Zacchaeus
Luke 19:1-10
Our true story comes from a part of the Bible called the Gospel of Luke. Luke loved Jesus and wanted others to know and love Jesus, too. And the word gospel means “good news!”
One day, Jesus was walking through a town called Jericho. A man named Zacchaeus lived there. Zacchaeus really wanted to see Jesus!
But there was a problem. Zacchaeus was very short, and the crowd was very big. He could not see over all the people.
So, Zacchaeus had an idea! He ran ahead and climbed up into a tree so he could see Jesus when He came by.
When Jesus reached the tree, He stopped and looked up. Jesus said, “Zacchaeus, come down! I must stay at your house today.”
Zacchaeus was so happy! He quickly climbed down and welcomed Jesus with joy.
Some people were surprised. They said, “Why is Jesus going to his house?”
But Jesus loved Zacchaeus.
Zacchaeus wanted to change. He said, “I will give to the poor, and I will make things right.”
Jesus said, “Today salvation has come to this house.”
Jesus came to help people and to bring them back to God. And Jesus loves to be with people—just like He wanted to be with Zacchaeus.
Key Takeaway for Preschoolers
Jesus knows you and loves you. He wants to be your friend!
Dear God,
Thank You for Jesus, who knew Zacchaeus and loved him. Thank You for knowing us and loving us, too. Help us remember that every person is important to You. Help us make good choices, be kind to others, and make things right when we do something wrong. Thank You for always wanting us to be close to You. We love You, God.
In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Bible Verse: “Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” —1 John 4:11, BSB
Paraphrase: “God loves us, so we should love one another.”
Activities
These activities help preschoolers engage with the story through movement, crafts, music, and storytelling, making the lesson fun and memorable.
1. Zacchaeus Climbs the Tree
Objective: To help children remember that Zacchaeus wanted so much to see Jesus that he found a way to see over the crowd.
Materials: Green and brown construction paper, A simple paper tree or classroom tree decoration, Small paper figure representing Zacchaeus, Reusable tape or removable adhesive
Activity: Place the paper tree on a wall at a height the children can reach. Begin with the Zacchaeus figure standing at the bottom.
Tell the children, “Zacchaeus wanted to see Jesus, but he was too short to see over the crowd. What could he do?”
Let each child take a turn moving Zacchaeus up the tree. Then pretend that Jesus is walking past. Have everyone look up toward Zacchaeus and say: “Zacchaeus, come down!”
The child can then move Zacchaeus back down the tree.
Repeat so several children have an opportunity to participate.
Talk About It: “Zacchaeus climbed the tree because he wanted to see Jesus. But something wonderful happened—Jesus saw Zacchaeus! Jesus knew his name and wanted to spend time with him. Jesus knows and loves us, too.”
2. Jesus Knows My Name
Objective: To help children connect Jesus' personal attention to Zacchaeus with the truth that each child is known and loved.
Materials: Soft ball, beanbag, or stuffed animal, Children seated in a circle.
Activity: Have the children sit in a circle. Explain that when Jesus came to the tree, He did not simply say, “Hey, you up there!” Jesus called Zacchaeus by name.
Gently roll or pass the ball to one child and say: “Jesus knew Zacchaeus' name. Jesus knows [child's name], too!”
Have the child pass the ball to another child, and repeat with that child's name.
Continue until every child has been named.
At the end, have everyone point gently to themselves and say: “Jesus knows me and loves me!”
Talk About It: “How do you think Zacchaeus felt when Jesus called his name? Jesus knew exactly who Zacchaeus was. Jesus knows you, too, and you are important to Him.”
3. Zacchaeus, Come Down! Song (Musical Activity)
Tune: This Old Man (Public Domain)
Objective: To reinforce through music and movement that Jesus saw Zacchaeus, called him by name, and wanted to spend time with him.
Materials: None
Activity: Invite the children to stand and add simple motions as they sing. They can pretend to climb during the first verse, shade their eyes and look around during the second, point upward and then downward during the third, and hug themselves during the final verse.
Song Lyrics:
Zacchaeus - climbed a tree -,
So that Jesus he could see.
Jesus came and looked - up - high,
Zacchaeus saw Him passing by.
Jesus knew Zacchaeus' name.
Jesus knew just why he came.
“Come on down and come with Me.
I will visit you today.”
Zacchaeus came quickly down.
He was happy Jesus came.
Jesus loved Zacchaeus so.
Jesus loves us, this we know.
Talk About It: “Jesus noticed Zacchaeus and knew his name. Jesus wanted to spend time with him. Jesus knows us and loves us, too.”
4. Zacchaeus Makes Things Right
Objective: To help children understand that being with Jesus helped Zacchaeus want to make better choices and care for other people.
Materials: Several paper or plastic pretend coins, Two small baskets or containers, Optional pictures representing people who need help
Activity: Give each child several pretend coins. Explain simply: “Zacchaeus decided that he wanted to share with people who needed help. He also wanted to make things right with anyone he had treated unfairly.”
Place two baskets in front of the children. Let them take turns putting some of their pretend coins into a basket representing sharing with others.
As each child contributes, say together: “Jesus helps us make good choices!”
You can also give simple preschool examples of making things right:
“If I take someone's toy, what can I do?” Give it back and say I'm sorry.
“If I hurt someone's feelings, what can I do?” Say I'm sorry and be kind.
“If someone needs help, what can I do?” Help them!
Emphasize that Zacchaeus did not share in order to make Jesus love him. Jesus already loved Zacchaeus. Being with Jesus helped Zacchaeus want to live differently.
Talk About It: “Zacchaeus wanted to make things right because meeting Jesus changed his heart. Jesus loves us, too, and He helps us learn to be kind, share with others, and make good choices.”
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Story illustrations are the copyright of James M. Thomas. All rights reserved.
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