Articles
Are You Willing To Climb The Tree?
In the Bible book of Luke, we read that Jesus was passing through the town of Jericho.
While Jesus was walking through the town, word spread ahead of Him and people came out to
see Him. I often imagine people lined up along the road much like we do today at a parade. Have
you ever wanted to see something and gone out of your way to make sure you had the
opportunity? I have been on a road trip and taken a detour to look at something even though it
made my trip longer. Think of all the times you have gone out of your way to see friends or
family. When we really want to do something, we seem to find a way.
A man named Zacchaeus had a problem, but he did not let it get in the way of him seeing
Jesus. He came up with a creative solution to being short. He climbed a sycamore-fig tree!
“Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he
was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. He wanted to see who Jesus was, but because he was
short he could not see over the crowd. So, he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see
him, since Jesus was coming that way” (Luke 19:1- 4). Would you have been willing to do that?
Would you have gone out of your way to see Jesus?
Not only did he go out of his way to see Jesus, but he was glad and willing to have Jesus
into his home. “When Jesus reached the spot, He looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come
down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” So, he came down at once and welcomed
Him gladly” (Luke 19:5-6).
How far are you willing to go to see Jesus? We have an opportunity to learn about Jesus and
who He is by reading and studying the Bible. Even more than that, we have an opportunity to see
Jesus in person, and live with Him for eternity in heaven. Are you willing to climb the tree?
~Brad Tolbert
