Look Beyond Appearances

When Jesus came by, he looked up at Zacchaeus and called him by name. “Zacchaeus!” he said. “Quick, come down! I must be a guest in your home today.” Luke 19:5

Zacchaeus had three strikes against him—he had sold his allegiance to Rome and become a tax collector, he used his position to become very wealthy at other people’s expense, and he was painfully aware that he was short.

And who did Jesus single out for a lunch appointment?

Great leaders are able to see beyond a person’s past to their potential. They look for sparks of passion behind veils of misperception.

Perhaps Jesus saw a short, little man who had overcome tremendous odds. Maybe he sensed a heart longing to be generous beyond all expectation. Whatever it was, Jesus recruited Zacchaeus for his team.

How’s your special person radar? Have you developed the ability to read between the lines of a person’s résumé? Are you willing to risk hiring someone who breaks the mold?

Jesus hired Zacchaeus. Would you?