In the Gospel of Luke chapter 19, we meet Zacchaeus—a wealthy tax collector who not only climbed the social ladder, but also climbed a sycamore tree just to catch a glimpse of Jesus. In Jericho, Zacchaeus was known for two things: his money and his questionable business ethics. People avoided him, whispered about him, and wrote him off as a lost cause.
Then along comes Jesus. Amid the pressing crowd he moves to the base of that tree. I imagine a cheeky grin on His face as He looks up, and says : “Zacchaeus, come down. Wouldn’t your house be a better spot to get acquainted?”
It’s a strange choice. In a city full of people needing hope, Jesus singles out the man most people disliked—and does it publicly.
Our city is full of “Zacchaeus moments.”
- The tech entrepreneur in Yaletown, outwardly successful but quietly searching for meaning.
- The sales agent in Kits, weighed down by compromises they opted for to “make it” in this market.
- The activist in East Van, pushing the boundaries to bring attention to their cause but losing hope that change can happen
Many Vancouverites live in the tension Zacchaeus knew: outward success, inner emptiness. Just like Zach, they might be curious about Jesus, but tentative about how and where to meet Him.
Jesus initiates the encounter with a reverse invitation. “Let’s go to your house”. The meal comes before the moral turnaround. Grace arrives before change.
For a secular, pluralistic city like Vancouver, this is huge. Transformation begins not in winning arguments or posting clever answers online, but in showing up, sharing life, and making space for honest conversation.
If we follow Jesus, we’re called to do what He did in Jericho:
- Notice the people others ignore.
- Step into their spaces, even when it’s socially risky.
- Lead with grace before judgment.
In Zacchaeus’s case, the result was radical—he gave away half his possessions and repaid those he had wronged. But it started with an unexpected invitation and an unhurried meal.
Maybe in Vancouver, the next Zacchaeus is just waiting for someone to see them, know their name, and say, “Let’s talk over dinner.”