And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich. And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature. And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way. And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house. And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully.

Luke 19:1-6

We have before us today a story of a man that is known even by the youngest of children because of the songs and stories told about him. Zacchaues was a little man, but more importantly he was a real man and this really happened!

There is much debate about the desire Zacchaeus had to see Jesus. Some will say that this is evidence of the new birth because he desired to see Him. Others argue that Zacchaeus was just curious about Jesus because of His reputation. I tend to lean toward the latter argument because of the phrase “he sought to see Jesus who he was.” I don’t think he knew Jesus was the Messiah. 

Whatever ones argues about his motivation, one thing is clear – it doesn’t matter!

The text says that Zacchaeus didn’t know Who Jesus really was, but Jesus knew him! That is the important point.

No one had to introduce Zacchaeus to Jesus or even tell Him his name. Jesus knew it and called him by it from a distance. Jesus had known Jesus without ever meeting him because Zacchaeus was one of God’s chosen people. Jesus knew him from before the foundation of the world!

What a comfort! Even when we don’t understand things about Jesus, He understands us. Even when we struggle to see Him, He sees us. Even when we didn’t know Him, He knew us.

This means that our relationship with Jesus is not based on our effort but on His knowledge and love of us!

The truth is, we are all “wee little men.” We all need to know more about Jesus. AND when Jesus calls us into fellowship, we need respond just like Zacchaeus. 

Make haste! Follow Him today! Follow Him right now!