Letter to Zacchaeus

Hello, Mr. Zacchaeus,

We never met, but if I had a chance, I sure would like to shake your hand. I know you lived in a different era and place. About two thousand years separate us. Things have changed; the world is nothing like it was at your time. So, one may think we have nothing in common, but people are still the same. The human heart, or better said, the soul of man, continues to be naturally evil.

Did you know that what you did was recorded in the Bible? Yes! Luke summarized your encounter with Jesus, recording your action and transformation (Lk 19:1-10). There are only ten verses that narrate the event, but they are packaged with a powerful message, and they are enough for me to see that we actually have some similarities.

I keep imagining how the street was crammed with people that day. I’m pretty sure there were many of Jesus’ followers present, pressing against each other to be at the front of the commotion. Many onlookers, curious people who wanted to see who was the man performing miracles: beggars leaving their capes, the lame walking, lepers being clean, and demons fleeing. Did you know that right before he entered Jericho, Jesus had healed a blind man? Could it be that the news got to you before Jesus entered the city and that’s what stirred you up to seek him? Was it planned, or was it an impulse that led you to run ahead of the crowd and climb the tree? 

You didn’t know then, but just a few days after you climbed the sycamore tree to meet Jesus, He would climb on a tree on your behalf. 

Oh, how I’d like to know what your thoughts were and how you felt as you heard of Jesus passing through your town… I know you were not looking for healing, riches, or position. You had it all. Maybe you didn’t have much time to think about Jesus before that day, but I know you heard about Him. I guess you were eager to meet this man that was not like the others around your social circle. It’s the same with me. When I hear about Jesus, my heart hastens. I want more than just hearing about Him. I want an encounter to really know Him. But I have the same problem as you did. I’m too short (Romans 3:23). I read in Isaiah 59:2 that my transgressions separate me from His face. And let me admit it to you: I have many sins. Most of them are involuntary. I strive to do good, but I keep failing (Romans 7:19). And that’s why I am so short.

But you, Mr. Zacchaeus, found a solution to see Jesus. You climbed on a sycamore tree. People probably kept staring at you as if you were not in your right mind. A man at your position, with your social status… But your desire to meet Him was bigger than your ego, right? What a glorious tree!

I realized my stature is not determined by a tape measure, but by my attitude—a posture of bowing to the One who is. So, I also had to humble myself and climb a tree. Not a live one with green leaves, but two beans, probably made of wood from a sycamore tree, and although it is a symbol of an agonizing death, it gave me life. I found the cross where Jesus died so I could have everlasting life through the blood He shed. A tree from where the pure and holy blood of the perfect Lamb of God flowed through the cracks at the Golgotha Rock right down on top of the Mercy Seat. A blood that is still alive speaking on my behalf in the courts of Heaven.

Today is not different from your time; anyone who goes to the Tree to meet Jesus is made fun of (I Corinthians 1:18). However, it is impossible to get close to Him without climbing on the tree. But when we do… oh, when we do… Jesus calls us by name; He dines with us; He transforms us, and our relationship becomes that of the King of kings and a friend (John 15:15). All because of the blood-stained Tree!

So, Zacchaeus, I just want you to know that your “bizarre” attitude left us a lesson. And because both of us climbed a tree to meet Jesus, we will one day meet each other face-to-face.

Till then,

Another life transformed by the amazing encounter with Him.

-Jaqueline Assis