Nougat 7

Hello

There are some little details included in the Gospels which are obviously intended solely as a revelation of the deity of Christ. When we read them, it is possible to take them for granted; but on further reflection we find ourselves pausing. Take today’s Holy Nougat for example:

“When Jesus came by, he looked up at Zacchaeus and called him by name. “Zacchaeus!” he said. “Quick, come down! I must be a guest in your home today.””

‭‭Luke‬ ‭19:5‬ ‭NLT‬‬

A first reading of this may not reveal anything out of order – until we register; how did Jesus know where to find Zacchaeus; and how did He know Zacchaeus’ name? We take those details for granted in the now; but back in those days it would have been significant. Just think, the crowd around Jesus would have been fairly significant. So much so that Zacchaeus knew that his only hope for getting a glimpse of Jesus was to find a vantage point that worked for him.

As a tax collector, Zac was nothing if not a strategist. He knew that his very profession placed him on the outskirts of society; and his stature only exacerbated the problem by emphasizing how low he was in status. But he had Big dreams and those dreams included seeing Jesus. He opted for a sycamore tree. Could it be that the choice of trees was not accidental? Reaching a height of 22+ metres on average, Sycamores were sturdy and often had enough foliage for shade. This was important, because Jesus’ visit could take a while if any miracle was performed.

However there are a few other details that are noteworthy about sycamores. Like Zacchaeus, sycamores were not native to Jericho. We know that Zac was a tax collector, but the other clue which we might have missed is his name. It is a Greek name, meaning ‘pure’. While it is unlikely that others on the road were speaking of him to Jesus (tax collectors were despised); Jesus being God enfleshed, knew Zac’s name AND his heart. Calling Zacchaeus by name was a clue about Jesus’ divinity.

But there is more. Commentary writers such as Jonathan Lipnick point to the symbolism of the sycamore tree as cousin yo the fig, which we might recall was the subject of Jesus object lesson on fruitfulness and purpose. Lipnick proposes that the tree pointed to Jesus’ triumphant entry and eventual glory. While I don’t agree that Zacchaeus wad internationally prophetic; I definitely believe his location was not accidental. And while the vantage point afforded him a bird’s eye view of the proceedings; he was also there in alignment with God’s purpose.

Just like you and me. We might be/feel adrift and overwhelmed by the crowds around us – work, health, family, friendships, finances, lockdown, and other traumatic experiences – but even a slight adjustment in our situation can make a difference for a lifetime.

Zacchaeus opted to get up and climb up in order to get a good look at Jesus. Jesus saw him and rewarded his sacrifice. I know that He will do the same for us now because He (Jesus) has an even better vantage point. Seated there at God’s Right hand; I KNOW Jesus is interceding for us. Like Zacchaeus, many of us are grafted in; and Jesus has room for each of us. Jesus sees us. Jesus knows us by name.

Can we recognize His divinity? And are we ready for our personal Jesus experience today?

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May all we seek be found in Christ