Then Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. Now behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus who was a chief tax collector, and he was rich. And he sought to see who Jesus was, but could not because of the crowd, for he was of short stature. So he ran ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see Him, for He was going to pass that way. And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up and saw him, and said to him, “Zacchaeus, make haste and come down, for today I must stay at your house.” So he made haste and came down, and received Him joyfully. But when they saw it, they all complained, saying, “He has gone to be a guest with a man who is a sinner.” Then Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord, I give half of my goods to the poor; and if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold.” Luke 19: 1-8, NKJV.
Merciful God, thank You for Your love. Thank You for helping us to be where we need to be at the right time. In the name of Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.
This is a favorite story among children. There is even a song written about this rather interesting encounter between Jesus and Zacchaeus. Our encounter with Jesus is usually the other way around. Jesus finds us beneath and lifts us up. He usually finds us buried beneath a load of sin, circumstances, and despair. When we reach out to Him, He lifts us up. Even though Zacchaeus was seated above, when Jesus found him, he too, was buried beneath a load of sin – which is the lot of humankind.
The reason he was up abovelooking down, was because of his small stature. He was “a wee little man,” as far as human eyes could see. But in the eyes of God, Zacchaeus had begun to grow into a man of great stature – in integrity. But before the growth, came the consciousness that he had a need. I am a firm believer that before we have an encounter with the LORD, He begins to prepare us for the moment. Sometimes it is through a conversation with a friend. Sometimes it is because of someone’s testimony. At other times it through a sermon we heard that spoke to a need in our lives. I am not sure which method God used to prepare Zacchaeus. What is evident, is that when Jesus “passed through Jericho” Zacchaeus was ready for his need to be filled!
This is such a wonderful story! One of the heartwarming revelations, is the fact that even though his fellow- country-people saw him as simply, “a man who is a sinner” (7); the One who reads hearts saw him as, “also . . . a son of Abraham” (9c)! A sinner saved by grace, through faith, in Jesus Christ the Son of God!
The way of salvation (John 14: 6) is the same for all people, even though the method may vary. No matter where we are when Jesus finds us, we suddenly realize just how small we all are, and are brought face to face with our need of a Savior. He brings us all to the place where we recognize the wrong we have done, and then, instead of leaving us feeling hopeless, He forgives us. Next, He invites us to come “boldly to the Throne of Grace” (Hebrews 4: 16), and provides us with the amount of grace we need – to be victors in the battles of life.
Wherever you are in your life – up or down, you need Jesus. He is waiting to bring you salvation (9). Are you ready for the encounter?
NOTE: This devotional has been edited.