The Zacchaeus Tree-Climbing Story: Jesus Sees You

Hey, carpool crew. Maybe you're swinging from monkey bars at the park or riding home with your shoes full of sand. I'm Pastor Justin and I'm so glad you're here. Today's story is all about a man who climbed a tree just to see Jesus. If you've ever climbed a tree before, and I mean really climbed one with scraped knees and grass stains, you are going to love today. Our verse is from Luke chapter 19, verse four. This is what it says. So running ahead, he climbed up a sycamore tree to see Jesus since he was about to pass that way. This comes from the Gospel of Luke, written by a doctor named, well, Luke. He wrote it to a friend named Theophilus to help him understand everything about Jesus, his life, his mission, and his message of hope. In Luke chapter 19, we meet a man named Zacchaeus. He lived in Jericho, a wealthy city known for palm trees, trade routes and lots of people passing through. Zacchaeus was a tax collector, which meant he worked for the Romans and collected money from his fellow Jews. But here's the thing, he didn't just collect what people owed. He took extra and kept it for himself. That made him rich, but also hated. He did not have many friends. People didn't wanna be friends with Zacchaeus. He was seen as a liar, a thief, and a traitor. So when Zacchaeus heard that Jesus was coming to town, he did something totally unexpected. He ran ahead of the crowd and he climbed a tree, which grown men in this time didn't typically do. It was a sycamore tree to be exact. Why? Because he was short and he wanted a chance to see Jesus. So let's stop right here. This grown man who had money and power didn't have a lot of friends, but was willing to act like a kid climbing a tree just to get a glimpse of someone he hoped could change his life. If Jesus were sitting here right now, I think he'd look at you and say, you don't have to climb a tree to see me. I already see you. That's what Jesus did. He saw Zacchaeus. He looked up, called him by name and said, Zacchaeus, come down. I'm going to your house today. He didn't say, clean up your act first, or let's talk later, or start following the rules and behave. He said, I want to be with you now. Jesus sees you when you're having fun, when you're hurting, when you feel left out, and when you're doing your best to know him. He sees you. You don't have to climb higher or try harder to get his attention. He already knows your name. So how do you live like Zacchaeus in a good way? Well be bold about wanting to see Jesus, whether it's reading your Bible, praying before bed or before you eat a meal, or worshiping in the car. Make a move toward Jesus. He sees that. Be open to change. See, after meeting Jesus, Zacchaeus gave back all the money he'd stolen and more. Is there something you need to make right? Maybe an apology or give something back that you took without asking? Jesus will help you. And look for people others leave out. Jesus went to Zacchaeus when no one else would. You can do that too. Look for the kid eating alone, the new camper or the kid in your neighborhood that's just playing by themself. And hey, if you get a chance to climb a tree this week, go for it. Just be safe. And while you're up there, take a second and remember, Jesus sees you, knows you, and loves you. Remember, no matter where you are or how you're listening, God loves you. Parents, if you love this podcast, share it with a parent friend or drop it in a Facebook group so other parents can have faith-filled conversations too. Before you go, answer this together, what's one way you can be like Zacchaeus and take a bold step toward Jesus today? I'll see you tomorrow on Carpooling with Jesus.