S – So running ahead, he climbed up a sycamore tree to see Jesus, since he was about to pass that way. ⁵ When Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down because today it is necessary for me to stay at your house

 Luke 19:4–5 CSB

O – Though loathed by the Jewish people, a tax collector is a Jewish citizen who held a place of high authority in Biblical times.  Considering Jericho was a customs station for Rome and one of the most fertile lands in the area, it became a place where wealthy people lived.  Zacchaeus would be prominent and powerful.

* Yet, he climbed a tree just to see Jesus.

A – Jesus taught that unless you become like a child, you won’t see the kingdom of heaven.  Zacchaeus exemplifies this.  He wants to see Jesus but he can’t because he is too little.  He runs ahead.  He climbs a tree. He responds to Jesus with joy.  He doesn’t just make it right…he goes above and beyond.  He is like a boy excited and wanting to please his papa.

* I want that child-like enthusiasm and faith today.

* I want to be willing to “climb a tree.”

* I want to give the Lord more than He is asking of me today.

* I want to do all of this joyfully.

R – Lord, help me to have that child-like faith and enthusiasm for being in your presence.  Help me to joyfully do what you ask, even if it means looking “silly” to others.  Help me to do all this so I continue to align my actions with your heart and will.