Jesus spent his three years on earth traveling from place to place, preaching His message of love and forgiveness. And one of those stories highlights a man named Zacchaeus.

Zacchaeus was very short in stature. I can relate! There is a commotion taking place, and he learns that the center of the commotion is a man named Jesus. He’s heard about Jesus, and he wants to see Him. But he’s too short. He finds himself lost in the middle of a crowd of people! Yet something tells him he needs to find a way to see Jesus. So, what does he do? He runs ahead of the crowd and climbs a tree! A little too daring for me, but he feels a strong need to see this Jesus. And his desire is rewarded. Not only does he see Jesus, but Jesus sees him! Amid a crowd of people around Jesus, Jesus looks up, sees Zacchaeus, and invites Himself to dinner! Now, inviting oneself to dinner isn’t exactly proper by our standards, but Zacchaeus is thrilled, especially since his profession as a tax collector made him unacceptable to most people. Zacchaeus’ need to see is rewarded with an ‘up close and personal’ visit with Jesus Himself.

We will not have such an opportunity while we are here on earth, but the next best thing is a personal, prayerful relationship with Jesus. If you look, you’ll see him…in the faces of fellow Christians all around you. And be assured…he’s looking for you!

About the author: Rev. Elizabeth L. Nelson is the priest at Good Shepherd Episcopal Church in LaBelle.