Read Luke 19:1–10 in your chosen translation. Everything below is original teaching commentary by Living Letters, not a Bible quotation. Suggested ages and timings can be adapted.
THE LEARNING GOAL
Describe Zacchaeus’ response to Jesus and identify the practical commitments he announces.
Open the conversation
Describe a fictional borrowed item that was damaged. Ask what a helpful response might include besides an apology.
Read and notice
Zacchaeus is a wealthy chief tax collector in Jericho. He wants to see Jesus but cannot see over the crowd, so he runs ahead and climbs a tree. These familiar details introduce the encounter; they are not the whole point of the lesson.
Jesus calls him by name and says he will stay at his house. Zacchaeus welcomes him, while others complain about Jesus’ choice of host. Compare the welcome with the crowd’s reaction before moving to Zacchaeus’ declaration.
Zacchaeus speaks about giving to the poor and restoring fourfold if he has defrauded someone. The scene connects the encounter with a practical response involving money and relationships. Use fictional examples of repairing harm, without implying that generosity buys salvation or that children should give away money without adult guidance.
Explore together
Draw a sequence with three verbs: seeks, welcomes, responds. Add evidence from the passage under each verb and discuss one responsible way to repair a small mistake.
Questions worth asking
Invite learners to answer from the passage first. Open a suggested answer when you are ready to discuss it.
1. Why does Zacchaeus climb a tree?
Suggested answer
He wants to see Jesus but is short and blocked by the crowd (verses 3–4).
2. How does he receive Jesus?
Suggested answer
He comes down quickly and welcomes him joyfully (verse 6).
3. What commitments does Zacchaeus announce?
Suggested answer
Giving half his goods to the poor and restoring fourfold if he has defrauded anyone (verse 8).
Inside the activity pack
- Word search
- Find six key words, then point to where they connect with the reading.
- Matching
- Connect four names, objects, or ideas with clues and references.
- Flashcards
- Review the same four connections aloud or with a partner.
- Missing words
- Complete a short review of the teaching notes. This exercise uses commentary, not a Scripture quotation.
Use one activity or all four. For younger learners, read instructions aloud and work together. For older groups, ask for evidence from the passage before showing answers.
Published November 10, 2026 · Living Letters · Editorial approach · Suggest a correction