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 19:3-4 NIV
In one of Jesus’ journeys, He encountered a man named Zacchaeus, as recorded in Luke 19. Zacchaeus was an unlikely candidate for divine attention—a tax collector, widely regarded as a sinner. Yet, Jesus’ interaction with him reminds us that there is no one beyond the reach of God’s grace. The story challenges our assumptions about who qualifies for an encounter with Jesus. His invitation is for everyone, regardless of status, background, or public opinion. Zacchaeus’ experience shows us what it means to go the extra mile in pursuit of a divine encounter.
It is striking that Zacchaeus was not only socially despised but also physically unnoticed due to his short stature. Nevertheless, his determination to see Jesus drove him to climb a sycamore tree—a bold and unusual act. Zacchaeus’ decision teaches us that intentionality is crucial. Many people followed Jesus that day, but only one man received a personal, life-changing encounter. Why? Because he went the extra mile to position himself for it. In the same way, we must ask ourselves whether we are just going along with the crowd or truly seeking to encounter God.
God is always willing to meet with us, but He waits patiently for us to open the door of our hearts. Zacchaeus did not settle for being a passive observer. He desired something more—he longed for a real relationship with Jesus. When we go the extra mile in our walk with God, we experience Him in ways that casual Christianity cannot offer. Zacchaeus’ climbing up that tree was not just a physical effort; it was a spiritual leap that reflected the posture of his heart. The same principle applies today: spiritual hunger always attracts divine attention.
When Jesus saw Zacchaeus, He responded immediately, saying, “Today I must stay at your house.” This invitation was not only a personal honour but also a public declaration of acceptance and transformation. A true encounter with God is marked by mutual pursuit—God reaching out, and man responding with openness. Zacchaeus went the extra mile, and as a result, his life was never the same. He didn’t just have a moment; he began a journey of transformation, sparked by his willingness to go beyond the ordinary.
Now, let’s bring this home. You may go to church regularly. You might even serve faithfully in ministry. But the question remains: are you going the extra mile in your relationship with God? Are you intentionally creating space to know Him beyond Sunday services and religious routines? Encountering God is not meant to be a one-time event; it should be a daily pursuit. Each day presents an opportunity to seek Him anew, to grow deeper in intimacy, and to experience change in ways that are visible to others.
So, what does going the extra mile look like for you today? Is it setting aside time to pray when no one is watching? Is it diving into God’s Word not just for knowledge, but for transformation? Or is it choosing to worship even when circumstances feel overwhelming? To encounter God, we must be willing to step beyond convenience and comfort. The depth of your encounter is often determined by the depth of your pursuit.
In conclusion, the story of Zacchaeus is a timeless reminder that while God desires to encounter us, it often takes intentional action on our part to truly experience Him. The extra mile may be inconvenient, but it is always worth it. Don’t settle for a surface-level walk with God. Choose today to go the extra mile, and you will find that God meets you there—with grace, with power, and with transformation.
Living It Out
Going the extra mile in your walk with God doesn’t begin with grand gestures—it starts with small, consistent steps of surrender and faith. Like Zacchaeus, you may feel overlooked or unqualified, but your hunger for more of God is all He needs to meet you right where you are. Begin today by asking: What tree do I need to climb? Maybe it’s carving out quiet time in the morning, turning off distractions to truly listen in prayer, or taking a bold step of obedience you’ve been postponing.
Whatever it looks like for you, don’t wait for a perfect moment. God honours the heart that seeks Him with intention. He sees your desire, your climb, your effort—and He responds with presence, purpose, and transformation.
Make space for Him today. Go beyond the ordinary. Step into a deeper encounter with Jesus. And like Zacchaeus, you’ll discover that when you go the extra mile, Jesus meets you there with life-changing grace.