by Tim Hallman, Christian Emphasis Director with the YMCA of Greater Fort Wayne
Standing in Jericho near the base of the sycamore tree many believe Zacchaeus climbed to see Jesus, I looked up into its gnarled leafy branches.
I used my imagination to envision the crowds surging through the area, of Jesus making his way along the street, of Zacchaeus hefting himself up into the tree, and of Jesus stopping to look up.
What was Zacchaeus thinking? Why did he want to see Jesus so intently?
What was Jesus thinking? Why did he want to see Zacchaeus? What did he see in him? What did he have in mind for the wealthy chief tax collector?
We know from his own words that Jesus saw in Zacchaeus a son of Abraham, a sheep of Israel that he had come to find, rescue, heal and save (see Ezekiel 34:16).
When Jesus the highly respected and righteous rabbi looks up to Zacchaeus the corrupt tax collector and invites himself to dinner, Jesus uses his power of holy presence to transform Zacchaeus’ life.
Jesus helps us see how proximity can be empowering.
Despite the muttering and complaints of the crowd – as deserving as they were – Jesus empowered Zacchaeus with the courage to withstand judgment one last time to receive a new calling, to become a living stone and not a burdensome one in the community.
There can be an isolating and enslaving power in the names and situations we find ourselves with – roles and reputations, expectations of the future based on the past, of our habits, fears, and desires.
Through sharing in a meal together, Jesus put his healing power near the sinner Zacchaeus, he put his holy power in him, that he might be set free to lead like him, to love, care and serve as he does.
I’m sure Jesus smiled big when Zacchaeus pledged to make amends to his community through his financial generosity.
What an empowering and healing moment for his neighbors – getting their much-needed money back and sighing with relief at no more bribery, corruption, or greed from their chief tax collector.
In whatever leadership opportunities God calls you to, look up for ways to empower others, to be present to see in them what Jesus sees.
May the presence of Jesus draw close to your spirit, may his power in you compel generous compassion that brings healing to the wounded, strength to the weak, and God’s salvation to the lost.
“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.”
Gospel according to Luke, 19.4-6
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