How do you do at noticing the person no one likes? The person others think should be shunned? The reject.

How do you do with getting closer to that kind person? To seeing they have a hungry heart? That they want something more? The ready one.

Jesus encountered someone like that. He was the tax man. As an independent contractor he collected taxes for the Roman government from his own people the Jews. By adding a substantial cut for himself he had become rich...and despised.

When Jesus suggested they have lunch together those around him became indignant. Here's the story.

"Then Jesus entered and walked through Jericho. There was a man there, his name Zacchaeus, the head tax man and quite rich. He wanted desperately to see Jesus, but the crowd was in his way-he was a short man and couldn't see over the crowd.

"So he ran on ahead and climbed up in a sycamore tree so he could see Jesus when he came by. When Jesus got to the tree, he looked up and said, 'Zacchaeus, hurry down. Today is my day to be a guest in your home.'

Zacchaeus scrambled out of the tree, amazed at the invitation, and delighted to take Jesus home with him.

"Everyone who saw the incident was indignant and grumped, 'What business does he have getting cozy with this crook?'

"Zacchaeus just stood there, a little stunned. He stammered apologetically, 'Master, I will give away half my income to the poor-and if I'm caught cheating, I will pay four times the damages.'

"Responding Jesus said, 'Today is salvation day in this home! Here he is:

Zacchaeus, son of Abraham! For the Son of Man came to find and restore the lost.'" (Luke 19:1-10, The Message)

So Jesus looked up. My question is why did he do that?

What awareness did he have that caused him to lift his gaze and make contact with Zacchaeus? Did Holy Spirit suddenly prompt him to glance up or was his

radar always on and waiting for the Spirit to confirm who needed help?

Perhaps both.

What then did the Savior see? Was it something about Zacchaeus---his crazy tree climbing, his eager eyes, his joyful smile-or, was it something within Jesus himself that empowered him to see the more deeply? Perhaps both.

All I know is---I want some of that!

I want to be like Zacchaeus with all his eagerness to see and be with Jesus!

Even if it means climbing a tree, getting ridiculed, or giving away money!

I want to be like Jesus and see the person that is ready to bring him into their heart and house. I know they are all around and might even up a tree!

I don't want to be part of the crowd who got indignant that someone like "crook" Zacchaeus was coming into relationship with Jesus. I want freedom from such arrogant judgment and hateful error.

Lord, give us eyes to see and ears to hear and a willingness to share a holy meal with the likes of Zacchaeus---today! The down, or up, and outer! The rich and famous, or infamous. The lost and the hidden, let us find and love.

Amen!