Zacchaeus Meets Jesus
Zacchaeus, a short tax collector who had cheated people, climbed a tree to see Jesus. Jesus chose to visit his house, and Zacchaeus changed his life and paid people back.
You will learn to...
- Retell how Zacchaeus met Jesus.
- Explain how Zacchaeus changed.
- Understand that Jesus welcomes everyone.
Words to know
- Tax collector
- Someone who collected money for the Roman government.
- Salvation
- Being rescued by God and brought into his family.
Read the full lesson (for older kids and grown-ups)
In the city of Jericho lived a rich man named Zacchaeus. He was a chief tax collector, and many people didn't like him because tax collectors often cheated.
When Jesus came to town, Zacchaeus wanted to see him, but he was short and the crowd was in the way. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree.
When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said, 'Zacchaeus, hurry and come down! I must stay at your house today.' People grumbled, but Zacchaeus joyfully welcomed Jesus. He said, 'I will give half of what I own to the poor, and if I cheated anyone, I'll pay back four times as much!' Jesus said, 'Today salvation has come to this house. The Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.'
Jesus didn't wait for Zacchaeus to be good before he loved him. Meeting Jesus changed Zacchaeus' heart, and he made things right with the people he had hurt. Saying sorry is good, and making things right is even better.
For the Son of Man came to seek and to save that which was lost.”
Family conversation starters
- What's the difference between saying sorry and making things right?
- Who do people leave out that Jesus would welcome?
Main people: Zacchaeus, Jesus · Topics: Change, Making things right, Jesus welcomes everyone · Review status: awaiting theological review