This is a well-known and short Bible story. It can be easily read straight from the Bible. Here are some highlights to cover with the students for background:
The setting of this story is in Jericho. Help your students remember when they have learned about Jericho in the past.
Zacchaeus was a tax collector. Back in those days, people didn't like tax collectors any more than we like people who work for the IRS or your government's tax-collecting agency today. In addition to collecting legitimate taxes, tax collectors back in those days had mostly free reign to collect whatever they could. They would many times steal and manipulate people for their own gains. So he wasn't just a tax collector, he was also a thief.
Can you think of another person who was prominent in the Bible who was a tax collector? That's right, Matthew, one of Jesus' disciples, was a tax collector.
Once again, Jesus wanted to hang out with this man that the religious people of his day thought was a "sinner" (well, they were right!). But Jesus didn't let that get in the way of showing him love. In that time (much like today), going to someone's home to eat is a sign of respect to that person.
We don't know exactly what Jesus said or did at dinner, but apparently it had a huge impact on Zacchaues. He decided that he was going to be done with his stealing ways. Here are the things he did in response to Jesus that day:
Zacchaeus was a very rich man!
Jesus concludes by telling him that salvation has come to his house today. We know that just giving away money to poor people and stopping cheating ways doesn't save us. But Jesus clearly told Zacchaeus that it was evident he had been saved that day. (see Matthew 7:16-20)
Have you ever heard your mom or dad talking about taxes? Do they like paying taxes?
(For those with sales taxes) How about you? Have you ever been to a store and thought you had enough money to buy something, but you got to the register and they added in the tax, and you couldn't pay?
We don't like to pay taxes, do we? What if you found out that not only did you have to pay taxes, but the person collecting your money at the checkout line at the store was making you pay more than you should have and they were stealing your money? You wouldn't be very happy with that person, would you?
Today, we're going to learn about a man in the Bible who was doing just that - he was cheating people out of their tax money. And Jesus decided he was going to go to his house and eat dinner!
Read story from a Children's storybook Bible for younger children.
For older children, read the story from an age-appropriate Children's storybook Bible or read directly from the Bible.
Scripture for Kids to Read Aloud: Luke 19:1-10
First, ask the children if they have any questions about the story. What to do if you don't know the answer?
Scripture But Zacchaeus stood up. He said, "Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of what I own to those who are poor. And if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay it back. I will pay back four times the amount I took." Luke 19:8
Scripture Zacchaeus wanted to see who Jesus was. But he was a short man. He could not see Jesus because of the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree. Luke 19:3-4
Supplies Computer or mobile device
Heads up! Cut the felt circles and holes prior to class.
Scripture A man named Zacchaeus lived there. He was a chief tax collector and was very rich. Luke 19:2 But Zacchaeus stood up. He said, "Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of what I own to those who are poor. And if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay it back. I will pay back four times the amount I took." Luke 19:8
Supplies felt, string, scissors, coins, food items
Scripture Jesus reached the spot where Zacchaeus was. He looked up and said, "Zacchaeus, come down at once. I must stay at your house today." So Zacchaeus came down at once and welcomed him gladly. All the people saw this. They began to whisper among themselves. They said, "Jesus has gone to be the guest of a 'sinner.'" Luke 19:5-7
Supplies snack, table with extra chairs
Scripture Zacchaeus wanted to see who Jesus was. But he was a short man. He could not see Jesus because of the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree. He wanted to see Jesus, who was coming that way. Luke 19:3-4
Supplies card stock, Zacchaeus tree printout, man outline print out, pieces of string, sticky velcro, tape
Scripture Luke 19:1-10
Heads up! This would be a good intro to the story
Scripture Zacchaeus wanted to see who Jesus was. But he was a short man. He could not see Jesus because of the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree. He wanted to see Jesus, who was coming that way. Luke 19:3-4
Supplies pictures of the tallest and smallest men, objects of different sizes
Heads up! This activity needs to be done with caution. Make sure your students are mature enough to handle this activity so no one gets hurt.
Scripture Zacchaeus wanted to see who Jesus was. But he was a short man. He could not see Jesus because of the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree. He wanted to see Jesus, who was coming that way. Luke 19:3-4
Supplies trees, hills or ladder