The journey to Jerusalem is drawing to a close. Last week, we read about the Pharisee and the tax collector. A few important verses passed between this reading and today’s verses. First, Jesus rebukes the disciples, and directs them to allow the little children to come to him. He says that all of us must come as little children or we will never enter the kingdom. Second, Jesus meets the rich man who wants to know what he has to do to inherit eternal life. Jesus tells him that what is impossible with man is possible with God. Third, Jesus tells the disciples that death is awaiting him when they reach Jerusalem. Fourth, Jesus heals a blind man.
And now here we are in Chapter 19 and all of these ideas culminate in the encounter with Zacchaeus, as if Jesus knew that the wee little man would be waiting in that sycamore tree and he was laying the groundwork for the meeting.
First, Zacchaeus was childlike – he was small in stature, he ran ahead of the crowd, and scuttled up a tree to get a better view. He did not comport himself like a refined statesman – he just followed his eagerness to see Jesus and went for it like a kid on Christmas morning. If you think “children should be seen and not heard” is harsh, this was nothing compared to social norms in the time of Jesus. So for Jesus to say we need to become like little children would have been a major issue for most people. It would mean giving up everything – power, status, privilege, self-esteem, freedom. In his seeking, Zacchaeus humbled himself. Zacchaeus, in his childlikeness, enters the kingdom of God!
Second, eternal life is about what God has done. The rich man came to Jesus certainly to get affirmation that he was doing well and was on the right track. Zacchaeus did not even consider approaching Jesus – he wanted only to see him. In his seeking, Jesus found him and God did the impossible. Zacchaeus is a son of Abraham!!
Third, and for the third time, Jesus calls his disciples aside and tells them about his death and resurrection. Jesus is revealing his identity, giving them the inside scoop. And yet those closest to him, right there in the front row of history, could not see it. Zacchaeus saw with the eyes of his heart what others were missing. So he ran and climbed and humbled himself hoping for just a glimpse. He got a lot more. In his seeking, Zacchaeus learned he was already found. Zacchaeus is known by name!
Fourth, like the blind man, Zacchaeus is healed and made whole. He sees Jesus and, in this seeing, in this knowing of who Jesus truly is, he also sees himself, loved and forgiven and now ready to love and serve others. From here on, there will be no going up to the temple to find God. God is here, passing by, coming to us, saving the lost. In his seeking, Zacchaeus receives new life!
As we sing the Alleluia chorus on Sunday, may we recall Zacchaeus and eagerly arise, stretching our hearts to see Jesus in the Gospel lesson. When he calls to us by name, let our joy overflow. The Creator of the Universe is coming to our house today.
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