In order to see Jesus, Zacchaeus climbed up into a sycamore tree. Zacchaeus was a short man who wanted to see Jesus, but he could not because the crowd was so large, and he could not see over them. So, he ran ahead of the crowd and climbed up into a sycamore tree so that he could get a better view of Jesus as He passed by. Jesus noticed Zacchaeus up in the tree and called him by name, inviting himself to his house. Zacchaeus was overjoyed and welcomed Jesus into his home. This encounter led to Zacchaeus repenting of his sins and giving back what he had stolen from others, as he realized that Jesus had come to seek and save the lost.