Jesus Has a Customized “Zacchaeus Moment” for You

(We’re thrilled to have Kelly R. Baker guest posting for us today on DoNotDepart. Kelly and I write together for HelloMornings. I love her heart for the Lord and her insight. …Praying her words about the Zacchaeus Moment will bless you like they have me! — Ali)

When Jesus is passing by, He stops and steps into the lives of those who are looking for Him. He did this with a Jewish tax collector named Zacchaeus. I call it a “Zacchaeus moment.”

In this post, I’m sharing portions of his story and some incredible truths about how you can have a Zacchaeus moment, too.

How a Zacchaeus Moment Begins

He entered Jericho and was passing through. And behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus. He was a chief tax collector and was rich. And he was seeking to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd he could not, because he was small in stature. So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him, for he was about to pass that way. Luke 19:1-4 ESV

Zacchaeus wanted to “see who Jesus was” (verse 3). That reveals his heart. He didn’t want to take anyone else’s description of Jesus as passing conversation. No, he wanted to see Him with his own two eyes, so he was seeking Him out.

Being height challenged he climbed a tree to see over the crowd. I admire that about him. He had a problem and rose to the challenge (pun intended).

Isn’t that how it is sometimes? I know I can come to Jesus at any time; I know He’s near. But there’s often a hindrance—a crowd, an obligation, a commitment—that will either take or need my attention.

It was an unusual practice for a tax collector to climb a tree. The thing is, Zacchaeus needed a personal touch. He needed to be where he could see Jesus without interference.

Do you need a customized moment with Jesus? If you’re desperate for Him, you will pursue plan B like a squirrel looking for the last nut on earth. Sometimes your plan B will be an unconventional one. What figurative tree do you need to climb so you can see Jesus without obstruction?

My Zacchaeus Moment

And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for I must stay at your house today.” So he hurried and came down and received him joyfully. Luke 19:5-6 ESV

Even when you spend time with Jesus, you can’t always linger when it’s time to move on to other responsibilities. That’s the case whether you need a special touch from Him or not. If you’re a mom, you know what happens. Kids will need a mama’s assistance at times when it can’t wait.

That happened to me recently. My heart needed Him to come and soothe heartache, renew my strength, give me a fresh perspective on a dreaded day ahead. But I couldn’t stop the clock.

As I went about my business, I tossed whispered pleas to Him. I just needed to make it through a few more hours before I could get a space of solitude to deal with my heart.

But just like Zacchaeus, Jesus looked right over that crowd and met me where I was. He reminded me of truth, and it brought the encouragement I needed.

Your Zacchaeus Moment

Jesus didn’t make small talk with Zacchaeus but gave him an invitation. Added to that was the command to hurry. Why did Jesus tell him to rush? While pondering this question, I thought of my “Zacchaeus moment.”

If I had stayed in my current mindset, I would have continued to sit in dread of the day. And how would that affect the people around me? I wouldn’t be emanating His abundant life. Perhaps Jesus didn’t want Zacchaeus to dwell in his current state but hurry and come out of it.

Jesus invited him to fellowship in closer quarters. Zacchaeus’ “received Him joyfully,” which allowed Jesus full access.

When people come into your home, they get a revealing picture of the way you live. Your likes and dislikes. Your pristine or pigsty house. A greater intimacy occurs.

Jesus knows you through and through. He sees your heart whether it’s clean or contemptible. But its condition never stops Him from loving and pursuing you.

What a Zacchaeus Moment Brings

And when they saw it, they all grumbled, “He has gone in to be the guest of a man who is a sinner.” And Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor. And if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold.” And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” Luke 19:7-10 ESV

The people observing this moment called Zacchaeus a sinner. I find it interesting that his name means “pure.” Your past doesn’t disqualify you from receiving salvation.

The crowd’s opinion of you isn’t significant. Jesus doesn’t give that any attention, and neither should you. He brought salvation to Zacchaeus’ house regardless of his reputation.

In this exchange, Zacchaeus shared his heart with Jesus. And Jesus responded with precisely what Zacchaeus needed: salvation. He brought Zacchaeus from a sinner into continual fellowship with Him.

And He does the same with you because He desires unbroken fellowship with you. Yes, friend, Jesus has a “Zacchaeus moment” planned for you. All you need to do is receive Him.

Kelly R. Baker is a Bible study teacher, writer, and mentor. She serves with her husband in leading the worship ministry at their church. You will probably find her sneaking a bite (or more) of organic dark chocolate in between wrangling her four kids. Her greatest passion is helping women thrive in Christ. Connect with her at www.kellyrbaker.com , Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.