Zacchaeus and His Desire to See Jesus

In the Gospel of Luke, chapter 19, we meet Zacchaeus, a tax collector from Jericho who was driven by a deep desire to see Jesus. But what does it mean to “see”? Seeing, in this context, is more than a physical act—it is an experience, a profound encounter that transforms the heart and soul. When we say we have seen a place, like a bustling city with its unique sights and sounds, we mean we have immersed ourselves in its essence. Similarly, Zacchaeus wanted to experience Jesus, to know who this man was who inspired such devotion and change in others.

Zacchaeus was no ordinary man. He was wealthy—extraordinarily so—and not merely because of his role as a tax collector. While tax collectors were often assumed to amass wealth through dishonest means, Zacchaeus’s story suggests otherwise. His riches were substantial enough that even without the gains from tax collection, he was “filthy rich.” Yet, despite his wealth, Zacchaeus felt an inner void, a longing that material possessions could not satisfy. This longing led him to seek Jesus, a man whose presence was drawing crowds and transforming lives.

The Rich Man with an Unfulfilled Desire

A Wealth Beyond Cheating

Zacchaeus’s wealth is a critical aspect of his story, often misunderstood. Many assume his fortune came solely from extorting others as a tax collector. However, his actions after meeting Jesus reveal a different picture. Zacchaeus declared, “Half of my possessions I will give to the poor, and if I have defrauded anyone, I will pay back four times as much” (Lk 19:8). This statement is revealing. If Zacchaeus’s wealth were entirely ill-gotten, giving away half to the poor and repaying fourfold those he cheated would have left him destitute. Yet, the text implies he could fulfill these promises and still have enough to live comfortably.

This suggests Zacchaeus was already immensely wealthy before his tax-collecting days. His role as a tax collector, while lucrative, contributed only a small fraction to his fortune. So why did he pursue such a despised profession? The answer lies in an inordinate desire for more. Despite his riches, Zacchaeus was gripped by a craving that no amount of wealth could satisfy. This pursuit led him to a profession that alienated him from society, costing him friends and respect. Tax collectors were often seen as outcasts, mocked and shunned, yet Zacchae totality of his wealth, Zacchaeus’s story challenges the stereotype of the corrupt tax collector and highlights the universal human struggle with unfulfilled desires.

The Spark of Curiosity

Zacchaeus’s desire to see Jesus was sparked by stories of transformation. He likely heard of others, perhaps even a fellow tax collector like Matthew, who abandoned their posts to follow Jesus. Matthew, for instance, left his tax booth without hesitation, forsaking wealth and security to join Jesus’s disciples. Such stories must have circulated among tax collectors, with some mocking Matthew’s choice while others marveled at his newfound joy. Zacchaeus, observing these transformations, grew curious. Why were people leaving everything—wealth, homes, families—to follow this man? What was it about Jesus that brought such contentment, a peace Zacchaeus could not find despite his vast riches?

This curiosity drove Zacchaeus to action. He wanted to see Jesus for himself, to experience the source of this joy that eluded him. His wealth, though immense, left him unsatisfied, and he longed for something deeper—a connection that transcended material possessions.

Obstacles to Experiencing Jesus

The External Barrier: The Crowd

Zacchaeus faced two significant obstacles in his quest to see Jesus. The first was external: the crowd. As Jesus passed through Jericho, a large crowd gathered, blocking Zacchaeus’s view. The crowd represents those external factors in our lives that obstruct our vision of God—people, distractions, or societal pressures that come between us and a deeper spiritual experience. Physically close to Jesus, Zacchaeus was unable to see him because of the throng surrounding him.

The Internal Barrier: Shortness of Stature

The second obstacle was internal: Zacchaeus’s shortness of stature. Beyond his physical height, this phrase symbolizes personal limitations or shortcomings that hinder spiritual growth. These could include struggles with prayer, devotion, community life, or attachments that cloud our focus on God. For Zacchaeus, his short stature meant that even if he stood near Jesus, he could only catch fleeting glimpses by jumping—an effort that was unsustainable. This mirrors our spiritual lives when we rely on sporadic moments of inspiration, such as retreats or confessions, to glimpse God, only to return to our usual state soon after.

Zacchaeus’s Action Plan: Overcoming the Obstacles

eaknesses, believing he could never overcome them. Instead, he analyzed his challenges with clarity and devised practical solutions, demonstrating remarkable determination and ingenuity. Rather than crying over the crowd that blocked his view or his shortness that limited his sight, Zacchaeus took decisive action to address each problem directly, showcasing a proactive spirit that refused to be hindered by circumstances or personal shortcomings.

