Suddenly, just beneath the fig tree, a group halts, the company before and behind come to a standstill, and One looks upward whose glance seems to read the soul. Almost doubting his senses,   the man in the tree hears the words, “Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for today I must abide at thy house.”

so he came down and received Him joyfully

Sometimes you meet a very special person who 

• can touch your inner being
• who really cares about you
• Believes in you more than you do in yourself
• Who leaves you  hopeful
• Who fills you with joy
• Who rekindles the spark

This happened to Zachaeus so no wonder his eyes lit up. I too have experienced special meetings like this two or three times but clearly to a lesser degree than Zachaeus. Men spiritually close to the Lord. 

John was filled with joy and danced in his mothers womb when Jesus came to visit.

The joy of meeting the Lord.