INTRODUCTION

Jesus Walks on Water

Bible Point:

Jesus loves everyone.

Key Verse:

“Let the little children come to me” (Mark 10:14).

Big Picture:

Children will learn that Jesus loves everyone, no matter what.

Zacchaeus Climbs a Tree to See Jesus

Luke 19:1-10

Five- and six-year-olds easily identify with Zacchaeus’ frustration at being unable to see Jesus. Young children are often reminded that they’re too small for many fun activities, and they may even be overlooked in situations because of their size. Remind children that Jesus loved Zacchaeus even though Zacchaeus was a small person, and Jesus loves them, too. Jesus loves everyone!

PLANTING THE SEED

BIBLE TIME!

This week’s Scripture (Luke 19:1-10) tells us that Jesus loves everyone—even Zacchaeus, the tax collector, who cheated people out of their money. One day, Zacchaeus heard that Jesus was in town. Zacchaeus wanted to see Jesus, but he was a short man and couldn’t get through the crowded street. So Zacchaeus climbed a tree in order to see. Jesus surprised everyone when he invited him self to Zacchaeus’ house despite the type of man Zacchaeus was. Because Jesus was willing to love a man whom everyone else despised, Zacchaeus gave half his money to the poor and paid back more than he had taken. Jesus wanted to show the people that he loves everyone.

KEY VERSE

“Let the little children come to me” (Mark 10:14).

BIBLE POINT

Jesus loves everyone.

PLAY AND PRAY

Sing this song to help your child remember the Key Verse. Sing “God Forgives and Loves” to the tune of “The Mulberry Bush,” doing the motions together as indicated. God forgives us and always loves us. (Point up and hug self.) God forgives us and always loves us. (Point up and hug self.) God forgives us and always loves us. (Point up and hug self.) The Bible tells us so. (Open hands as if opening a book.)

ASK

• How did Jesus show forgiveness to Zacchaeus?

• How does God show forgiveness to you?

FAITHFUL FLAVORS

Make spaghetti this week, and let your child break some of the noodles into tall and short pieces to place in the boiling water. Remind your child that even though Zacchaeus was short, Jesus loved him. Jesus even wanted to spend time with Zacchaeus at his house.

ASK

• Who was short and who was tall in the Bible story?

• How did Jesus show His love for Zacchaeus?

• Is there someone you would like to invite to our house? Who?

AGE-LEVEL INSIGHT

Five- and six-year-olds easily identify with Zacchaeus’ frustration at being unable to see Jesus. Young children are often reminded that they’re too small for many fun activities, and they may even be overlooked in situations because of their size. Remind your child that Jesus loved Zacchaeus, even though Zacchaeus was a small person, and that Jesus loves your child, too.

READY, SET, GROW!

This week, your child learned that Jesus loves everyone. Your child committed to one of the following challenges to help remember that Jesus loves everyone. Help your child weave faith into life this week and follow through on the challenge!

• Draw a picture of everyone in your family, and have a parent help you write “Jesus loves everyone!” at the top.

• Page through a picture book or magazine with a friend, and count the number of people on every page. Say, “Jesus loves everyone!” before you turn each page.

• Do a prayer walk around your neighborhood with your family, thanking God that Jesus loves everyone.