When’s the last time you saw an adult lick their plate at a restaurant?  Probably never!  We don’t do it because it is undignified behavior.  In the same way, it would be unusual to see a middle-aged man dressed in an expensive suit running in public, and unthinkable to see that same man climb up a tree!   Talk about a weirdo!

It was the same way 2000 years ago when a named Zacchaeus ran through the streets of Jericho to get ahead of the crowd, and then climbed a tree just so he could see Jesus.  Add in the fact that this man was absolutely hated – a totally despised, wealthy tax collector who collaborated with the Roman military – and you can imagine the jeers.

In my mind’s eye I can see Jesus preaching “love your enemies” while the crowd mocked old Zack, cackled with pointed fingers and literally laughed out loud.  Good thing Zacchaeus wasn’t in the crowd because people carried sharp knives in those days.

This was not a parable.  Because it really happened, we must wonder, what could’ve possibly caused this man to run ahead of the crowd and climb a tree?   Talk about extreme.  Way beyond licking the plate.  What did the man want?

He wanted to see Jesus!

There it is.  What an impression that this incident must have made.  No wonder Luke recorded it in his gospel. ^{Luke 19:1-10}

Look at the great lengths that Zacchaeus went, in order to see Jesus.

Let’s ask ourselves, what am I willing to do in order to see Jesus in my life?  Is my relationship with God important enough to go out of my way for it, or to schedule time for it?  Do you really want to see Jesus?