Do you know about Zacchaeus? (Read about him in Luke 19.) Zacchaeus was a man who had everything money could buy, but something was still missing. As a chief tax collector, he was wealthy, but he was also despised. When Jesus passed through Jericho, Zacchaeus was determined to see Him. He climbed a tree just to catch a glimpse of him, something a wealthy man of status would never do.

But Jesus did more than walk by. He stopped. He looked up. And He called Zacchaeus by name. “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” (Luke 19:5)

That moment changed everything. Zacchaeus didn’t argue or hesitate. He came down at once and welcomed Jesus gladly. The encounter stirred deep repentance and a radical shift. Zacchaeus vowed to give half of his possessions to the poor and repay anyone he had cheated four times the amount!

Jesus responded, “Today salvation has come to this house.”

Jesus sees you, even when you’re up in your version of a tree hiding, searching, or climbing for something more. He knows your name, your past, your heart, and your potential. Zacchaeus didn’t clean up his life before Jesus came in. He responded because Jesus came in.

Transformation happens when we truly encounter Christ. But it requires a response: humility, urgency, and surrender.

What tree are you in? Is it pride, fear, distraction, or shame? What would it look like for you to “come down” and welcome Jesus into your home (your heart) your day?