Now behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus who was a chief tax collector, and he was rich. And he sought to see who Jesus was, but could not because of the crowd, for he was of short stature (Luke 19:2-3, NKJV).
When I was a child, I learned a song in Sunday school that went like this: “Zacchaeus was a wee, little man, a wee, little man was he. He climbed up in the sycamore tree for the Lord he wanted to see.” In today’s politically correct language we might sing, “Zacchaeus was a height-challenged man.”
Either way it’s said, Zacchaeus was short. I knew that. I also knew he was a rich tax collector and not a popular guy. I knew he climbed a tree so he could see Jesus. But it didn’t occur to me until a few years ago that there was a problem other than his stature and occupation.
Luke 19:3 says Zacchaeus wanted to see who Jesus was, but he couldn’t. Why? Because of the crowd. As I lingered on that phrase, a new concept planted itself in my spirit: other people made it impossible for him.
How many Zacchaeuses do I have in my life that desperately want to see Jesus—that need to see Jesus—but can’t because I’m obstructing their view? I grieved over the thought that I might be the reason someone wouldn’t know him.
I want my words and actions to arouse curiosity about Jesus rather than hinder their vision of him. I want my life to shine the light on him in a good way. How about you?
Jesus, may I allow others to have a clear sightline to you when they’re with me.
Twila Belk, aka The Gotta Tell Somebody Gal, is a writer and speaker who loves braggin’ on God.