There was a sycamore tree growing nearby. Oh, what joy for Jesus! Luke doesn't tell us why; perhaps Zacchaeus had heard that Jesus was not like other rabbis and that one of his closest disciples was actually a tax collector. "I want to see Jesus!". 3. However, the chief tax collector was in the right place at the right time to have an encounter with Jesus which was more than just . He climbed up in the Sycamore tree, for the Lord he wanted to see. In Luke 19:1-10 we read the story of Zacchaeus which ends like so: And Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, "Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor. Zacchaeus teaches us that when you make a solid effort to experience Jesus, you are rewarded. Not only did Jesus want to see Zacchaeus, he would stay with him as well; for He said, "I must stay at your house today" (v. 5). Because Zacchaeus was a Jew did not mean that he was born saved. Choose one story that is appropriate for your children. Zacchaeus addresses Jesus as "Lord" (Luke 19:8) when he speaks to him. A man named Zacchaeus lived there. A man named Zacchaeus wanted to see Jesus pass by, but Zacchaeus was not very tall. What happened when Zacchaeus heard about Jesus: 1. Now Zacchaeus could see Jesus really well. Explain how Reconciliation is making peace with God and with others. God in the flesh, Jesus Christ, has paid the penalty for our sin 4. Zacchaeus was overjoyed to be able to entertain Jesus, but the Jews grumbled because they looked upon Zacchaeus as a sinner. There was a chief tax collector there named Zacchaeus, who was rich. He came into this lost world to seek and to save it. 6. His salvation did not come because he returned a large part of his wealth, but because he received the grace and mercy of Jesus. When Jesus came by the place where Zacchaeus was, He looked up into the tree. He wanted to see who Jesus was, but because he was short he could not see over the crowd. A Message on Luke 19:1-10. And as the Savior came that way, He looked up in the tree . He wanted to see Jesus. 7. And we see it demonstrated beautifully in the life of a very extreme candidate, a hated chief tax collector. The crowd all murmured just moments before; they complained that Jesus was going to be a . The others in Luke 18:9-14. People did not want to be a friend to a tax collector because tax collectors usually cheated people. There is a call for personal response 4. 5 . A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. This can give us a clue as to the lasting results of the choice each man made in his encounter with Christ. What did Zacchaeus say he would do?5. As he approaches Jericho, a crowd is gathering.Man 1: (excitedly) Have . He ran ahead and climbed a tree so he could see Jesus in the midst of the crowd. Zacchaeus and Grace. The sycamore has low horizontal branches, and so it is a relatively easy tree to climb. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree. Weaknesses The very system Zacchaeus worked under encouraged corruption. Conclude Zacchaeus climbed up a tree because he really wanted to see Jesus. Zacchaeus addresses Jesus as "Lord" (Luke 19:8) when he speaks to him. And salvation is a matter of urgency. Jesus looked deep within my soul and said, "Today salvation has come to this house, and to you, Zacchaeus." He reminded me who I am—a son of Abraham, a child of promise. But Jesus saw a side of Zacchaeus that the rest of the people refused to see. And if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold." And Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham. Zacchaeus must have been efficient, organized, and aggressive in his work. Yes, it is true that He saves us, but the point . They surely didn't want this type of man interrupting their chance to see Jesus and were likely frustrated he was. It helps us be truly sorry for our sins. And we see that Zacchaeus made haste to receive Jesus, but that his salvation was "to go". Zacchaeus was so anxious to see Jesus that he literally "went out on a limb" to see Him. Don . 3. Zacchaeus was an outcast. 3. 4 . He saw that Jesus saw him! If the Bible passage is too complex for your children, paraphrase the story . 2. 4. Scripture says, believe in me and you shall be saved. Zacchaeus should have known that there was no hope for him. Where was Jesus going (1)? This can still happen today. Zacchaeus could probably see the top of Jesus' head. He must have been thrilled when Jesus spoke to him and said he wanted to stay at Zacchaeus' house that day. With this understanding we can read verse 7 as: And when they saw it, they all grumbled, "He has gone in to dismantle the man who is a sinner. When he repented, he paid back those he had cheated. He moves in. You might've learned the song, too. There are some hints in the text. Who was Zacchaeus (2)? Now he could see who Jesus was! Jesus told him. Absolutely. "Zacchaeus" means "pure", "innocent" or "righteous one". Jesus looked up and said, "Hurry down,. His sin, not his height, is what was separating him from Jesus. Zacchaeus heard that Jesus was passing through town, and he wanted to see him. I am . He was a chief tax collector and was rich. When Jesus approached him, Zacchaeus agreed to give half of his wealth to the needy and to compensate anyone he had defrauded fourfold. He tried to get a look at Jesus, but he was too short to see over the crowd. They ate it ready to leave. He perceived how Zacchaeus was extremely interested in seeing Him. It is likely that people were jeering at Zacchaeus as he was climbing that tree. Jesus demonstrates his total acceptance of Zacchaeus by coming to his home for the party. In Zacchaeus' case the greed and self-serving ways were cast out, like so much rubbish on the curb. But with the word "haste" comes the sense of utmost importance and urgency. Characters Narrator Man 1 Man 2 Man 3 Zacchaeus JesusQuestions 1. I want you to know Jesus is interested in your beliefs —that you believe in Him. