The Sycamore Tree
Scripture lesson
Luke 19.1-10
“Zaccheus ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree to see Jesus, because Jesus
was going to pass that way.”
Luke 19.4
New Revised Standard Version
Some years ago a friend gave me a book of prayers and reading that had been compiled by small community of Christians living in Pennsylvania. It was entitled, The Sycamore Book, and on the first pages were these words: “This book is dedicated to all those who, like Zaccheus, need and seek out a proverbial sycamore tree in order to get a better view of Jesus today.”
I think Zaccheus reminds us that faith in Jesus often begins with a fascination with Jesus: a desire to know more about him, to explore the sources of his energy, to develop a deep curiosity about his mission and ministry, as if we always meeting him again for the first time. Though Zaccheus may have been ‘short in stature,’ he was long in curiosity, and that curiosity brought him closer to Jesus and made him a disciple of his way.
Perhaps the surest way to refresh our faith is to cherish the example of Zaccheus and to find that sycamore tree which can grant us a better view of the Lord of life. A loving encounter with friend or stranger, a time of meditation, a prayer for the wider world: all these experiences, and many more, can be the sycamore trees which afford us a better view of the way that leads to life.
Prayer: O God of life, help us to see and seek the life and hope of Jesus where we meet people and make decisions, and having met him in those places, enable us to follow him with great hope and endless curiosity. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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