INTRODUCTION

Zacchaeus Climbs a Tree to See Jesus

Bible Point:

Jesus accepts and loves 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 that person, and they with me” (Revelation 3:20).

Big Picture:

Learn that Jesus loves and accepts everyone.

Zacchaeus Climbs a Tree to See Jesus

Luke 19:1-10

Friends and classmates have a big influence on how you think and feel right now. You might care a lot about being accepted and fitting in. It can affect the way you dress, talk, or even what activities you choose. Everyone wants to belong, and that is completely normal.

This week you will learn about a different kind of acceptance, the kind that comes from Jesus. When you understand how deeply you are loved and accepted, you do not have to work so hard to impress others or fit in. Following Jesus brings real freedom, because you can be confident that you are already fully loved just as you are.

PLANTING THE SEED

Murderer. Prostitute. Liar. Tax Collector. These were common names for hated people in the community of our Bible passage today. Zacchaeus, a hated man in Jericho, was looking for love in all the wrong places—namely through power and money. One day he went as far as looking for love by climbing a tree. And you know what? He found it. Yes, that’s right. Zacchaeus found acceptance and love when he climbed a tree. Zacchaeus found Jesus. He quickly came down from that tree to begin a new life in Christ. He was a changed man. God’s acceptance rocked his world! (Luke 19:1-10)

FAMILY FUN

When you’re out with your family this week, watch people. Then describe all the different people you saw. As you discuss, think about Revelation 3:20. God wants to live within each of those people’s hearts and minds. God accepts and loves everyone! Pray for all the people you saw this week.

• Describe three people you saw today.

• How could you show God’s acceptance and love to one of the people you saw?

READY, SET, GROW!

• Think about how Jesus’ acceptance can change the way you view yourself, and write three ways you know Jesus loves and accepts you.

• Think about how knowing Jesus accepts everyone could change the way you act toward others. Choose one person to treat differently by viewing them as Jesus does.

• Ask a Christian adult to share with you about the moment Jesus’ unconditional acceptance became clear to them. Ask how it has affected this person’s life.