Positioning to See Jesus
"And he sought to see who Jesus was, but could not because of the crowd, for he was of short stature" - (Luke 19:3)


The Book of Luke Chapter 19 introduces us to Zacchaeus. He desired to see Jesus. He knew that Jesus would be passing through Jericho that day; he also knew that the thronging, intimidating crowd would render him incapable of the one off opportunity he had to get a glimpse of Jesus. Scripture describes him as of short stature. Of all people planning to meet Jesus that day, surely Zacchaeus was the least likely of persons to have been eagerly anticipating Jesus' arrival? In our prejudiced pious assumptions and judgments, it can be easy to deny people access to Jesus. Surely Jesus had no time for sinners?

Zacchaeus was the chief tax collector, he was rich. He held high office, he was chief among the publicans, receiver-general, with other publicans under him. His crafty and devious reputation in his taxation of the poor and deprived preceded him. He was certainly not popular! But here was a man who was bent on seeing Jesus! Like the infirmed lady with the issue of blood, who purposed, "if only I can touch the hem of His garment!" - We witness a similar longing and curiosity from Zacchaeus. That's it, he must have mused I'll run ahead and climb up a tree, not any tree but one strategically positioned on Jesus' route, a place where He would pass by. This vantage point would be ideal; the tree would provide the height, the camouflage and enable him to see Jesus from afar! BUT there's one very important consideration that Zacchaeus gave little or no thought to and that was revealed the moment Jesus walked past!

"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 home!" (Luke 19:5). I love how Jesus met him at the intersection of his desire, his seeking. "And when Jesus came to the place", his cover was blown. Scripture says when you seek Him, you will find Him, that God rewards those who diligently seek Him. Nothing can separate us from the love of God. Our unworthiness, our sin and shame are imposing barriers that restrain and deny us contact with God, yet in His love and mercy He reaches out, He looks beyond the faults, the failings, the weaknesses and sees the need, the longing and the desire. Zacchaeus may have just wanted to satisfy a curiosity in Jesus, nothing other than wanting to see what all the hype was about. When he positioned himself, when he conjured up the idea of climbing a tree to get a glimpse of Jesus, little did he realise that the novel, innovative purposeful steps he took was enough, it was the "faith as tiny as a mustard seed" action that drew him and Jesus to each other. Does this sound like you? Has your curiosity around Jesus seen you searching, reflecting, positioning and seeking after Him? Maybe you are beating yourself up concerning your unworthiness, public opinion, and self-condemnation. He sees you, He knows your heart and even if he has to pluck you out of a tree, He will.

Imagine Zacchaeus' reaction! Jesus called him by name and invited Himself over to dinner to Zacchaeus' home. Jesus publicly acknowledged him. His affirmation of Zacchaeus amongst the very people Zacchaeus swindled certainly did not go down with the people, not to mention the clergy who were ever accusatory of Jesus' association with sinners. This is what the liberating power of Jesus' spoken word accomplishes, it disarms, it breaks barriers, it removes condemnation, it forgives, it embraces, it saves, heals and restores. Requesting to have a meal with Zacchaeus was an outward sign of love and reconciliation, an intimacy, of Gods goodness and condescension of Jesus to meet him at this point of need. This encounter demonstrates how Jesus can transform a person from the inside out. Salvation came to Zacchaeus and his household that day. He pledged to give half of his goods to the poor and promised to restore fourfold anything that he had taken by false accusation! Did Jesus demand this from Zacchaeus? NO! It came from a repentant, transformed heart. Positioning yourself to meet Jesus never disappoints, do it!