Gospel Reading Luke 19:1-10

Introduction-

Have you ever been in trouble for playing too rough in your good clothes?
Today we’re going to hear a story about an adult man climbing a tree all dressed up.
Can you image your (priest/deacon/dad) climbing a tree in his church clothes?

Background – Historic context building for older children

Zacchaeus was the head tax collector. In the time of Jesus, the Romans liked to collect taxes by “tax farming” that means they used different local people to collect money in their own towns all over the empire. These people could collect whatever they wanted; as long as Rome got the right amount they didn’t get involved. And when Rome got involved it meant violence. Zacchaeus didn’t really have a boss, he could do just about whatever he wanted. He set the tax rate, nobody else knew how much the region owed so there was no way to find out if he over charged you! So these tax collectors were famous for cheating people. Everyone assumed they were being cheated. Regular people hated them because they represented Rome. They were treated like traitors.
Do you think Zacchaeus trusted many people?
How do you think he felt when we went out into the streets?

Zacchaeus was a short man wearing expensive clothes, he was probably fat from sitting around doing book keeping and eating rich foods. He was used to bossing people and making sure all the money was collected, whether the family could afford it or not- cold Zacchaeus gave up his dignity to meet Christ- he acted swiftly- climbed a tree.
Can you imagine a man, dressed in robes similar to your priest, climbing a tree?

Read or retell the story

When Zacchaeus saw Christ, he froze up, and didn’t say anything. Christ was famous for talking about the poor so he may have worried about what Christ would say about him! It was his job to make sure all the tax collectors got every last penny even from the poorest people!
Christ saw past his clothes, stereotype and reputation- to his heart.
When Christ says he wants to stay at his house, Zacchaeus acts again.
-What does Christ expect from us?
-How are we supposed to treat others?
-How do we know that Zacchaeus is different after he meets the Lord?
-What kinds of words does St Luke use to describe Zacchaeus? (look for adjectives)

Conclusion-
Lent starts soon.
Will I be like Zacchaeus and hurry to Church on time, or do our prayers with a joyful attitude?
Will we pray even when people are around, when it could be embarrassing?
How will our lives change?

Luke 19:6
“So he made haste and came down, and received Him joyfully“
Zacchaeus’ heart changes when he stood before Christ. He judged himself
Luke 19:8
“Look, Lord, I give half of my goods to the poor; and if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore it four-fold”
Luke 19:9
Christ says, “Today Salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham; for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost”

Activities to consider-

*Try play-acting out the story… if you have a friendly group dynamic especially in older kids
*Get outside and climb a tree! How does it change your view?
*Word association brainstorming– have the kids call out all/any words they think fits Zacchaeus before and after he meets Christ
*Draw a picture of dinner at Zacchaeus’s house looks like (the house/plate/table…)
*Brainstorm- What can I do? Draw/ write how can I have a heart like Zacchaeus after meeting Christ?

Silly song
Zacchaues was a wee little man
https://www.antiochian.org/dashboard?name=christian%20education – On the right side, “Chhurch craft topics” – see the list of kids songs. Many apply (forgiveness, fruit of the spirit, Lenten Triodion)