Look Up
Scripture Reading — Luke 19:1-10
He wanted to see who Jesus was, but because he was short he could not see over the crowd.
If you are short like me, you know that whenever a group photo is taken, you will end up in the front row. You also know that if there is something great to see, you will often be behind the tallest person at the event. Zacchaeus must have felt that way too. He was short, and the crowd was growing. The people wanted to see Jesus as he walked down the street. The only thing Zacchaeus could do was to run ahead and climb a tree.
He did not expect to be noticed. He really just wanted a glimpse of Jesus. What he didn’t know was that Jesus could see him.
Jesus then invited himself to dinner and offered friendship. Zacchaeus came down from the tree and was no longer invisible in the crowd.
There may be times in our lives when we feel invisible, and we may hear about great things that Jesus is doing for others but have a hard time seeing or believing that he might notice us.
The story of Zacchaeus reminds us that no matter who we are or what we believe, Jesus can see us and wants to invite himself into our lives.
Today is a good day to go looking for Jesus and to prepare for him to come and see you.
Dear Jesus, thank you for seeing us wherever we are. Help us to know that you want to engage with us and share in our lives. May we be willing to stretch or climb a little higher so that we can see you coming. We pray in your name. Amen.
About the author — Beth Fellinger
Pastor Beth Fellinger is a wife, mother, and grandmother who has more than 40 years of experience in pastoral ministry. She and her husband, Barry, have created a missional community in their neighborhood called the Ugly Couch Cafe. From serving coffee at a blue picnic table on their front lawn, to praying with neighbors, to hosting faith gatherings on a weekly basis, the Ugly Couch Cafe has grown—and nothing gives Beth greater joy than introducing people to Jesus.
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