The Mylar balloon was caught in a tree a full half mile away yet was visible and bright as it reflected the slanted rays of the evening sun. As we passed it I found myself wondering how far away Jesus was from Zacchaeus when He, Jesus, first spotted him. Zacchaeus was a pathetic situation. He was simultaneously rich and poor. He collected taxes for the hated Roman Empire and was despised by his community.
The news spread that Jesus was coming through Jericho and Zacchaeus, along with the entire town, flocked to the roadside. He never had a chance of seeing Jesus. He was a small man and perhaps that had been a factor in his grab for power and wealth. There he was most likely the richest man in town deliberately being jostled to the back. Surely there were many that took extra delight in elbowing him into an impossible situation.
His small size did not get in the way of his cleverness. Spotting a tree with branches overhanging the road, he cared not for his Hart Schaffner and Marx robe; he climbed that tree. Surely he had to push some children out of the way. Then it happened. Jesus was there and He stopped and He looked up and He called Zacchaeus by name. Rapture must have swept over him when Jesus asked to come to his house. I doubt if Zacchaeus ever remembered climbing down. Jesus was coming to his house! No one came to his house except other tax collectors. He was a social pariah. When Jesus saw him He knew Zacchaeus’ need. He knew above all things Zacchaeus needed someone to love him. Jesus loved him.
Written by Roger Bothwell on February 27, 2013
Spring of Life, PO Boxx 124, St. Helena, CA 94574
Rogerbothwell.org