Luke 19:1-10 JESUS entered Jericho and was passing through. 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 being a short man he could not, because of the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since JESUS was coming that way. When JESUS reached the spot, HE looked up and said to him. “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” So he came down at once and welcomed HIM gladly. All the people saw this and began to mutter. “HE has gone to be the guest of a sinner.” But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the LORD. “Look, LORD! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anyone out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount. JESUS said to him. “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man is a son of Abraham. For the SON of Man came to seek and to save what was lost. [New International translation]
Definition: “Up a tree” --confused; without an answer to a problem; in a difficult situation. (For example, “This whole business has me up a tree. I am up a tree and I need help.”)
Summary:
During the time of JESUS’ ministry, Jerusalem and most of the other surrounding cities of Judea were under Roman jurisdiction. The Jewish people were under Roman rule and authority. Men, like Zacchaeus, who collected taxes for Rome, were despised. They were considered outcasts by the religious leaders because tax collectors collected the Roman tax, which meant that they fraternized with Roman gentiles, who were considered “unclean.” Tax collectors were considered traitors and they had a reputation for being sinners and thieves because many of the tax collections took more than the Roman tax. To be a tax collector was in essence to be at the bottom of the religious and social ladder in the Jewish community. No one wanted to associate with Zacchaeus. Zacchaeus may have been “wealthy,” but he was “disconnected.” He was disconnected from his “church” and from “the people.” However, Zacchaeus really wanted to see JESUS. Zacchaeus knew he could not visit the synagogue, where JESUS sometimes taught, because the religious leaders would not welcome him there. Zacchaeus knew that he could not join “the crowd” because the people were hostile toward him. Moreover, Zacchaeus was a “short man.” He knew he would never see JESUS simply by standing still or doing nothing. When Zacchaeus took action and climbed up the sycamore-fig tree, he was “up a tree” in more ways than one.
But, JESUS looked up and saw Zacchaeus and understood Zacchaeus’situation immediately. . JESUS called out to Zacchaeus and told him that HE would fellowship with him that very day. JESUS offered to come into Zacchaeus’ life (and home). Zacchaeus came out of his tree, “stood up” and acknowledged JESUS as “LORD.” When Zaachaeus was accused of being a sinner, he did not deny it, but instead agreed to give back half of his possessions to the poor and to pay back four times the amount if he cheated anyone out of anything. JESUS then gave Zacchaeus the gift of salvation and restored him back into the family (of GOD) and as a son of Abraham. For Zacchaeus, a man “up a fig tree,” seeking JESUS was the best thing he could have ever done.
FIGS
Figs are mentioned in the Bible in a number of scriptures, besides Luke 19. Philip found his brother Nathanael sitting in the shade of a fig tree (John 1:48). Adam and Eve made clothing from fig leaves (Gen 3:7). The prophet Amos had a job caring for sycamore-figs trees and tending sheep (Amos 7:14). During the reigns of King David and King Solomon sycamore trees were bountiful along the hillside of Israel. The Egyptians ate figs. The Romans considered figs a sacred fruit. According to Roman mythology, Romulus and Remus, the twin brother founders of ancient Rome, who according to legend were raised by a she wolf, were placed in a basket that floated down river until the basket was caught in the branches of a sycamore-fig tree. See www.roman-empire.net/founding.
Today, we know that figs are high in dietary fiber, rich in potassium and in manganese. According to www.whfoods.com:
Figs are a good source of potassium, a mineral that helps to control blood pressure. Many people do not eat enough fruits and vegetables; however, they do consume high amounts of sodium because salt is frequently added to processed foods. As a consequence, they may be deficient in potassium. Low intake of potassium-rich foods, especially when coupled with a high intake of sodium, can lead to hypertension.
Potassium is both a mineral and an electrolyte. It is important to the heart, kidneys, the brain and other organs functioning properly.
According to www.Organicfacts.net, eating figs helps to:
- Prevent constipation: There are 5 grams of fiber per three-fig serving. So, it helps in healthy bowel function and prevents constipation.
- Reduce weight: The fiber in figs also helps to reduce weight and is recommended for obese people.
- Lower cholesterol: Figs contain Pectin, a soluble fiber. When fiber goes through the digestive system, it mops up globes of cholesterol and carries them out of body.
- Prevent coronary heart disease: Dried figs contain phenol, Omega-3 and Omega-6. These fatty acids reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.
- Prevent colon cancer: The presence of fiber helps to mop up and usher out cancer causing substances.
- Protect against post-menopausal breast cancer: Fiber content in figs give protection against breast cancer.
- Manage diabetes: The American Diabetes Association recommends figs for a high fiber treat. Fig leaves reduce the amount of insulin needed by diabetic patients who have to take insulin injection. Fig is rich in Potassium. Potassium helps to control blood sugar. Fig leaves have anti-diabetic properties
- Prevent hypertension: People used to take more sodium in the form of salt. Low potassium and high sodium level may lead to hypertension. Figs are high in potassium but low in sodium. So, it helps to avoid hypertension.
- Strengthens bones: Figs are rich in Calcium. Calcium helps to strengthen bones.
- Prevent macular degeneration: Vision loss in older people is due to macular degeneration. Fruits and figs generally are good for avoiding this condition.
Since figs are highly perishable, they should probably be eatten within one or two days of purchase. If they are slightly under ripe, they should be washed thoroughly, placed on a dish, away from sun light, kept at room temperature and then eaten over several days.
UP A FIG TREE BUT GOD STILL SEES
At some point or other in life, all of us end “up a tree”--- in a confused place, in a difficult situation, feeling isolated and detached from those around us or in need of help. Like Zacchaeus, we will need to be saved. And, at some point, all of us will be guilty of wanting to keep someone else “up a tree.” And, like the members of “the crowd” in Luke 19, we will need a reminder that we are all part of the same family of GOD. GOD will need to remind us to “see” people as HE “sees” them---not as “tax collector,” “supervisor,” “employers,” “rich,” “homeless,” “Democrat,” “Republican,” “alien,” “different” or “difficult,” but just “all lost sheep.” If we want to fellowship with GOD and follow HIS example we will also have “to see” others as GOD sees us.
So, today, eat a few figs, meditate on the WORD of GOD and pray that GOD give us all greater sight and insight.
Rejoice that GOD “sees us” and BE BLESSED!
