Zacchaeus shows an unusual interest in wanting to look at Jesus. He is not driven by mere curiosity to see a celebrity. Jesus, not to be outdone by this desire, had the courage to break through the barrier of religious prejudices, which kept Zacchaeus too insignificant to be noticed by society, which graded people according to their profession, qualifications and status.

The initiative of Jesus to break into the normal everyday life of Zacchaeus touched him to the core. His inner being was transformed and he received salvation (2 Cor 5:17). The genuine desire of Zacchaeus to see Jesus can be interpreted as a desire to be seen by God; to lay bare one's entire being before Him. Within the framework of our daily living this call comes to us, whatever our involvement in the world. For it is not by changing our job or profession that we become and grow as disciples; but precisely by being in it, in the way God wants it. It is in the heart of the world that we live our discipleship of being in tune with God's invitations to us.

God chose strange people: Moses (Ex 2:12-15) was a murderer; Abraham was a (Gen 12:11-19) liar; Jacob was crafty (Gen 27); Rahab was a harlot (Jos 2). David was an adulterer (2 Sam 11:12). But God mingles with them for their sake and for humanity. He enters into their life to change them dramatically.