Zacchaeus - Bible Lessons for Kids
The Bible story of Zacchaeus is a meaningful lesson about how Jesus Christ sees and loves every person. Found in Luke 19:1–10, this story shows how a life can be transformed after encountering Jesus. There are many ways to teach this story to kids, including engaging crafts, hands-on activities, helpful YouTube videos, and printable lesson plans to help children understand Zacchaeus's story while learning about forgiveness, generosity, and the life-changing love of Jesus.
STORY OF ZACCHAEUS
The story of Zacchaeus can be found in Luke 19:1-10. Zacchaeus was the chief tax collector, and he was not liked by the people in Jericho. Zacchaeus was also short.
One day, Jesus came to town, and Zacchaeus wanted to see Him, so Zacchaeus climbed a sycamore tree to get a better view. Jesus stopped right under the tree and called Zacchaeus by name, saying He was going to Zacchaeus’ house.
While at home with Jesus, Zacchaeus had a change of heart and decided to give half his possessions to the poor and pay back anyone he had cheated four times the amount.
Zacchaeus Bible Lessons for Kids
Looking for a fun way to teach the story of Zacchaeus to kids? Our scripted lesson plans, printable crafts, activities, and discussion questions are perfect for kids aged 3 to 8.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION ABOUT ZACCHAEUS
People did not like tax collectors because they were notorious for being crooks. Tax collectors worked for the Romans and were responsible for collecting taxes from the people. Jewish people viewed tax collectors as traitors because they worked against the Jewish people and supported the Romans. Oftentimes, tax collectors were allowed to charge people more than they actually owed, and they would keep that money for themselves. So, Zacchaeus became rich because he took more money than the Jewish people owed.
Zacchaeus in the tree CRAFT FOR OLDER KIDS
For many kids, speech bubbles are fun to add to an illustration, a comic, or a piece of art. Kids will enjoy creating a simple printable craft of Zacchaeus in a tree. Then, kids can add in speech bubbles for Jesus and Zacchaeus, depicting the moment they interact as Jesus stands under the tree Zacchaeus has climbed.
Using the template pieces provided in the Zacchaeus Bible Lesson for Older Kids, have kids cut, color, and glue together the pieces to recreate the Sycamore tree scene. Then add speech bubbles and invite kids to fill in what Jesus and Zacchaeus said to each other. Or use the pre-filled speech bubbles provided.
Zacchaeus in the Tree CRAFT FOR PRESCHOOL KIDS
Toilet paper tubes can become fabulous craft materials. And for this craft, found in Zacchaeus for Preschool, kids will turn a toilet paper tube into a tree for Zacchaeus to climb.
Using the template pieces provided, have kids color all the pieces. Then use a toilet paper roll as the tree trunk and glue the tree top onto it. The kids will glue Zacchaeus into the tree and attach a sign saying, “Jesus can change my heart.”
This craft will serve as a reminder that Jesus can change every heart!
OTHER CRAFTS AND ACTIVITIES FOR THE STORY OF ZACCHAEUS
Money Relay: Do a relay race where kids pretend that beanbags are bags of money that they have to give back to people, just like Zacchaeus was giving money back to the people he had cheated. Kids will race to see which team can “return” all their beanbags first by running them one at a time to the opposite end of the room.
Name Affirmations: Jesus knew Zacchaeus’ name, and Jesus knows all of our names, too. There is something so personal about Him knowing our names and loving us. Have kids sit in a circle and go around, affirming each child by name and letting them know that Jesus loves them and that they are valuable.
Zacchaeus and Tree Crafts: If you’re looking for two crafts that use common household objects, check out these Zacchaeus and Tree crafts from Kids Bible Lessons. Using items like paper towel tubes, clothespins, popsicle sticks, construction paper, and glue, kids can make trees that Zacchaeus can climb up and down.
3D Sycamore Tree: Using a brown paper lunch bag and some construction paper, you can make a 3D sycamore tree! Kids will love this craft, as they cut and crumple the paper bag into the shape of a tree. Check out Easy Breeze Sunday School for the instructions on making the paper bag tree.
YOUTUBE VIDEOS ABOUT ZACCHAEUS
Zacchaeus is a classic story that kids love! There are some great YouTube videos that depict and explain the story. YouTube can be a great resource, especially for your visual learners, but please be sure to preview all videos to ensure they are age-appropriate and align with what you want to teach. Here are a few suggestions:
The Story of Zacchaeus by Kids on the Move - This is a remake of the classic song “Zacchaeus was a Wee Little Man”.
WANT TO CONTINUE LEARNING ABOUT THE LIFE OF JESUS?
This lesson is part of an eight-week series on the life of Jesus. Other lessons in this series include Jesus Calls His Disciples, Jesus Tempted in the Desert, Jesus the Good Shepherd, Jesus Washes His Disciples’ Feet, Let the Little Children Come to Me, The Great Commission, and The Transfiguration.
For more Life of Jesus Bible Lessons, check out:
