The Crowd or The Tree
Lenten Devotional Day 7
Scripture Reading: Luke 19:1-10
The story of Zacchaeus was a common one in Sunday School or our bedtime stories at home. There’s even a song about the little man who climbed a sycamore tree to see Jesus. The focus of the story was typically on how Jesus invited himself to Zacchaeus’ home and about the people who grumbled and disapproved of Jesus’ visit because Zacchaeus was a tax collector and seen as a sinner.
If we place ourselves within the story, there are two other ‘characters’ we should consider – the crowd and tree. Luke tells us that Zacchaeus was ‘small in stature’. Yet the crowds did not let him get closer to Jesus. They blocked his way and did not encourage him to move up in the crowd. Zacchaeus had likely heard about Jesus and His teaches and wanted to find Him. So Zacchaeus found a sturdy tree able to lift him up and allow him to see Jesus, allowing him to make a connection with Jesus.
Which can we relate to – the crowd or the tree? Do we blocked the way – even if unintentionally – when someone is seeking a relationship with Jesus? Do we do anything that hinders others when they are trying to understand Christianity. “Lord, do not let those who seek you be confused because of me” Psalm 69:6 If we as Christians become discouraged or if we are not striving each day to follow Jesus’ example, we are like the crowd preventing a sinner from eagerly seeking the Messiah. Do we ever see someone as a sinner and consider them unworthy of our help?
Or are we like the great Sycamore tree reaching high above the crowds? Are we lifting up others in their search for Jesus? Are we taking their hand and helping them find a life with Christ? “Each of you should look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Philippians 2:4 Help others and in doing so show them the peace and joy and love that is found in a life with Christ. We have all sinned and fallen short. Welcome all sinners to seek and find Jesus. Be like the tree!
Prayer:
Lord, help me to be like the sycamore tree, lifting up those who are seeking a relationship with you. Remind me to never block the way or exclude others from your love. May I always seek you with the eagerness of Zacchaeus. Amen
