Jesus and Zacchaeus
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Luke 19:1-10
Wonder Truth
Jesus loves everyone and changes hearts
Memory Verse
For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.
Lesson Image
Leader Prep
Zacchaeus was a tax collector, wealthy and disliked. People thought he did not deserve Jesus' attention. But when Jesus saw him in the tree, He called his name and chose to stay at his house. That moment of grace changed Zacchaeus' life.
Jesus notices people others overlook. His love is not limited by our past or what others think. It transforms hearts.
Reflect:
- Who around me might feel unseen? How can I notice them like Jesus did?
- How can I help children hear that Jesus knows their name and loves them?
- Where do I need Jesus to change my heart today?
Leader Prayer:
"Jesus, thank You for calling us by name and loving us even when we make wrong choices. Help me teach these children that You can change any heart that opens to You. Amen."
Bible Background for Leaders
WHO: Jesus and Zacchaeus, a chief tax collector in Jericho.
WHAT: Zacchaeus climbs a tree to see Jesus; Jesus calls him by name; Zacchaeus repents and makes restitution.
WHERE: Jericho, a busy trade city.
WHEN: During Jesus' final journey to Jerusalem.
WHY: To show that no one is too lost for Jesus' love; meeting Jesus leads to real change.
CONNECTION: Completes Luke's theme of seeking and saving the lost (Luke 15). Jesus seeks, finds, and restores.
Volunteer Connection Tips
- Assure kids: Jesus knows your name and sees you.
- Emphasize that change is a response to Jesus' love, not a way to earn it.
- Model short, sincere prayers and gentle encouragement.
Key Vocabulary
- Repent: Turn from wrong toward what is right.
- Seek: To look for with purpose and love.
- Salvation: Being rescued by Jesus from sin.
- Forgive: To release a debt and give a new chance.
Lesson Supplies
- Bible (open during story)
- Memory verse poster (Luke 19:10)
- Small figure or plush to represent Zacchaeus
Craft Supplies
- Brown, green, and white construction paper
- Crayons/markers, glue sticks, scissors
- Small paper person cutout (Zacchaeus)
Prep Time: 10–15 minutes to prepare tree shapes, lay out supplies, and post the memory verse.
Curiosity
Welcome Question (displayed):
"Have you ever climbed something high to see better? What did you see?"
Before Kids Arrive:
- Write the question on the board or poster.
- Set out paper and crayons for drawing answers.
- Pray quietly: "Lord, help these children know You see them and love them by name."
"Hi, [child's name]! Have you ever climbed a tree or tower to see better? What did you see from up high?"
"Zacchaeus wanted to see Jesus so much that he climbed a tree. Jesus stopped, looked up, and called his name. Today we will see how Jesus' love changes hearts."
Curiosity Activity – "Who Does Jesus See?"
Purpose: Help kids realize that Jesus notices each person by name.
- Stand in a circle. Point to a child who says their name aloud.
- Leader and group reply: "Jesus sees [child's name]!"
- Repeat around the circle; then say: "Jesus sees all of us!"
"Zacchaeus thought nobody liked him, but Jesus saw him and called his name. Let us hear the story."
Belief
Connect kids directly to God's Word and guide them to today's Wonder Truth: Jesus loves everyone and changes hearts.
Tips for Volunteers
- Keep the Bible open and visible.
- Use character voices: cheerful for Jesus, curious for Zacchaeus, grumbling for the crowd.
- Let kids act out climbing, looking up, and rejoicing.
Prayer of Invitation (Leader Script):
"Jesus, thank You for Your Word. Help us listen and understand how much You love every person. Amen."
Bible Time Rhyme:
"Open God's book, let's take a look!
God's Word is true, for me and you!"
"Jesus entered Jericho. A man named Zacchaeus, a tax collector, wanted to see Jesus but could not because of the crowd and because he was short."
"He ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree to see Jesus."
"When Jesus came to the place, He looked up and said, 'Zacchaeus, come down. I must stay at your house today.'"
"Zacchaeus hurried down and welcomed Him joyfully. People grumbled, saying Jesus was going to a sinner's house."
"Zacchaeus said, 'Lord, I will give half my goods to the poor, and if I have cheated anyone, I will pay back four times.'"
"Jesus said, 'Today salvation has come to this house... For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.'"
Engagement Tips
- Ask: "Why did Zacchaeus climb the tree?"
- Ask: "How do you think Zacchaeus felt when Jesus called his name?"
- Act it out with volunteers for Zacchaeus and Jesus.
"Jesus loved Zacchaeus before he changed, and that love led to a changed heart. Jesus loves everyone and changes hearts."
Word of Wonder (Memory Verse)
Teach with motions:
- Hand over eyes like searching ("to seek")
- Hand over heart ("and to save")
- Point outward ("the lost")
Practice:
- Whisper the verse
- Say it together
- Say it joyfully
Faith
Help kids connect the story to life today. Emphasize that Jesus knows their names and can change their hearts too.
- "Why did Jesus go to Zacchaeus' house?" (Because He loved him.)
- "How did Zacchaeus change after meeting Jesus?" (He shared and made things right.)
- "How can we show Jesus' love to others?" (Be kind, share, help, forgive.)
- "What made Zacchaeus want to change?" (Experiencing Jesus' love and welcome.)
- "How can meeting Jesus change our hearts?" (We care for others and choose what is right.)
- "Who is one person you can show Jesus' love to this week?" (Encourage specific names.)
"When Zacchaeus met Jesus, everything changed. Jesus still changes hearts today—ours too."
Identity
Craft Activity – "Jesus Sees Me Tree"
Supplies: Brown and green construction paper, glue sticks, crayons/markers, scissors, small paper person cutouts.
Each tree reminds kids that Jesus sees them by name. The leaves show ways Jesus loves and grows our hearts.
Instructions:
- Give each child a trunk and several leaves.
- Write on the trunk: "Jesus knows my name."
- On leaves, write or draw ways Jesus shows love: forgives, helps, calls us, changes hearts.
- Glue the person cutout in the branches like Zacchaeus; decorate.
"Jesus saw Zacchaeus in the tree, and He sees you too. He knows your name and loves you. When we meet Jesus, our hearts grow like this tree—full of life and love."
Closing
Gather children in a circle. Use a calm signal: "Hands on your knees, eyes on me."
"Say it with me: Jesus loves everyone and changes hearts." Repeat: whisper, normal, celebration voice.
Memory Verse Review:
Repeat Luke 19:10 with motions: seek, save, point outward.
"May you remember Jesus knows your name and loves you. May His love change your heart and help you love others this week."
Closing Prayer (repeat-after-me):
"Dear Jesus," (pause)
"Thank You for seeing me and loving me." (pause)
"Change my heart and help me love others." (pause)
"Amen."
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