2021 blog series: exploring the stories of men and women in the New Testament

(#5): ZACCHAEUS

This unique man we sing about in Sunday school was on a mission to see JESUS. He climbed a tree to have a good sight line! We don’t know if his perch made him more visible to others too, or if he was hidden in the leaves and branches. But JESUS knew exactly where he was, stopped by his tree and called him by name to come down and lead the Savior to his house.

Up to that point, Zacchaeus lived a story others were quick to judge. They were quick to scoff at JESUS too, for entering the home of “such a person.” But the Savior knew there was more of his story yet to unfold. Zacchaeus responded to JESUS that day, repented and made restitution, in abundance.

In the end, it didn’t matter if he was short or tall, poor or rich, sinner or “saint,” popular or overlooked, young or old. It only mattered that he trusted the Savior and set his foot on a completely different path – following JESUS!

Am I willing to go to such lengths to pursue a personal encounter with JESUS? Has there been a time when He saw past the barriers I thought might hide me away, the story I thought might exclude me, to follow me home and dramatically alter my path?

Am I ready to welcome Him again and again to bring redemption into my life? I may be secure for eternity, but there are many other moments when I need the Savior to step in and accomplish in my heart what I am incapable of doing for myself. May I sense those moments quickly and seek Him with diligence!

Read more here:  Luke 19:1-10, Leviticus 6:1-7, Matthew 6:19-24, Hebrews 13:5, Galatians 3:7

All to JESUS I surrender, all to Him I freely give;

I will ever love and trust Him, in His presence daily live.

All to Thee, my blessed Savior, I surrender all.

(Judson W. Van De Venter, 1896)

Zacchaeus

Zacchaeus