They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream.
A good way to approach a Bible story when you are studying it is to place yourself in the story and ask, “Which character do I identify myself with?”
To my surprise, when I did that with the story of Zacchaeus, my answer was: the tree!🤭
Or at least, that’s how I would like to see myself. Allow me to explain.
The Bible compares us to trees several times:
- That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers. – Psalms 1:3 NIV
- But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit. – Jeremiah 17:7-8
- Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. – Matthew 7:17
And this is what I would like to be to others, a tree, strong and rooted in Christ, whose branches provide shade and support and whose fruits yield refreshment.
The crowd surrounding Zacchaeus condemns and judges him, calling him a sinner unworthy of Jesus’ time and attention (Luke 19:7). But not the tree. The tree in the story of Zacchaeus doesn’t judge him or deny him access to its branches. It does nothing special but offers him the support that allows him to be lifted above the crowd to see Jesus.
In the same way, I would like to support others in their pursuit of Jesus, lifting them higher, simply by being someone who is strongly rooted in Christ.
What about you? Who do you identify with in the story?
