March 10th, 2026

“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.”  ‭‭Luke‬ ‭19‬:‭3‬-‭4‬

Zacchaeus faced two obstacles in his attempt to see Jesus: his height and the crowd. The people surrounding Jesus made it impossible for him to see, and his small stature left him unable to look over them. In a moment that must have appeared unusual for a wealthy official, Zacchaeus ran ahead of the crowd and climbed a sycamore tree.

For a man of his status, this was undignified behavior. Would a respected or self important man run through the streets or climb trees like a child? Yet Zacchaeus was willing to risk embarrassment in order to catch a glimpse of Jesus.

This moment reveals something about genuine spiritual hunger. When a person truly desires to see Christ, pride becomes less important. Reputation matters less. The opinions of others lose their power.

Some of us fail to move forward spiritually not because the truth is hidden, but because pride keeps them from taking the step that might expose our need.  Zacchaeus chose humility over dignity and curiosity over appearance.

Climbing that tree required effort, initiative, and acceptance that others would see him do it. Yet it placed Zacchaeus exactly where he needed to be when Jesus passed by.

Seeking Christ often requires us to move past physical, mental or emotional obstacles that stand in our way.

Sometimes the first real act of faith is simply the willingness to position ourselves where we might encounter Him.

Something to ponder today:  What obstacles—whether pride, fear, or the opinions of others—might be preventing you from drawing closer to Christ?