Running Ahead of the Crowd

To bypass the crowd, Zacchaeus took decisive action: he ran ahead of the multitude. This was no small feat. As Jesus moved through Jericho, the crowd was lively, with people shouting, singing, and clamoring to see him. Some women even provided food and resources, adding to the festive atmosphere. Running ahead meant leaving the excitement behind, ignoring the jeers of those who might have laughed at his haste. Zacchaeus’s focus was clear: he had a goal—to see Jesus—and he would not be swayed by distractions or mockery.

This action teaches us the importance of prioritizing our spiritual goals. In our busy lives, external distractions—work, social obligations, or societal expectations—can crowd out our pursuit of God. Like Zacchaeus, we must be willing to move ahead, setting aside distractions to focus on what truly matters.

Climbing the Sycamore Tree

Running ahead was only part of the solution. If Zacchaeus waited for the crowd to catch up, he would face the same problem: his short stature would again obstruct his view. To address this internal limitation, Zacchaeus climbed a sycamore tree. This act was both practical and symbolic. The sycamore tree elevated him above the crowd, giving him a clear view of Jesus. It also represents the external help we sometimes need to overcome our shortcomings—be it a supportive community, a spiritual guide, or a trusted confidant.

Zacchaeus’s choice of the sycamore tree was deliberate. He selected a sturdy tree that could support him without breaking, unlike a weak branch that might collapse under his weight. This highlights the importance of choosing reliable sources of support in our spiritual journey. A wise mentor or a faithful community can lift us higher, helping us see Jesus more clearly without being swayed by our limitations.

The Encounter: Standing Before Jesus

Zacchaeus’s efforts paid off. From his perch in the sycamore tree, he caught Jesus’s attention. Jesus looked up and said, “Zacchaeus, come down quickly, for today I must stay at your house” (Luke 19:5). Zacchaeus descended and stood face-to-face with Jesus, a moment of profound significance. Imagine the scene: Jesus at the center, the crowd surrounding him, and Zacchaeus standing directly before him. Though in the midst of the crowd, Zacchaeus’s vision of Jesus was unobstructed. The external and internal barriers that once hindered him were overcome, allowing him to experience Jesus fully.

This encounter transformed Zacchaeus. His declaration to give half his possessions to the poor and repay fourfold those he wronged was not merely an act of repentance but a reflection of his newfound freedom. Meeting Jesus liberated him from his insatiable desire for wealth, enabling him to use his riches generously for the good of others. His heart, once bound by greed, was now open to love and service.

Lessons for Our Spiritual Journey

Zacchaeus’s story offers timeless lessons for anyone seeking a deeper experience of God. First, it reminds us that spirituality is about experience, not just knowledge. Like Zacchaeus, we are called to encounter Jesus personally, to move beyond theoretical understanding to a lived relationship with him.

Second, the story highlights the obstacles we face—external distractions (the crowd) and internal shortcomings (shortness of stature). These are universal challenges, present whether we are busy with work, family, or community life. Yet, Zacchaeus shows us that these barriers are not insurmountable. By identifying our obstacles and taking targeted action, we can overcome them.

Third, Zacchaeus’s use of the sycamore tree underscores the importance of seeking help. We are not meant to navigate our spiritual journey alone. Trusted guides, supportive communities, or spiritual practices can lift us above our limitations, giving us a clearer view of God.

Finally, the story challenges us to reach a spiritual maturity where our vision of Jesus remains clear even amidst life’s busyness. Zacchaeus stood in the middle of the crowd, yet his focus on Jesus was unwavering. This is the goal of our faith: to live fully in the world while keeping our eyes fixed on Christ, finding peace and purpose in his presence.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

Zacchaeus’s encounter with Jesus is a powerful reminder that transformation is possible for anyone, no matter their past or present circumstances. His story invites us to examine our own desires, identify the obstacles that block our view of God, and take bold steps to overcome them. Whether it’s running ahead of distractions, seeking the support of a “sycamore tree,” or standing firm in faith amidst life’s crowds, we are called to pursue a deeper experience of Jesus.

Let Zacchaeus inspire us to act with courage and clarity, trusting that Jesus sees us, calls us by name, and desires to dwell in our hearts. May we, like Zacchaeus, find true fulfillment in his presence, transformed by the love that satisfies every longing.