A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. He wanted to see who Jesus was, but because he was short he could not see over the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way. Luke 19:2-4
Zacchaeus’ height plays well in the children’s song as
that “wee little man.” Kids identify
with being short and unable to see over people, so it reaches that
audience. However, is his height really
that important to understand the story.
Some short people make up for lack of height by acting
meaner and tougher. It’s the short man’s
syndrome or Napoleon complex. His
shortness may have fueled his desire to show these others who was the boss.
Zacchaeus’ effort to see the Messiah as crowds gathered
reveal his heart. He was willing to
climb a sycamore tree to see over people.
While he lacked in height, he made up for it in effort.
It’s actually Zacchaeus’ repentance that’s more
important. He cheated and stole from
people as a tax collector. The town
hated him. Jesus, though, ate at his
house and gave Zacchaeus the chance to repent and pay back. Jesus went to a sinner’s home showing his
compassion for all who “fall short.”
Zacchaeus’ height may have played into his sinfulness,
leading to his overcompensation as a tax collector. But his willingness to repent and give back
is what’s more important.