It was not a natural thing for Jesus to look up into trees. But it was probably Zaccheus's first time to climb out on a tree limb since childhood! The fig tree in question was known to have branches that stretched way out. So the little tax collector most likely crawled out on limbs that extended right over the road. His fine clothing and jewelry would have made the scene so much more comical. The people must have been torn between watching Jesus approach and observing the absurb above them.
Zaccheus simply wanted to catch a glimpse of the rabbi about whom everyone was talking. In his wildest imaginations he could never imagine he would stop and look at him. That is exactly what Jesus did. In the midst of the chaos that accompanied his travels Jesus stopped. Everyone else stopped, too. His next movement would speak more about the heart of God than words could ever say. He looked up. He saw the outcast, vertically-challenged tax collector in a very awkward pose. God stopped. God took note. I bet he smiled.
The rest of the story simply brings conclusion to the mission of God's Son. We are called to continue this mission. There are many people loved by God who are waiting to be found and covered by grace. But we must stop and look their way. You have probably experienced it before, but the Father wants it to become our lifestyle.
Looking upward,
Greg
From The Pastor
