Climb the tree!

by Rapha Abreu·September 05, 2024·3 min read

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In Luke 19, we see the story of Zacchaeus, a man small in stature, but with an immense desire to see the Lord.

Stay exposed

“A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. He wanted to see who Jesus was, but because he was short he could not see over the crowd.”
Luke 19:2-3

As we read the verses of this story, we might mistakenly interpret that the Lord saw Zacchaeus because he was in an elevated position.

Zacchaeus was the chief tax collector, a group whose social status was equivalent to that of sinners, prostitutes, and lepers at the time. For this reason, he was considered as sinful and impure as they were, and people hated him. He always walked accompanied by Roman guards to ensure his safety.

Even knowing the risk of being lynched, Zacchaeus exposed himself. He placed himself in a position of visibility, seeking to see the Son of God.

Be vulnerable

“So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way. When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, ‘Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.’ So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly.”
Luke 19:4-6

God did not see him because of his wealth, but because Zacchaeus recognized his smallness and was not afraid to seek the Lord.

Although he was considered one of the worst sinners by his own people, he presented himself before the Lord and demonstrated how he was sharing what he had with the needy.

The name “Zacchaeus” means purity and justice. He was born with the name of a pure and just Jew, but throughout his life, he was corrupted. In his pursuit of wealth and status, he became lost.

However, Zacchaeus humbled himself and took a risk to feel closer to Jesus in that moment. His heart was thirsty to know Christ, and he did not hesitate; he went toward the Lord, seeking more of His presence, not more wealth.

Cry of the heart

“Jesus said to him, ‘Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”
Luke 19:9-10

The Father does not look at your sin, nor at your money or social status. He is much more interested in how much you recognize your smallness before Him and how willing your heart is to seek Him, without fear of exposing yourself for it.

Pour yourself out in the presence of the Lord. Do not be afraid to humble yourself to be seen by Him and to see His face.

It doesn’t matter how high the tree you climb or how much money you have in your pocket. What matters is your heart, your desire for God, and the willingness to leave everything behind to receive Him and have Him closer to your eyes.