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Luke 19:5 – When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, "Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today." (NIV)
I've always been a short person, so I know how Zacchaeus must have felt when he couldn't see above the crowd to catch a glimpse of Jesus. I've been in more than a few places and situations where I have struggled to see what's happening — at a concert, a movie, or even a church service — because of a larger person standing or sitting in front of me. Sometimes, I move to the right or the left just to find a clear view; on other occasions, I just sigh and sit quietly, choosing instead to listen to what's going on.
I don't know if I would have climbed a tree to get a better view of Jesus, although I have stood on benches and walls to watch parades and other public spectacles. It seems that the wee man was so desperate to see Jesus that he was willing to look ridiculous. After all, it's usually children who climb trees to get a better view. I can imagine that the people around him laughed at Zacchaeus, diminishing his pride and self-esteem. Perhaps, some of them felt like he deserved to be humiliated because he was despised for colluding with the Romans by being a tax-collector.
I love what Jesus does to restore Zacchaeus's dignity, as well as his soul. Our Saviour does not laugh at the short tax collector or rebuke him for working for the enemy. Christ doesn't even ask to come to his house — look at the verse again — Jesus actually insists on going to his home. It's a wonderful moment of acceptance, and Zacchaeus responds immediately by climbing down and welcoming Christ gladly.
This is an event which is filled with God's love and grace. It reminds all of us — short, medium, or tall — that Jesus actively seeks to restore us to God's kingdom. All we have to do is to welcome Him gladly into our hearts and homes, which is where salvation begins and never ends.
Points to ponder: Am I willing to let Jesus into my heart? If I welcome Him into my life, how will He change me?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for Your grace and acceptance. We know that we are unworthy of those blessings, but we are also delighted that You are willing to grant them to us. Enable us to extend this blessing to all whom we encounter today. In Your holy name, we pray. Amen.
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Saturday, May 18, 2024 – In North Africa — Living in North Africa we get so used to hearing the call to prayer it becomes like background noise and sometimes I don't hear it anymore. I am challenged by the fact that some Muslims are so committed to pray that they go to the mosque 5 times a day. Would you consider, with me, setting your alarm to go off at 3:00 every day and pray for these three things: 5 families to come to know Christ, 3 people for us to read scripture with,1 new church plant.
Housing: "Update May 16, 2024: Please continue to pray for T and her son A to find a different apartment...." 
Great perspective, John.
You may be short in stature, John, but large in spiritual insights.
Thank you for your inspiring thoughts today.
Hi John,
Thank you for your devotional. Short and tall, the Lord God loves us all.
Blessings.
Thank you, John, for putting that verse and incident into a more personal light. What love and grace, for him and for all, as you point out!
Blessings.
Hi, John. I am a loyal reader of your meditations. They always seem to resonate with me as I too am a Scot – living in Canada. It is probably harder for a man to be short than a woman. Women are usually less embarrassed to ask for assistance. I’m sure it took a lot of courage for Zaccheus to climb that tree knowing that the crowd would then see how desperate he was to see Jesus – and Jesus rewarded that. Blessings.
(B. C.)
Thanks for the devotional. Great thought. I’m so glad for my experience with God many years ago which is still alive in me today, I repented of my sins, was baptized in the name of Jesus and received the gift of the Holy Ghost just like in the book of Acts. My mother had this experience in the 1920’s. Both of my children and grandchildren have also had this amazing experience. We must be born of the water and the spirit to enter heaven. Acts 2:39 says it is for you and your children, and for all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.
Knew who the author of this devotional was from before reaching the end because of two words … wee man.
Always look forward to reading your devotionals.