What a story! This has always been a favorite. I’m a little “vertically challenged” myself, so I can totally identify with Zacchaeus’ problem of seeing over the crowd. This is a familiar passage, in particular because of the song we sang as children – can’t help that running through my brain right now. If you’ve never heard it – take a listen HERE.
When I read this passage today I noted a couple things. First, Zacchaeus was searching out Jesus. We’re told this man was a chief tax collector, a “chief”, so probably in charge of a lot of other ruthless tax collectors in the area, and also very rich. When we think of the people following Jesus, we don’t often picture rich tax collectors. (Exception Matthew, a called disciple who left behind that line of work.) What was Zacchaeus’ motive? Why was he so anxious to see Jesus that day? He even climbed up a tree to see him! Continue reading “Luke 19:1-10 – Zacchaeus”
This may seem like just another miracle story, but there is more here. How did the blind man call out to Jesus? He didn’t say, “Hey you” or even “Hey Jesus!” He called to the “Son of David.” This is significant because it reveals that this man was not blind to the identity of Jesus. Son of David would point to Jesus as the Messiah, the descendant of David, their promised King.
his isn’t the first time that Jesus tells his disciples about what is going to happen to him. In this instance, he’s not referring to himself in first person which is a little odd. I wonder why he did that? Even more perplexing is that it says the significance of Jesus’ words was “hidden from” his followers.
To be a follower of Jesus is not without sacrifice. When we truly listen and follow Jesus, sometimes our reality has to shift. For the rich religious leader in our story, Jesus’ words rocked his world, the world as he knew it. How has Jesus rocked your world? Has he asked you to do something totally outside your comfort zone? Have you obeyed?
Faith like a child. That’s what we should try to attain.
