Lesson Overview for ADULTS
In Luke 19:1-10, we encounter the story of Jesus and Zacchaeus, a wealthy tax collector who was despised by his community. This passage teaches us about God’s love for all people, regardless of their social status, occupation, or reputation. Zacchaeus was different from others in his community. He was short in stature, wealthy from collecting taxes, and considered an outcast by many. Yet when Jesus came to town, He specifically sought out Zacchaeus, demonstrating that God values every individual and desires a relationship with each person.
The story shows us that differences between people should not create barriers to friendship or acceptance. Jesus looked beyond Zacchaeus’s reputation and saw his heart’s need for salvation and belonging. When we encounter people who are different from us (in appearance, background, abilities, or circumstances) we can follow Jesus’s example by showing love, acceptance, and kindness. This story teaches children that God loves everyone equally and that we should treat others with the same love and respect, celebrating our differences rather than allowing them to divide us.
Opening Activity: Tree Climbing PlayDoh 10:15-10:30 a.m.
Items Needed:
- Zacchaeus Playdoh Mat
- Green and brown Playdoh
- small toy people figures
- Coloring Page
- Crayons
Children create trees with brown Playdoh trunks and green leaves, then use small figures to act out climbing the tree like Zacchaeus did. This helps them connect with the story while developing fine motor skills. A coloring page will also be available for children to color if they finish with their Playdoh Early.
Bible Verse Game: Jesus is Coming Parade (10:30-10:40 a.m.)
Materials Needed:
- Rhythm instruments (shakers, tambourines, bells)
- Colorful scarves
Children march around the room with instruments, celebrating that “Jesus is coming to town” just like the people in Jericho did. They can wave scarves and play instruments while chanting “Jesus loves everyone!” This builds excitement and teaches about Jesus’s welcoming nature.
Song and Movement (10:40-10:50 a.m.)
Bible Lesson (10:50-11:00 a.m.)
Question 1: Where is this story found in the Bible? (Luke)
Question 2: Is this in the Old Testament or New Testament? (New Testament)
Object Lesson: Use a small step stool or chair to represent the tree.
Once there was a man named Zacchaeus who lived in a big city called Jericho. Zacchaeus was very different from other people in his town. He was much shorter than everyone else, and he had a job collecting money called taxes. The people in his town didn’t like Zacchaeus because they thought he took too much of their money.
One day, Jesus came to visit Jericho! Everyone was SO excited to see Jesus. They all ran to the road where Jesus was walking. But poor Zacchaeus couldn’t see Jesus because he was too short, and all the tall people were in front of him.
Zacchaeus had an idea! He ran ahead and climbed up into a big tree! (Have a child climb on the step stool or chair) Now he could see Jesus perfectly!
When Jesus walked under the tree, He looked up and saw Zacchaeus. Do you know what Jesus said?
He said, “Zacchaeus, come down! I want to come to your house today!”
Zacchaeus was SO happy! No one ever wanted to be his friend because he was different. But Jesus loved Zacchaeus just the way he was! Zacchaeus climbed down quickly and took Jesus to his house.
When Zacchaeus spent time with Jesus, his heart changed. He decided to give money back to people and help the poor. Jesus showed Zacchaeus that being different is okay, and that God loves everyone!
Theological Questions:
- Why did Jesus choose to visit Zacchaeus when no one else liked him?
- How does Jesus feel about people who are different from us?
Life Application Questions:
- How can we be kind to someone who looks different from us?
- What makes you special and different from your friends?
Prayer: “Dear Jesus, thank You for loving Zacchaeus even when he was different from everyone else. Help us to love and be kind to all people, just like You do. Amen.”
Craft: Welcome Door Hanger (11:00-11:15 a.m.)
Items Needed
- Everyone Welcome door hangers (printed on cardstock, precut)
- Markers or crayons
- Stickers
Children decorate door hangers. As they decorate them, talk to them about the lesson of acceptance.
Scripture Reference
Luke 19:1-10 (KJV) “And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich. And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature. And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way. And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house. And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully. And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he is gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner. And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord: Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold. And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.”