The Gospel Project at Home: Jesus and Zacchaeus
Read Scripture
Read all or parts of Luke 19:1-10 from your Bible or watch the Bible story video.
Preschool Bible Story Video
Elementary Bible Story Video
Talk About Scripture
Have you ever used modeling clay to make different shapes? Modeling clay is fun because it can be molded into all kinds of different forms. You might start with a ball of clay and then change it into a snake by rolling it on the table. Or maybe you attempt something more difficult and make a car but then change it into a sailboat.
The Bible has a lot to say about change—not about clay sculptures—but about change that happens in a person’s life when they believe in Jesus. That’s what happened in the story of Zacchaeus, who wanted to see Jesus so much that he climbed a sycamore tree to get a glimpse of the Savior. Not only did Zacchaeus see Jesus, but Jesus saw him. Jesus called to Zacchaeus by name and said, “Hurry and come down because I must stay at your house today.”
After having Jesus at his house, Zacchaeus realized he was a sinner and put His faith in Jesus. When this happened, Zacchaeus was changed on the inside. Jesus forgave Zacchaeus of his sins and changed His heart. Instead of seeking earthly things like money, Zacchaeus now wanted to seek the Lord. He said he would give half of his money to the poor and would pay back anyone four times as much if he had dishonestly taken money from them.
Like Zacchaeus, we can place our faith in Jesus and repent. Repent means to change the way you think and act so that you want to follow Jesus instead of your sinful desires. Jesus loves you and offers forgiveness and new life when we repent and believe in Him.
We are all sinners, but Jesus came to seek and save us too. He died on the cross and rose again so we can be forgiven and have eternal life when we turn from our sin and trust in Him.
Pray: Jesus, thank You for loving us so much that you made the way to change us from Your enemies into Your children when we repent and believe in You. Help us to live in a way that shows our hearts seek You most of all. Amen.
Learn Scripture
Preschool Scripture Music Video
Elementary Scripture Music Video
Family Prayer
Mornings: Ask God to help you see those who may be overlooked or disliked. Ask for His help in showing that person love and grace. How can your love for others be a way for them to notice God’s love?
Evenings: Praise God for His gift of Jesus. Thank Him for sending Jesus to seek and save the lost. How does Jesus’ compassion toward Zacchaeus help you see His love for you?
Family Activities
For Fun: Play a game of “Hide and Seek” as a family. Choose one person to be “It,” and have the rest of the family hide around the house or outside in the yard. “It” will count for 20 or 30 seconds and then try to find everyone. After playing a few rounds, read Luke 19:10. Talk about Jesus’ mission to seek and save the lost. Remind kids that Jesus came to save all who believe in Him.
To Serve: Choose an individual or family from your church to encourage this week. Think of someone who might be overlooked or underappreciated for their service. Write a card to let them know you see the ways they serve Jesus and thank them for everything they do. Talk as a family about how meeting Jesus led Zacchaeus to want to obey and serve God.