We can learn much about our own discipleship as we study those that interacted with Jesus during his ministry. One of these examples can be found in the story of Zacchaeus. He wanted to see the Savior, and even climbed a tree to do so. Then the Savior called him by name and told Zacchaeus that he would dine with him. The multitude scoffed and complained that Jesus would associate with a sinner and enter into his home. Zacchaeus was known for robbing the people with unjust tax collection. Zacchaeus heard the response of the people and his heart was softened. He promised to pay back all that he had stolen and committed to aid the poor and needy.
In other words, Zacchaeus experienced a mighty change of heart. Zacchaeus publically faced some of his greatest sins and weaknesses and was willing to repent and change.
This story can give hope to each of us that sin and are striving to become more like our Savior. Through His power, we do not have to hide behind our sins or be caught in them. There is freedom and change ahead if we put our trust in our Savior, repent, and keep trying. May each of your family members find hope in this story of a sinner, and that we too can be redeemed as we seek Jesus.
LESSON BUNDLE DOWNLOADS:
➤ L E S S O N
Open the lesson with a song and a prayer.
🎶 O P E N I N G S O N G : "He Sent His Son"
➤ P R E P A R A T I O N
You will need a large blanket for each child.
➤ I N T R O D U C T I O N
Tell the children that you have a challenge for them! Give each child a blanket. Set a timer for 60 seconds. Challenge the children to go anywhere in the room they like, and to use the blanket to try to hide from the Lord before the timer runs out! (Obviously the Lord knows us and is aware of us no matter where we are!)
After they have had some fun “hiding” around the room, collect the blankets and invite the children to return to their seats. Discuss the questions below:
1) When you were hiding, did the Lord still know who you were? (Yes!)
2) When you were hiding, did the Lord still love you? (Yes!)
3) When you were hiding, do you think the Lord still knew your name? (Yes!)
Explain: The Lord knows us and is aware of us every day. He knows when we are happy. He knows when we are sad. He loves us when we make good choices. And He loves us when we make bad choices. He is waiting for us and is hoping that we will come unto Him! But He never forgets about us, and we are never strangers to Him!
🎥 V I D E O : "The Story of Zacchaeus | Animated Scripture Lesson for Kids"
Say: “Now we are going to watch a story about a man Named Zacchaeus. Zacchaeus wanted to see Jesus, but the crowd of people was too big, and Zacchaeus couldn't get very close. Do you think Jesus forgot about Zacchaeus? Let’s watch and see!”
Discuss the following questions after watching the video:
1) What did Zacchaeus do to try to see Jesus? (He climbed a sycamore tree!)
2) Did Jesus forget about Zacchaeus? (No! Jesus called to Zacchaeus by name, and he asked if he could visit Zacchaeus in his house.)
3) Do you think Jesus forgets about us? Or do you think He knows us by our names? (He knows us by our names, just like He knew Zacchaeus. He won’t forget about any of us!)
➤ S C R I P T U R E
Read the scriptures below and discuss the questions that follow.
And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner.
1) How do you think all of the other people felt when Jesus wanted to visit Zaccheaus? (They complained that Jesus was going to spend time with a sinner.)
2) What did Jesus teach the people? (That He came “to save that which was lost.”)
3) Does Jesus want us all to be with him too? Even if we make a mistake? (Yes! All of us!)
And Zacchæus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold.
1) Before Jesus came to town, was Zaccheaus usually nice to the other people, or was he cheating them and stealing their money? (He was cheating them and stealing their money for a long time.)
2) Why do you think Zacchaeus suddenly wanted to do good and serve others? (Because he loved the Lord and wanted to follow Him.)
3) If we try to stay close to Jesus, what will we want to do? (Jesus will lead our hearts to do good and to love one another.)
Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
1) If we know we did something wrong, do you think Heavenly Father wants us to hide? Or do you think He wants us to turn to Him and ask for His help? (He wants us to turn to Him and ask for His help!)
2) Who has the power to create a clean heart in us? (The Lord!)
➤ C O L O R I N G P A G E S
Pass out the coloring pages, one to each child.Pass out the coloring page and invite the children to color the scene from the video. Use this time to talk about repentance, humility, and the redeeming power of Jesus Christ’s atonement.
➤ T E S T I M O N Y
Bear testimony of the truths found in the scriptures.
Do you know what your kids are watching?
The Lord isn’t the only one who knows about the trusting, believing and curious hearts of little children. The adversary knows this too, and he’s working overtime to gain access to their hearts through “children’s” media and entertainment.
As parents, we obviously want our children to benefit from good and inspiring media. But previewing everything in existence to protect our children from the garbage is an overwhelming task! There is too much!
Wouldn’t it be nice if someone searched out all of the great content for you? The content that actually promotes good values and ideas - and put it all together into one digital library? We think so, and that’s exactly what our friends at Living Scriptures are doing!
Bypass the sea of sludge and go straight to the good stuff! It’s all there in one convenient location, and for 60 days it won’t cost you a single penny!
See for yourself:
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