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way. But Jesus is providing a beautiful picture of what forgiveness means: the old is gone the new has come. He wanted to see Jesus, but when he looked at Him, he saw that Jesus was looking back! Luke 19:1-10. Jo, with the help of M&Ms showed us how much people earnt, how much . Because of this, Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham" (Luke 19:9 NKJV). He went into Action. do a penance to show we are truly sorry. In this, the final turning point in Luke's Gospel, we discover exactly what Jesus' mission on earth is -- to seek and to save the lost. Why did Jesus come, according to this statement? When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and . In Luke 15 we read about the joy of finding the lost coin, the lost sheep, and the lost son. There was a man there named Zacchaeus. No other person or thing or priority should ever come close to the influence and lordship of Jesus Christ. But he was a short man. Lots and lots of people gathered around to see Jesus. Then He told us all why He did what He did—"For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost." Luke 19 describes Zacchaeus as a tax collector in the City of Jericho. Jesus said, "Zacchaeus, hurry up and come down. Christ was able to love deeply, because he is both human and divine. "Zacchaeus" means "pure", "innocent" or "righteous one". This story of Zacchaeus is a very famous one. The price will be . What did he do to see Jesus?3. God wants to defend you and pardon you, just like he did with Zacchaeus. Sycamore trees can grow to be very high. This can still happen today. Zacchaeus wanted to see Jesus as the Lord passed through town, but, because Zacchaeus was a short man, he could not see over the thronging crowd. The Passover that they had in Egypt was a meal to go. Zaccheus is declared to be a happy man, now he is turned from sin to God. In effect his sin blinded him. What favor did Jesus ask of Zacchaeus?4. Zacchaeus couldn't see Jesus not because he was short, but because his eyes were fixed on another god. Jesus and Zacchaeus. Zacchaeus did not know that Jesus would single him out and invite Himself to eat with him. Bible stories. I want to stay at your house today. Zacchæus was a Jew who collected tax money for the Romans who ruled over the land. By Amber Jones, Associate Pastor. Why was Zacchaeus having difficulty seeing Jesus?2. 5 when jesus reached … JESUS CAME TO SEEK AND TO SAVE THE LOST Luke 19:1-10 Key Verse: 19:10 "For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost." 1. It will cost you something to see Him. Zacchaeus was eager to see Jesus, suggesting that his interest went deeper than mere curiosity. Zacchaeus the Tax Collector - Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. 1. Describe that we do the following in Reconciliation: tell a priest our sins. What parable did Jesus give after speaking with Zacchæus? So the people were grumbling not because of who Zacchaeus was, but because of what Jesus was doing . because "the Son of Man had come to seek and to save that which was lost" (v.10). Zacchaeus immediately welcomed Jesus gladly. How did Jesus explain what just happened? What does this tell us about him (Dt 4:29)? Bible study ideas. Bible Study on Stewardship & Money 2.0 Stewardship 8: Children Watch the video or read the lesson text … or both. Zacchaeus hurriedly climbed down "and received him joyfully." Your efforts to seek Jesus will not go unnoticed because He knows your name, what you are doing and where to find you. "Jesus entered Jericho and made his way through the town. But Jesus saw a side of Zacchaeus that the rest of the people refused to see. Now that he is saved from his sins, from the guilt of them, from the power of them, all the benefits of salvation are his. A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. A: The story is found in Luke 19:1-10. He may have had a religious upbringing. 27 But r as for . New Living Translation He tried to get a look at Jesus, but he was too short to see over the crowd. Possibly he was now open to discover more about this man who some were suggesting might be the Saviour of Israel. Zacchaeus was a little man, and wanted to see Jesus, so he climbed a sycamore tree. Jacksonville First United Methodist Church. Jesus has all the advantage and all the love, even for a stinker like Zacchaeus and you and me. Not only did Jesus want to see Zacchaeus, he would stay with him as well; for He said, "I must stay at your house today" (v. 5). What did Jesus tell Zacchæus was the reason for the coming of the Son of Man? When Jesus came near, he looked up and saw Zacchaeus. 3 And d he was seeking to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd he could not, because he was small in stature. When Zacchaeus heard that Jesus would be passing through, he went into action. When he reached the spot, what did Jesus do (5)? But when Jesus came to Jericho, Zacchaeus just had to "see what he was like.". Jesus invited Himself to spend time in Zacchaeus' house. "Zacchaeus was a wee little man, and a wee little man was he. Zacchaeus wanted to see Jesus and he was willing to pay the price to do so. He wanted to see who Jesus was, but because he was short he could not see over the crowd. 4 So he ran on ahead and . He perceived how Zacchaeus was extremely interested in seeing Him. Zacchaeus was a little man, and wanted to see Jesus, so he climbed a sycamore tree. As we have discussed in prior lessons, we first look to whether or not we create, and if we do not, then we… When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to Jesus has new furniture for Zacchaeus' heart and life. 4 so he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since jesus was coming that way. Based on the fact that Zacchaeus was a tax collector, he was a sinner; but he acknowledged his iniquity, and was looking to see Jesus because he was holy, and sent of God. Why did he want to see Jesus (3)? [email protected]. Answer: Jesus was passing through Jericho. 