As we read Luke 19:1-10, we watch Jesus enter Jerusalem for the last time. But we are not the only ones watching. A sinner named Zacchaeus also wanted to turn in eye to the Savior, and as a reward for his diligence, he was able to take Christ into his home as well as his heart.
After three years of ministering, Jesus is greeted by a large crowd when he enters the city. The throng was so deep that Zacchaeus, a man of little stature, was unable to see the Savior. Instead of complacently accepting that the Lord was hard to get to, Zacchaeus exerted extra effort. He climbed a sycamore tree so that he could obtain a clear view of Christ. Out of the throng, Jesus recognized this man and told him that He would abide in the house, despite the murmurings that resulted. When called a sinner, Zacchaeus stated that he shared with the poor and sought to restore those he had defrauded. Jesus then stated that salvation would come to this house, because He had come to reclaim the lost.
There are times in our lives when we, like Zacchaeus, are unable to get a clear view of the Savior. Perhaps worldly things crowd around us and obstruct our view. Perhaps we are too tired, or too busy, to do the things He asks us to do. But when we extend the extra effort, we are greatly blessed.
The Savior abode in Zacchaeus’ house that evening. But that was not all. Here was a mortal man who had lived a life of sin. Yet, after hearing the teachings of Christ, he strove to change his life and to do better. He made a conscious choice to change, just as he had made the choice to climb the tree and set his sites on the Savior. Similarly, when we make a conscious choice to put the Lord first in our lives, to keep our eye on Him, we are blessed. Our relationship with Him grows stronger, and our faith in Him increases. We can better serve Him. He will live, not only in our homes, but in our hearts, because that is where we chose to put Him.
After reading this, I tried to think of times when I had let the crowd of life block my view of the Savior. I decided that I have been awfully good at making excuses. Because of our present lifestyle, serving in my new calling has been difficult. I have resolved to stop making excuses and start making the effort. I know that the Lord will bless me as I strive to accomplish the tasks He has set before me.
In what aspects of your life have you allowed something to block – even partially – your view of the Savior? It may not be a major thing, just a “little thing” you put off. I encourage you to expend the extra effort and climb the tree. The view will be more than worth it.
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For other blogs on this week’s lesson, check out the Gospel Doctrine link to the right!
Gospel Doctrine: Christ’s ‘Straightway’ and ‘Immediately’
Sunday Review: Quick to Observe
General Conference: “Discipleship”