Zacchaeus in the Tree
Jesus Sees the Ones Others Overlook
The Story
Luke 19:1-10
Jesus was passing through Jericho and crowds lined the streets. Zacchaeus was a chief tax collector — and tax collectors were hated because they cheated people.
Zacchaeus desperately wanted to see Jesus, but he was very short and couldn't see over the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree! He must have looked pretty silly up there.
When Jesus reached that spot, He looked up and said, 'Zacchaeus! Come down immediately. I must stay at your house today!' Zacchaeus couldn't believe it — Jesus knew his name! Jesus chose HIM!
Meeting Jesus changed Zacchaeus completely. He announced, 'I will give half my wealth to the poor, and I will pay back four times anyone I have cheated!' Jesus said, 'Salvation has come to this house today!'
What Can We Learn?
Jesus Sees You
In a huge crowd, Jesus stopped for one person. Jesus sees YOU — every struggle, every hope, every prayer.
Seek Jesus However You Can
Zacchaeus climbed a tree just to see Jesus! Do whatever it takes to get closer to Jesus.
Jesus Wants to Come to Your House
Jesus invited Himself to Zacchaeus' house! He wants to come into your life too.
A Real Meeting with Jesus Changes You
After meeting Jesus, Zacchaeus was a completely different person. A real encounter with Jesus changes everything!
Memory Verse
“For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.”
Luke 19:10 (NLT)
Character Spotlight
Zacchaeus
Changed Tax Collector
Fun Facts:
- ★Was the chief tax collector in Jericho
- ★Was very short
- ★Gave away half his wealth after meeting Jesus
Lessons from Zacchaeus:
- ✓No one is too far from Jesus to be changed
Prayer Time
Read this prayer out loud!
Dear Jesus, thank You for seeing me even when I feel invisible or overlooked. Help me to seek You with the same determination as Zacchaeus, and change my heart when I meet You. Amen.
Family Discussion
Talk about these questions together!
Why do you think Jesus chose to visit Zacchaeus, the least popular person?
How did meeting Jesus change Zacchaeus right away?
Is there something in your life you need Jesus to change?
📚 For older kids & teensFun Activities
Activities to reinforce the story!
Color Zacchaeus in the Tree
Color Zacchaeus up in the sycamore tree!
Find Jesus in the Crowd
Help Zacchaeus find Jesus in the crowd!
Draw Your Change
Draw one way Jesus has changed you or your heart.
