INTRODUCTION

Zacchaeus Climbs a Tree to See Jesus

Bible Point - Jesus accepts everyone.

Key Verse - “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me” (Revelation 3:20)

Big Picture - Big Picture Learn that if you seek Jesus, He will accept you!

Zacchaeus Climbs a Tree to See Jesus

Luke 19:1-10

Sometimes it feels really good to be included, and really hard to be left out. Whether it happens on the playground, in class, or with friends, everyone knows what it’s like to want to belong. This week you will learn something amazing: Jesus chose you first. Before you ever tried to fit in or prove anything, Jesus already saw you, loved you, and called you special. That love is not something you have to earn; it is freely given.

As you learn and talk together this week, remember that you are already fully seen and deeply loved. You can help others feel that same love too by being kind, including others, and showing that everyone matters. You are chosen and loved just as you are.

GROWING IN TRUTH

PLANTING THE SEED

“Zacchaeus was a wee little man…” Yes, he was short, but he thought big! Zacchaeus wanted to see Jesus. He must have heard of Jesus and the amazing things He was doing. As Jesus came through Jericho, Zacchaeus, being unable to see over the crowd, ran up ahead and climbed a tree. When Jesus reached the spot where Zacchaeus was perched, He looked up and called Zacchaeus by name, telling him to come down at once.

Now Zacchaeus was overjoyed that the one he had been seeking was also seeking him. Jesus even wanted to come to Zacchaeus’ house and hang out with him. Zacchaeus’ heart was so changed that he decided to give away half of his possessions to the poor.

Only Jesus can change someone from a greedy tax collector to a generous believer. When we look for Jesus, He receives us and accepts us because Jesus accepts everyone.

BIBLE POINT

Jesus accepts everyone.

KEY VERSE

“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me” (Revelation 3:20).

ASK YOUR FAMILY

• Have you ever felt rejected by people but accepted by Jesus? Explain.

• How can you share Jesus with someone who doesn’t feel accepted?

• What is one way Jesus has shown His acceptance of you?

FAMILY FUN

As a family, spend some time praying for the people whose names you wrote on your activity page in Sabbath School. Ask your family members whether anyone would like to add a name to your list. Take your list with you when you ride in your car, and pray for those people throughout the week. You can take the love and acceptance of Jesus anywhere you go if He lives in your heart!

READY, SET, GROW!

Choose a Daily Challenge to help you remember that Jesus helps you to believe.

• Think about a time you didn’t feel accepted, and use modeling dough to create a face showing how you felt. Then think of God’s love for you and change the dough to show how that makes you feel.

• Look at the names you wrote on the door of your activity page. Invite one of these people to come to church or Sabbath School with you next week.

• Think about a person you find really hard to accept. Pray for that person this week and ask God to help you accept that person.