I remember when I was young, I went to the PGA US Open when it was held near my town.
Amidst the thousands of people,
amidst my sister who turned into a lunatic,
amidst people pushing and shoving,
I remember tottering on my tippy toes just to see.
I just wanted to see the world famous Tiger Woods.
I knew that I wouldn’t really get a hello from him or a handshake – there were too many people and he was too famous. I was too average and he was too important.
But I just wanted to grab a look.
Wasn’t it similar for Zacchaeus?
And he was seeking to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd he could not, because he was small in stature. So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him, for he was about to pass that way. (Luke 19:3-4)
He just wanted to see.
He knew he was small.
He knew he was guilty.
He knew he was unworthy.
But, he just wanted to see the man who had power.
He wanted to cast his eyes on the one who could entirely change the game. So much so, that little Zacchaeus went to new heights – in a tree- to see new depths – in the an unforseen King.
Jesus rewarded this “go-to-any-lengths-mentality.”
Jesus rewarded this heart that wants to view his glory.
Jesus rewarded this will to see from a new view.
Jesus rewards a simple desire to see.
Jesus responds in such a different way than any earthly celebrity would.
He is less concerned about his destination (Lu. 19:1), and more concerned about salvation.
He halts all his plans, just to to see one man everyone probably hates – and he turns it into a opportunity to heal.
Can you imagine for a moment how it is being in a crowd of people? Jesus would not be able to see ahead or behind him, but Jesus knew the only way he needed to be looking – was up.
He never had the need for speed, but instead had a deep desire to fill an aching need. He stopped, he saw and then he went the extra distance and met the man in the most intimate of places – his home.
Jesus saw the one who truly needed eyes to see.
He put his plans on pause, for a greater cause.
He saw the need of the moment, rather than the plan of the hour.
He saw what no one else wanted to see – “the sinner”. (Lu. 19:7)
Zacchaeus had eyes to see.
Jesus had eyes to see.
Do we?
Do we seek to see Jesus from new perspectives?
Do we give all our heart to find him?
Do we risk climbing difficult trees to seek him?And, what do we see in the midst of the hustle and bustle?
What do we see in the spaces between our to-do list action items?
What do we see in the faces of those we love?
Because, when we stop to see, what we often end up with is a great visit
by the great Comforter –
who never ceases to leave us unchanged.
He knows our needs and ministers to our hearts.
Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for I must stay at your house today. (Lu. 19:5)
I want Jesus to visit me in my house, don’t you?
Because a visit from Jesus, changes our hearts, our minds and our lives as nothing else can.
And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham. 10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” (Lu. 19:9)
What does Jesus stand ready to give you when you only seek to see?
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I am happy to be joining Five Minute Friday today.
I was wondering where you were going with the whole Tiger Woods thing…. but that was a perfect segue into Zaccheus and his desire to just See Jesus. Perfect. Hope you have a wondeful Friday Kelly!
Farin
Right?! Surprisingly, I was going somewhere. Farin, thank you so much for your comment. I hope and pray that you have the most amazing weekend.
On a related note….I want to have eyes to see those who Jesus places in my path. Those who need a touch from Him, who need to be told about Him. I want to slow down and walk in the moment like Jesus always did. I confess…I’m not very good at it. Thanks for a lovely post reminding me to slow down and be aware of who is nearby. Popped in from #FMFparty!
Thank you Leah! Yes Lord, let us see you and let us see others with magnified vision. We need your help.
Oh, yes, Kelly, we need eyes to see. We need to look for Him in our ordinary every day lives. We need Him to find us and change us and uphold us with His strength and mercy and grace. Thank you for your inspiring post!
I love the story of Zacchaeus because I love the thought that Jesus wanted the hospitality of a sinner. Well, I’m a sinner, and it gives me great hope that Jesus wants to hang out in my home (and while he’s there, I know he’ll change my heart and soften my rough edges.)
Yes, I love that thought. To think that a sinner can serve Jesus is such an amazing thing Anita. How awesome. Thank you for sharing this with me.
“He never had the need for speed, but instead had a deep desire to fill an aching need.” I love this, Kelly! It encourages me to think Jesus has such a deep desire to fill us. Hugs to you!
That is so true Trudy. Blessings to you this weekend!
“Because, when we stop to see, what we often end up with is a great visit
by the great Comforter –
who never ceases to leave us unchanged. ”
Yes. Wow! I loved these words, Kelly. I want Jesus to visit me in my house, too.
Thank you Jennifer. Yes, Jesus, let us welcome you more and more into our homes!
Hi Kelly, Sometimes we need to step out of our regular routine to seek Him. Zaccheus did go out of his way, got up a tree just to have a look. I need to climb out of my space , stretch a bit further to catch a glimpse of Him. As you said, ‘Jesus also has eyes’. All He needs is my sincere desire to seek Him
Lots of Love Kelly.
Yes, let’s stretch so high Ifeoma. Let’s crane our necks just to get a glimpse of his glory. Love that!
What a great way to look at Jesus through our modern day cultural lens! This is so true! I’ve found myself “star struck” before by a celebrity, just wanting to get a better glimpse. I’m sure Zacchaeus was doing the same thing. Unlike the celebrity I encountered, Jesus sees me, knows me, & wants to have a one on one encounter with me. Great post!
He loves us so much. He loves our heart to pursue him and our diligence in seeking him above all the earthly celebrities. Have a blessed day today Megan.
Love how you tied the Tiger Woods story so seamlessly into such a great biblical truth! Well done! Thank you for joining us again for FMF! Blessings on your week.
Thank you Kate! It is a pleasure to join you and I hope you have a blessed day!