Longing to see “The One” who sees the all of us.

Jesus was leaving the shambles of the old city of Jericho and entering the bustling center of commerce in the new city of Jericho. A short man who had become quite wealthy in the settling of tax matters with the Roman government had heard about the great Rabbi named Jesus and he was desperate to see him. The crowds were horrendous and so he ran ahead of the throng of people climbing a great tree to see this Jesus.

As Jesus walked by, he saw this man and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down here. We are going to your home to visit.” What could Zacchaeus say, but “Okay, let’s go.” Oh, how the people in the crowd fussed and fumed, “What kind of a holy man visits the home of a dirty low life tax gouger.”

In their time together, Zacchaeus was touched in his heart by the truth Jesus gave to him and promised the Lord, “I now see the answers to my life are found in living righteously and I will make things more than right with those I have wronged.” Jesus proclaimed a great joy had come in the salvation of the man, named Zacchaeus. (Luke 19:1-10, Paraphrase, 2015, srm)

Crowds clamored around Jesus as he healed and taught. Many tried to see over the throngs of people clustered around this great healer and teacher. Of course there were distractors, skeptics and mockers but most people came to see this man who did great things. A determined man desperate to see this Jesus, climbs a tree and he is rewarded not only with a view of the Rabbi but with an attentive focus and impending visit to his home from the Rabbi.

We do not know what Jesus said to Zacchaeus nor do we know why Zacchaeus had a complete change of heart in matters that matter in life. We do know that salvation came to him and salvation changed him.

Do we desire to see above those clustered around Jesus? Do we desire more than just to see Jesus or to know about Him?  Do we desire to see “The One” who sees and knows all? Do we desire what the Master can freely give? Do we really desire the "Master" to be the master of our lives? Are we willing to let Him see into our hearts and change what he sees in us? He brings salvation to all, even to those despised and rejected by others. Salvation that changes us comes to our hearts when we listen and fellowship with our Lord. These are changes that will always bring real blessings to others and grace to us.

Suggested Reading … Luke 19