We are called to climb trees! Climbing trees is actually a biblical metaphor in Luke 19.We read stories like the one about Zacchaeus and don’t think much of it. But how many adults do you know that still climb trees? Not too many.

I love the mental picture of this tax collector in a three-piece suit climbing a tree just to get a glimpse of Jesus!

Zacchaeus had a reputation to protect. He had an image to uphold. But this distinguished tax collector in a three-piece suit climbs a tree like a little kid. He didn’t care about decorum. He didn’t care about protocol. He didn’t care how foolish he looked. He just wanted to get a glimpse of Jesus!

And I want you to notice what is often overlooked in this story. Zacchaeus was willing to looking foolish to get a glimpse of Jesus. And Jesus returned the favor. The people criticized Jesus for hanging out with Zacchaeus.

The end result is an amazing conversion. Zacchaeus gives half his possessions to the poor on the spot. And Jesus says, “Salvation has come to your house.”

This is one of those days you never forget. Zacchaeus never forget the day Jesus came through Jericho—the day he climbed a sycamore tree and Jesus hung out at his house! This is the defining moment of His life. I’ve got to think that Zacchaeus would occasionally make a pilgrimage back to this sycamore tree. Maybe even climb it for old time’s sake. I bet he brought his grandkids there and let them climb the tree and told them that is where he met Jesus!

I don’t know what happens to Zacchaeus. I actually think we’ll get to hear the rest of the story in heaven. But I’ve got to think that giving half his possessions to the poor was just the beginning. He could have cheated people the rest of his life and lived selfishly. But if this story is any indication, Zacchaeus made a difference with his life! And it all started with climbing a tree.

Let me tell you what God is looking for. And I think this is huge. If you don’t know what God is looking for it is awfully hard to please him. In fact, we waste a lot of effort trying to please God in ways that aren’t pleasing to him. The Pharisees are exhibit A. God isn’t looking for religious protocol. I think God is looking for tree climbers. God is looking for people who will do anything to get to God.

Read the gospels and you’ll find that God is looking for tax collectors who climb trees to get to Jesus and prostitutes who crash parties to get to Jesus. He is looking for people who push through crowds like the woman with the issue of blood. He is looking for people who yell at the top of their lungs like the blind beggar. He is looking for people who cut holes in ceilings; jump out of boats; and follow stars to get to Jesus! The greatest turning points in Scripture can be traced back to someone who was willing to look foolish.

Let me tell you why some of us have never killed a giant or walked on water It’s because we’re not willing to look foolish.