Today I want to tell you a story. It is the story of a man who had a government job, money, respect from his peers, and a lot of curiosity.
Now curiosity can take a man to places, events, and experiences which could prove to be detrimental in many ways. But there is good curiosity too. As the checkout counter tabloid used to promote, Enquiring minds want to know.
Nicodemus had an enquiring mind. Because of his search for truth we have John 3:16. Although Nicodemus resembles our main character today, he is not the one I want to tell you about.
With all that our man had going for him he had one shortcoming. It was something he could not help or change. He was born that way, kind of. The Bible doesn’t give much background on the situation, as far as how this problem may have affected him in his daily life, or maybe even psychologically. But on the day he is introduced to us it is one significant thing that is pointed out about him in the brief scriptural bio. That and his curiosity.
Read the story.
And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho.
2 And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich.
3 And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature.
4 And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way.
5 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.
6 And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully.
7 And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner.
8 And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord: Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold.
9 And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham.
10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.
Luke 19.
Zacchaeus did not let his physical limitations keep him from fulfilling his goal of seeing Jesus. He found a way to overcome. Like a child he climbed up into a tree above the tall people who blocked his view. In positioning himself to see Jesus he also placed himself so Jesus could see him. Sometimes you have to climb a little higher.
By this one small effort Zacchaeus experienced a life changing event.
Jesus uniquely invited himself to Zacchaeus’ house and this little man was forever changed. Salvation came to his house.
In addition, he found a place in the pages of Holy Writ.
And he has been sung about in every Sunday School class by small children acting out the scene: Zacchaeus was a wee little man, a wee little man was he. He climbed up in the sycomore tree for the Lord he wanted to see….
And he has been preached about in every pulpit.
And, this challenged man’s curiosity and action resulted in another great scripture:
10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.
Think about it. -PJF-
Purpose! Ministries
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