Day 8 — Zacchaeus Was Small

“He was trying to see who Jesus was, but could not see over the crowd because he was small in stature.”

— Luke 19:3 (BSB)

Zacchaeus was short. The Bible says he was “small in stature.” When Jesus came to his town, a huge crowd gathered, and Zacchaeus couldn’t see a thing over everybody’s heads.

So what did he do? He ran ahead and climbed a tree! And when Jesus came by, He stopped, looked up, and called Zacchaeus by name. Jesus didn’t care that he was short. He went to his house that very day.

During puberty, one of the biggest changes is growth. Many guys have a growth spurt, a time when they shoot up fast, sometimes several inches in a year. Your feet and hands might grow first, so you feel a bit clumsy for a while. Your shoulders get broader, and your muscles get bigger and stronger.

But here’s the thing: every guy grows at a different time. In your class, some guys might already be tall with deep voices, while others still look like little kids. That’s completely normal. The guy who’s shortest in sixth grade might be one of the tallest by the end of high school. Or not! Either way is fine.

It’s really easy to compare yourself with other guys: He’s taller. He’s stronger. He’s faster. He already has muscles. And it’s easy to feel like you don’t measure up.

But remember Zacchaeus. Jesus didn’t pick him because he was tall. He picked him because He loved him. Your worth doesn’t come from your height, your muscles or how fast your body is changing.

Here’s how to help your growing body:

• Eat good food, and plenty of it. Growing guys get hungry! That’s normal.
• Sleep. A lot of your growing actually happens while you sleep.
• Move. Play sports, ride your bike, climb things and get outside.
• Don’t take pills, powders or supplements to get bigger or stronger unless your parents and doctor say it’s okay. Your body is already doing what it needs to do.
• Don’t tease other guys about their size, whether they’re big or small.

And if you ever feel really worried about your size, your weight or how you look, or if you’re trying hard not to eat, talk to a parent or trusted grown-up. Those worries are more common than you’d think, and there’s help.

Think about it: Do you ever compare your body with other guys’? What does the story of Zacchaeus say to you about that?

Try this: Ask your dad or another man you trust, “When did you have your growth spurt?” Then thank God for three things your body can do right now.

Dear God, thank You for my growing body. Help me not to compare myself with other guys, but to remember that my worth comes from You. Help me take care of my body with good food, sleep and exercise. In Jesus’ name, Amen.