When Jesus passed through the city of Jericho, a man named Zacchaeus climbed a tree to get a better look. Jesus amazed the crowd by calling Zacchaeus down to say that he would be coming to his house. In a true act of repentance for what had probably been a dishonest tax-collecting career, Zacchaeus declared that he would pay back the people he had cheated and give half of his wealth to the poor.

Jesus was willing to help Zacchaeus change his life and he can also help us when we try to be better.

Bible verses used in this episode:
Luke 19:1-10

Outline:

1. Zacchaeus climbs a tree (Luke 19:1-4)
2. Jesus invites himself to Zacchaeus’ house (Luke 19:5-6)
3. The people judge (Luke 19:7)
4. Zacchaeus repents (Luke 19:8)
5. Jesus states his purpose (Luke 19:9-10)

Tips for teaching:

• Make a tree craft
• Tell the story while sitting on the branch of a tree
• Talk about what it means to repent. To change one’s direction in heart, mind/attitude, and behaviour.
• Talk about true repentance is more than just saying you are sorry.  Adults can explore the idea of restitution and making things right.

Full teaching instructions available free from Mission Bible Class:
Bible Lesson:  Zacchaeus Meets Jesus

Scriptures quoted from the International Children’s Bible®, copyright ©1986, 1988, 1999, 2015 by Tommy Nelson. Used by permission.

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org