Zacchaeus in the Tree
A Bible story for kids ages 3–8. Read it together, do the actions and talk at the end.
Jesus was passing through the town of Jericho. Everyone ran out to the street to see!
Zacchaeus lived there. He was rich and the boss of the tax collectors, who collect money for the government.
Zacchaeus really wanted to see Jesus. But he was short, and the crowd blocked everything!
👉 Stand on tiptoe to try to see!
So he ran ahead and climbed a tree called a sycamore. From up there he could see everything!
👉 Climb a pretend tree: hand, foot, hand, foot!
Jesus came to that place, looked up and said, “Zacchaeus, hurry down, for I must stay at your house today.”
👉 Look up, just like Jesus did!
Zacchaeus came down super fast and welcomed Jesus into his house, full of joy!
👉 Jump for joy!
Some people grumbled: Zacchaeus did wrong things! But Jesus wanted to be with him anyway.
Zacchaeus's heart changed! He said he would give half of his things to the poor.
👉 Put your hand on your heart!
And if he had taken anything from anyone, he would give back four times as much!
👉 Show four fingers!
Jesus said He came to seek and to save those who were lost. He looks for you too, with love!
Verse: “the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” (Luke 19:10)
To talk about with your child
- How do you think Zacchaeus felt when Jesus called his name?
- What changed in Zacchaeus's heart?
Mission of the week: Invite someone who is alone to play with you.