The story of Zacchaeus may be a familiar one – but just in case, let me retell it a bit. Zacchaeus was a tax-collector. In Jesus’ time, the Jews lived under Roman rule. Tax-collectors – those working for Rome and collecting taxes for Caesar – were hated. Strike one. Zacchaeus was also short. He didn’t fit in with the others around him because his stature was different. Strike two. When Jesus came to his town of Jericho, Zacchaeus wanted to see Jesus as he passed by.  But, he was too short to get a look over the crowds. Strike three. Zacchaeus was persistent, though, and found an unusual solution. He climbed a tree and had a great vantage point as Jesus drew near.

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I wonder what Zacchaeus expected? What had he heard about Jesus that made him so interested in seeing him? What caused him to run and climb a tree? A grown man – albeit short – climbing a tree to see Jesus. What did those around him think? Did they notice? Did they care about the head tax collector acting so oddly?

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No one would have imagined what would happen next. If you’d asked any of those in the crowd, I’m sure they would have thought Zacchaeus crazy or unworthy or just plain annoying. But not Jesus. He didn’t just walk by. He stopped and saw Zacchaeus in the tree. And then Jesus did the most remarkable thing. He called Zacchaeus by name. No introductions needed. Jesus knew him and used his name. And then Jesus told Zacchaeus to come down because he was going to be coming to Zacchaeus’ house that very day.

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Have you ever felt anonymous and alone – perhaps unseen. Maybe you’ve even found yourself surrounded by people and still felt incredibly lonely and unseen. When someone, however, calls you by name, it can change everything. Not only are you seen, but you are known more personally. You are known by name.  

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Interestingly, Zacchaeus means “pure or innocent” which does not fit a chief tax collector. But Zacchaeus was more than his current role – and his encounter with Jesus would change everything. The Holy Spirit had been stirring within Zacchaeus to cause him to desire to see Jesus, to be curious enough to brave the crowd where he was hated and to humble himself enough to climb up into a tree. Zacchaeus was seeking. He wanted to find out more about Jesus. What about us? Do we still seek? Do we seek even when it may be uncomfortable or we may look foolish? Do we pursue Jesus with abandon?

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For Zacchaeus, the reward was Jesus seeing him and calling to him. But Zacchaeus still had to respond. He could have been satisfied with his seat in the tree. He’d seen Jesus. He’d had an encounter. Was that enough? Now Jesus was telling him to come down – not later, not tomorrow, not when he’s ready. “Quick, come down! I must be a guest in your home today” (Lk. 19:5). This was imperative. This was urgent. Can you imagine all that went through Zacchaeus’ mind? Is my house ready? Do I have groceries? What will I serve? What will people think? Why would Jesus want to come to my house? Is he serious? Am I going to be ridiculed? Is this really happening to me?

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Zacchaeus could have been paralyzed by his own thoughts – paralysis of analysis! He could have sat in the tree ridden with anxiety. He could have done so many things. But, he chose to obey. He answered Jesus’ call. Luke writes that “Zacchaeus quickly climbed down and took Jesus to his house in great excitement and joy” (Lk. 19:6).

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We can learn so much from Zacchaeus! There is great joy when we answer Jesus’ call right away. Just as parents teach their children to respond to their voice and to obey the first time they are asked – so we need to learn to respond quickly to the voice of God. For me, I often question if I’ve heard correctly. I analyze; I think I need to pray more. None of those things are necessarily bad, but I think that often I just need to know the voice of God and then respond appropriately – and in a timely fashion. Zacchaeus did. While the people around him grumbled (Lk. 19:7), Zacchaeus had a personal encounter with Jesus that changed his life and the way that he dealt with people. This was not a one-day encounter, but a restoration life change. Thank God for Zacchaeus’ obedience and example.

Take a few minutes today to ask God if He has been calling you and you’ve been sitting in the tree – ridden with anxiety, overanalyzing, questioning His call.

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Listen for His voice and then respond quickly with excitement, knowing that His work of restoration is worth people grumbling around you, inconvenience, and the unknown. Trust Him and obey His call!