. He was interested in his future. Zacchaeus had sincerely sought Him, and Jesus chose to abide with him - not for a passing moment, but in a life-changing way.
Zacchaeus’ story reminds us that:
- A sincere desire to know Jesus matters more than public opinion.
- Sometimes we must rise above the noise to see Him clearly.
- Our relationship with God is personal. It’s not determined by the crowd around us.
Zacchaeus didn’t wait to be accepted. He pursued Jesus anyway.
And when he did, Jesus met him exactly where he was.
We still face the same question Zacchaeus did: Will we allow obstacles, voices, or feelings of unworthiness to stop us from seeking Christ?
To see Jesus, we often have to climb above distractions, expectations, and even our own doubts.
It’s not about the murmuring.
It’s not about the noise.
It’s about you and Jesus.
All He asks is that you take the first step toward Him.
“As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.”
Psalm 103:12
Prayer
Lord,
I know I’m not perfect, but I want to know you more.
Come into my heart and abide with me.
Help me rise above whatever keeps me from You,
and give me the courage to seek You sincerely.
Amen.