Day 22 - The View From the Sycamore Tree

by Grace Outlaw

Luke 19:1-10

I think many of us can relate to Zacchaeus. We all understand how it feels to be unseen or overlooked. Maybe your parents overlooked your accomplishments growing up in favor of one of your siblings. Maybe your spouse doesn’t see or notice all you do for your family. Maybe your boss has passed you over for a promotion (or several) and you wonder if anyone truly notices you!

Zacchaeus was definitely familiar with feeling small — both literally and figuratively. Zacchaeus was a chief tax collector in Jericho, a prosperous city known for its wealth and beauty. Despite his wealth and status, Zacchaeus was despised by his community — tax collectors were seen as traitors who collaborated with the oppressive Roman government, often enriching themselves by cheating their neighbors (I don’t think I would have liked Zacchaeus very much either!). His reputation was tarnished, and he likely felt isolated and unloved.

But then Jesus came to Jericho, and did what he does best — the unexpected.

Something stirred in Zacchaeus’ heart — he desperately wanted to see Jesus, but being short in stature, he couldn’t see over the crowd. Visualizing what Zacchaeus did next always makes me giggle — here is this wealthy, influential man… (I also envision him as grumpy and Scrooge-like, because how pleasant do you think he is walking around town amongst neighbors that hate him?) And he scrambles up a tree like a little child. Zacchaeus sets aside his pride and dignity because his desire to encounter Jesus was greater than his fear of embarrassment or ridicule.

Jesus noticed Zacchaeus immediately and called him by name: “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today,” (Luke 19:5). Imagine the murmurs and grumblings of the crowd — shocked that Jesus would associate with such a notorious sinner. I’d be a little upset if Jesus passed me over for my mean old neighbor that kept reporting me to the HOA for stupid stuff! But Zacchaeus responded with joy, and welcomed Jesus into his home, AND his heart.

In that moment of humility and openness, Zacchaeus experienced a profound transformation — the kind Jesus often left in his wake. Zacchaeus openly declared before all present: “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,” (Luke 19:8). His humility led him not only to repentance, but also to radical generosity and restoration.

I don’t know about you, but I don’t like being wrong. Just like Zacchaeus, we often find ourselves clinging to our pride and reputation. When we humble ourselves before God — and others — admitting our mistakes, asking for forgiveness, and seeking reconciliation, we create space for God to transform us, just as he did with Zacchaeus. 

Where might God be calling you to humble yourself today? Perhaps it’s reaching out to someone you’ve wronged or neglected. Maybe it’s admitting your struggles openly with trusted friends or family. Or perhaps it’s simply letting go of prideful attitudes that hinder your relationship with God.

Whatever it may be, remember this truth: when we humble ourselves like Zacchaeus (honestly seeking Jesus above all else) we open ourselves fully to his grace-filled transformation. In doing so, we discover true freedom, joy, and abundance in Christ.