Zacchaeus Lesson Theme: You are special to Jesus

Jesus was going through Jericho, where a man named Zacchaeus lived. He was in charge of collecting taxes and was very rich. Jesus was heading his way, and Zacchaeus wanted to see what he was like. But Zacchaeus was a short man and could not see over the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree. When Jesus got there, he looked up and said, Zacchaeus, hurry down! I want to stay with you today. Zacchaeus hurried down and gladly welcomed Jesus. Luke 19:1-6 (CEV)
The story of Zacchaeus begins when the townspeople of Jericho discover Jesus is coming through town. Many people wanted to see Jesus and hear him teach. As the time neared for Jesus to enter the City all the men, women and children began crowding the streets. The gathering of people was so large it seemed as if a Jewish holiday was being celebrated! Zacchaeus, being of small statute, had difficulty viewing the activities. He found a sycamore tree with thick branches and climbed it in order to see Jesus. As Jesus approached the tree, he suddenly looked up into the face of Zacchaeus! In fact, Jesus spoke directly to him and said, Zacchaeus, hurry down! I want to stay with you today. Can you imagine what Zacchaeus thought when Jesus not only looked up to see him, but spoke to him personally? Zacchaeus couldnt dismount that tree fast enough! Zacchaeus welcomed Jesus into his home and served Jesus faithfully from that day forward. There are many lessons to be learned from this very brief story in Luke. 1) Zacchaeus is only mentioned in this chapter in all of the New Testament. It is a brief story, but Jesus teaches us that no matter who we are or how big we are, He

knows our name and He knows where we are. Jesus already knew Zacchaeus name
and He knew Zacchaeus was in the tree. 2) It doesnt matter if you are or arent the tallest, smartest or the most athletic in your class. You are special to the Lord because He made you unique. That means there is no one else just like you! You are extremely special to Jesus and He has counted every hair on your head and He knows all about your life from beginning to end. There is only ONE YOU! 3) Jesus has many lessons to teach us and one of these lessons is on kindness. We need to be kind to others at all times.

4) When we ask Jesus to come into our hearts and live with us, Jesus will always watch over us and protect us. Jesus wants to be in your heart, just as Jesus told Zacchaeus that He wanted to come and stay with him.

Thank you, Jesus, for knowing my name and knowing where I am at all times. Come into my heart, Lord Jesus. Come in today, come in to stay, in Jesus name, Amen.

Suggestions for Application:

For younger children: Growing up I learned a little song about Zacchaeus that I sang to
my own children when they were young. It would be wonderful if you had these little tunes to teach to your children and/or grandchildren. It was a fantastic avenue to keep the stories alive in the mind of a child. Why might Jesus have chosen Zacchaeus to visit that day? Could it have been to show the townspeople that Zacchaeus was special even though he was short? Was this visit to teach the townspeople that they needed to show kindness to others regardless of appearance? List ways your particular child or children are special and unique. Talk about their distinctive abilities, extraordinary traits or individual talents that set them apart.

For older children or those of school age: Encourage them to discuss if there have been
problems or times when they felt inadequate or been made to feel that way by others. Its never too soon to combat the world that attacks our children through their looks, abilities or skills. Even bring in personal examples. For instance: When I was growing up I was always picked last during recess in elementary school to play softball. As a result, I was embarrassed and never batted well nor ran the bases properly. It became a self-fulfilling prophecy that I was a bad softball player and it enforced low self-esteem that I remember to this day. Children are often surprised to know that an adult they love and admire has been through similar feelings and situations. Song: Zacchaeus was a wee little man Zacchaeus was a wee little man, and a wee little man was he. He climbed up in a sycamore tree, for the Lord he wanted to see. And as the Savior passed him by, He looked up in the tree, And he said, "Zacchaeus, you come down from there; For I'm going to your house today, for I'm going to your house today"

Additional Scripture: So Jesus called the children over to him and said, Let the children come to me! Dont try to stop them. People who are like these children belong to Gods kingdom. Luke 18:16