DESIRING TO SEE JESUS

Luke 19:2-3

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."

Verse 2 gives a brief description of who Zacchaeus was. He was the chief publican. Who was a publican? He was an employee of the, then Roman government, who collected taxes from the Jews. In addition, a publican would extort fees from the Jews to increase his already hefty salary. As a result, Zacchaeus was very rich and not well-liked. In spite of Zacchaeus' much-accumulated wealth, he had a dire need, that is common to humanity. That is the need for the Saviour, who is Jesus. There will always be a void or an emptiness in our lives when we do not have an experiential relationship with God.  Some people try to use different fillings or soothers, such as money, parties, alcohol, friends or even jobs that are fleeting and transitory; here today and gone tomorrow.  Nothing can bring that ultimate satisfaction, only Jesus can.

Verse 3 indicates that Zacchaeus heard that Jesus was passing his way. Propelled by his need, Zacchaeus sought to meet Jesus.  He was curious. His desire was to see who Jesus was. On that occasion, like so many prior, a large multitude surrounded Jesus.  That created a challenge for Zacchaeus for he was of a short stature. It is noteworthy that Zacchaeus received enough information about Jesus that stimulated his appetite for more knowledge. Daily, we are in receipt of so much information about Jesus. The sunrise that dispels the darkness of night; the beautiful, multi-coloured sunset that puts the day 'to sleep' and the rain that waters the earth, these and so much more, testify of God. In Psalms 19:1, we are reminded 'that the heavens declare the glory of God and the firmament shows His handiwork.' 

Zacchaeus would have heard about the miracles that Jesus performed and how they revolutionized people's lives. Undoubtedly, being dissatisfied with his quality of life; he wanted to experience a spiritual metamorphosis; he wanted to turn over a new leaf.  What is your experience? What are you doing with the information that you have about Jesus? Do you have a desire to know more? Be like Zacchaeus, and let nothing stand in your way of knowing the Saviour.