Ever feel like a nobody? When you’re one of eight billion people, it’s not uncommon. Yet, God sees you. He really notices. Here’s a story that highlights this brilliantly.
Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. He wanted to see who Jesus was, but because he was short he could not see over the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way.
When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly.
All the people saw this and began to mutter, “He has gone to be the guest of a sinner.”
But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.”
Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” Luke 19:1-10
In terms of community popularity, Zacchaeus was as about as liked as a modern-day scammer. Yet Zac was a seeker. His tree climbing exhibition, quite a humbling thing, was a sign of his sincerity—and Jesus noticed. God always notices humility. He gives grace to the humble James 4:6.
Jesus did just that. He picked Zacchaeus out, called him by name and invited himself to dinner—even though the text says Jesus was passing through. Can you imagine the look on Zac’s face—almost as much bewilderment as the faces of those he’d regularly fleeced. Talk about grace!
Just like Zac, you are seen, you are noticed and when you seek him earnestly, you stop Him in his tracks—no matter your past. And, like Zac, Jesus today invites himself into your world—if you are willing to welcome Him. To all who received Him to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God John 1:12.
