Luke 19:3-5 He (Zacchaeus) 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. When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” (NIV)

Have you ever felt too small or short for a situation? That if you were a little bit taller, you would be more successful? I have. At work, we keep certain boxes on the top shelf. I have to stand on my tippy toes and use something like a broom handle to nudge the box to the front so that I can let it almost fall on me, and then I catch it with my hand just before it hits me in the face. 

I know…not a recommended procedure. But for me, climbing a tree would have been just as dangerous.

Zacchaeus had a plan: I will climb this sycamore tree and then I will see and know what this Jesus is all about. But Jesus had a better plan. Jesus came to Zacchaeus. Jesus knew right where Zacchaeus was and what was in his heart. It wasn’t an accident.

Jesus knows you too.

You are trying your best to be a good mom to a child who needs extra physical help. You are struggling to be a cool dad when others stare at you because of your child. You are finding out it is hard to be patient when your family isn’t perfect.

And, Jesus knows what you want.

If you had just a little more knowledge, you would show your child how to be stronger. If you had more courage, you wouldn’t care what others think. If you were a little more organized, your family’s flaws wouldn’t be so obvious.

But, Jesus knows what you need.

While you are reaching and climbing and struggling, Jesus is inviting. He is reaching down to you with his love through the study of his Word, faith-filled music, prayers with friends, and words of wisdom from Christian counselors or pastors. He knows you don’t need earthly gifts as much as you need spiritual gifts.

Ultimately, Jesus loves you.

When Jesus enters your heart, he reminds you that you a sinner and need forgiveness. He shows you what his death on the cross gives you—eternal life—and suddenly the reason you live is bigger than your problems. The struggles you have become ways to show the power of the gospel. Instead of letting problems get in the way of your happiness, your joy can overcome your problems.

Jesus is with you.

It’s not easy, especially when you are raising a child with extraordinary needs. You may have difficulty making extra time to read God’s Word or contact your pastor. Taking time to stop and listen to Christian lyrics requires quiet for contemplation. Taking time to talk with God during the day may seem impossible. But God’s love is bigger than all of that. He has promised to be with you always.

Just like Zacchaeus was looking for Jesus, you are looking for help. And just like Jesus knew what Zacchaeus needed, he is giving you his love and forgiveness.

Dear Jesus,

Thank you for coming to be the baby born in Bethlehem.

Thank you for your death and resurrection.

Thank you for knowing us.

Thank you for giving us what we need: You.

Amen.

By Deborah Ade