[Jesus] entered Jericho and was passing through it. A man was there named Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was rich. He was trying to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd he could not, because he was short in stature. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree to see him, because he was going to pass that way. 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 down and was happy to welcome him. All who saw it began to grumble and said, "He has gone to be the guest of one who is a sinner." Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord, "Look, half of my possessions, Lord, I will give to the poor; and if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I will pay back four times as much." Then Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, because he too is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek out and to save the lost."

The story of Zacchaeus is a familiar one for most of us, a story which is known for Jesus' kindness and his intentional association with sinners. In addition, there are three aspects of Zacchaeus that caught my attention to reflect upon as we observe this Lenten season.

First, zeal to see Jesus. Today, living in the world that provides "instant access," "instant relief," "instant solutions" and "instant food," it is hard for one to have a gift of "zeal" for something. Perhaps we also want to acquire instant spirituality. Availability kills the gift of "zeal." Zacchaeus has the zeal to see Jesus, which changes his life entirely, and it will also change yours and mine.

Second, an obstacle to see Jesus. Zacchaeus was a short man, which was his shortcoming, and the crowd was his obstacle that was keeping him from seeing Jesus. What did Zacchaeus do? He did not think, "Well, I have tried hard to see him, but I am a small-made man of short stature. I can't handle it." No, he did not think that way. He tried to overcome his obstacles. He did not give up the battle. His zeal to see Jesus helped him to make an extra effort to overcome his obstacle. He looks around and runs to climb a sycamore tree to see him. His effort pays off. He sees Jesus. Zacchaeus not only sees Jesus but meets him as well.

Third, meeting Jesus. Zacchaeus desired just to see Jesus from afar. But Zacchaeus not only sees Jesus but also meets him. His zeal and effort to overcome the obstacle to see Jesus are noticed. Jesus comes under the tree, looks at him and offers to receive his hospitality. What a privilege! Imagine how Zacchaeus' heart must have overwhelmed with joy. Zacchaeus not only sees Jesus but also meets him - which changes his life.

Jesus declares, "Today salvation has come to this house, because he too is a son of Abraham." The story of Zacchaeus is a good example that Jesus loves us, no matter what. Jesus loves us irrespectively, for all are equal in his sight