2/13/2026

Day 13: 

Zacchaeus in the Tree

Luke 19:1–10 (NLT)

Zacchaeus was wealthy, powerful, and universally despised. As a chief tax collector, he had grown rich by cooperating with Rome and exploiting his own people. Money gave him comfort, but it could not give him belonging. He was successful—and completely isolated. Then Jesus entered Jericho, and something stirred in Zacchaeus’s heart.

Luke records a simple but revealing line: “He wanted to see who Jesus was” (Luke 19:3). That desire alone exposed a quiet humility. Despite his wealth and authority, Zacchaeus recognized that something essential was missing. Ecclesiastes speaks to this ache: “God has planted eternity in the human heart” (Ecclesiastes 3:11). Zacchaeus had gained the world but lost his soul (Mark 8:36).

Yet wanting to see Jesus came with obstacles. Zacchaeus was short, and the crowd blocked his view. In that moment, pride could have asserted itself. He could have demanded space, pulled rank, or arranged a private meeting. Instead, he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree. This act was deeply undignified. A wealthy official scrambling up a tree like a child would have drawn laughter and ridicule. But humility values encounter over appearance. “The Lord does not see things the way you see them… the Lord looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7).

Zacchaeus chose embarrassment over distance. Pride protects reputation; humility risks it. Scripture echoes this posture: “God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth” (Matthew 5:5).

When Jesus reached the tree, He looked up and called Zacchaeus by name. “Zacchaeus,” He said, “quick, come down! I must be a guest in your home today” (Luke 19:5). The word must reveals divine intention. This was not a casual stop—it was a sovereign appointment. While the crowd grumbled, Jesus pursued the one no one else wanted. “Even before he made the world, God loved us” (Ephesians 1:4).

Zacchaeus’s response shows the fruit of a true encounter with Christ. He welcomed Jesus gladly, then stood and declared immediate repentance: “I will give half my wealth to the poor… and if I have cheated people on their taxes, I will give them back four times as much” (Luke 19:8). This was not emotional remorse—it was costly obedience. The Law required restitution, but Zacchaeus exceeded it (Exodus 22:1). Grace always goes further than obligation.

Notice the urgency: “Here and now.” Humility does not delay obedience. “Don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says” (James 1:22). Zacchaeus did not cling to wealth gained through sin; he released it freely. His money no longer ruled him—Jesus did.

Jesus affirmed the transformation: “Salvation has come to this home today” (Luke 19:9). Salvation was not merely spoken—it was demonstrated. The Son of Man did exactly what He came to do: “to seek and save those who are lost” (Luke 19:10).

What tree is Jesus asking you to climb? What pride, dignity, or reputation must be laid down so you can truly see Him? And what must be surrendered here and now—not later, not someday—to demonstrate genuine repentance? Ask the Lord to reveal what obedience looks like today, and respond without delay.

Humility is willing to look foolish to see Jesus

and willing to let go of everything once He is found.