Encountering Jesus

Zacchaeus Meets Jesus

Jesus sees people others overlook, and meeting Jesus changes Zacchaeus' heart.

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Prototype

Scripture

Luke 19:1-10

Side 1Zacchaeus was alone.

Side 2Zacchaeus climbed a tree to see Jesus.

Side 3Jesus saw Zacchaeus and called him by name.

Side 4Zacchaeus welcomed Jesus with joy.

Side 5Zacchaeus gave back what he had taken.

Side 6Jesus said He came to seek and save the lost.

Six scene summary

The story in six simple scenes.

Side 1

Zacchaeus was alone.

Side 2

Zacchaeus climbed a tree to see Jesus.

Side 3

Jesus saw Zacchaeus and called him by name.

Side 4

Zacchaeus welcomed Jesus with joy.

Side 5

Zacchaeus gave back what he had taken.

Side 6

Jesus said He came to seek and save the lost.

Kid-friendly script

A simple telling for families.

Side 1

Zacchaeus lived in Jericho. Many people did not trust him because he had taken money that was not his.

Side 2

When Jesus came near, Zacchaeus wanted to see Him. He was small, so he climbed a sycamore tree.

Side 3

Jesus stopped, looked up, and said, 'Zacchaeus, come down. I must stay at your house today.'

Side 4

Zacchaeus hurried down and welcomed Jesus with joy, even while others grumbled.

Side 5

Zacchaeus told Jesus he would give to the poor and pay back what he had taken.

Side 6

Jesus said salvation had come to Zacchaeus' house, because the Son of Man came to seek and save the lost.

Activity ideas

Ways to revisit this story.

Reflect

Draw or write about the moment that changed everything in the story, then explain why you chose it.

Character

Ask what the main person wanted before meeting Jesus and what changed afterward.

Act Out

Use chairs, pillows, or a blanket to make the setting, then retell all six scenes.

Music

Choose a simple song about following Jesus, mercy, or God's care.

Prayer prompts

Respond to God together.

Jesus, help us remember that jesus sees people others overlook, and meeting jesus changes zacchaeus' heart.

Show us one way to follow You this week.

Help our family notice people who feel unseen or left out.

Parent notes

Lead with calm confidence.

You do not need to explain every detail in one sitting. Focus on the big idea, let children handle the cube, and invite them to retell the story in their own words.

If a child notices a hard question, receive it warmly and return to what the passage clearly shows about Jesus. Bible Blocks is meant to create repeated openings for conversation over time.

Read family devotion ideas

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