Lessons from Zacchaeus

John R. Gibson

Zacchaeus climbing the sycamore tree is a favorite of young children, but adults would do well to pay careful attention to this story found in Luke 19:1-10. Consider a few lessons we might learn from the man who climbed a tree.

1) Don’t let anything stop you from seeing Jesus. Too short of stature to see over the crowd, this wealthy man of influence reverted to his childhood and climbed a tree. While we are not going to see Jesus with our physical eyes, we should not allow anything to stop us from learning about Jesus. Friends, family, work, play, religious traditions, etc. may get in the way, but let’s climb whatever tree we must in order to know the Savior.

2) We must not simply be curious about Jesus. When Jesus informed Zacchaeus that He would be going home with him, the tax collector received Him joyfully. As we come to know Jesus, it is imperative that we allow Him to “come to our house” and change our lives.

3) Jesus came to “seek and save that which was lost.” If you have already been found by Jesus, serve Him with a joyous gratitude. If you are still lost, won’t you allow Him to change that? He wants to save, but He will not save you against your will.

Zacchaeus and Jesus—it’s not just a children’s song.