12. He was the chief tax collector in the region, and he had become very rich. . WHY DID JESUS SAY, "SALVATION HAS COME TO THIS HOUSE?" (Answer) There was an observable change of behavior in the life of Zacchaeus (1 John 3:19, 3, 4, 5:18) QUESTIONS: 1. He climbed up in a sycamore tree, For the Lord he wanted to see. Zacchaeus saw the tall tree and climbed it. Zacchaeus is mentioned by name; the rich ruler is not. Lesson Text Scripture reading: Discussion: We are stewards over our children. And as the Savior passed that way, he looked up in the tree, and said, 'Zacchaeus, you come down, for I'm going to your house today. Zacchaeus came down and was very happy to have Jesus in his house. . What power does he have? But because Zacchaeus was short, he could not see over the crowd. Before reading aloud, take a few minutes to review the story. He wanted to see who Jesus was, but because he was short he could not see over the crowd. Zacchaeus was a chief among tax collectors, and I'm sure his parents never would have dreamed that he would turn out the way he did. Then he saw Jesus walking right by the tree. Luke 19:4 So he ran on ahead and climbed a sycamore tree to see Him . Zacchaeus wanted to see Jesus because he heard about him and his teachings, and had come to like them, so he wanted to meet the man in person, and express his belief in him. Possibly he was now open to discover more about this man who some were suggesting might be the Saviour of Israel. Zacchaeus became an example of the change that takes place in our . Jo unpicked the story of Zacchaeus, a misfit from the Bible, who spent his days skimming of taxes and collecting money for the Romans, discovers forgiveness when he spots Jesus in the crowd. Not only did Zacchaeus get to see Jesus, but Jesus saw him and knew him by name. This section provides Bible stories with the theme of acceptance, along with questions you can use as a guide for family discussions. Jesus, therefore, did the most unbelievable and amazing thing, at least in the eyes of the inhabitants of Jericho . Both of those things indicate effort. We may try to put on a front for others to see, but God looks upon our hearts. His salvation did not come because he returned a large part of his wealth, but because he received the grace and mercy of Jesus. z to everyone who has, more will be given, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. Why did Zacchaeus want to see Jesus? Matthew 7:7 NKJV "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. Luke 19:7. Zacchaeus became an example of the change that takes place in our . Perhaps during his early life, he was made fun of because of his physical stature. If we just knew how to love more like Christ loves people, our world would change and become a better place. was passing by, he wanted to see who Jesus was. For Zacchæus to receive Jesus into his house. This morning, Jesus sees each of us, right where we are. 1 jesus entered jericho and was passing through. Verse eight is to me one of the most amazing math lessons in Scripture. There we see Zacchaeus change his heart. At any rate, Zacchaeus wanted to see Jesus, and because he was unable to see over the heads of the people, he ran ahead (verse 4) and climbed into a sycamore tree. Zacchaeus is a very important character in the Bible because he is a concrete example of a sinful man who was changed by Jesus Christ's compassion over sinners. No other person or thing or priority should ever come close to the influence and lordship of Jesus Christ. He wanted to see who Jesus was, but because he was short he could . And Jesus knew where to find him-in Jericho, hiding in a tree. This is the critical first step in beginning a relationship with God: acknowledging Jesus as the Lord of your life. Jesus' interest in a guy like Zacchaeus was criticized by the self-righteous in the audience, but Christ was exhibiting his mission to seek and save the lost. Jesus stopped right by the tree. [2] After all, he had done a particularly good job of extorting money from his countryman, for Luke 19:1 says Zacchaeus was a wealthy man. 2. The crowd all murmured just moments before; they complained that Jesus was going to be a . Because his name means "Pure.". And the renovation begins. And there was a man named Zacchaeus, a chief tax collector, who was very wealthy. Why did Zacchaeus want to see Jesus? 10. The Bible tells us that God sees us exactly as we are. Then guess what happened next. He could not see Jesus because of the crowd. Lessons: 1. Seeing Jesus will not be easy. It Required Effort - Notice, " he ran before, and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see Him… " He " ran " and he " climbed ". There was a chief tax collector there named Zacchaeus, who was rich. Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. This can give us a clue as to the lasting results of the choice each man made in his encounter with Christ. Zacchaeus was a sinner by birth, by nature, and by practice who could not save himself, so God sent a Savior to seek and save him. He wanted his own experience. The people who paid it were Jews and they hated to pay money to the Romans, for they wished they could rule themselves. (Luke 19:10) To save the lost. A descendant of Abraham, he was an example of Jesus 's personal, earthly mission to bring salvation to the lost. What did he do in order to see Jesus (4)? 2. Somewhere on the way Zacchaeus had learned to compensate. (Luke 19:7) They murmured because Zacchæus was a sinner. How did the crowd react to Jesus' request of Zacchæus? It means seeking him with all your heart and doing everything he would have you do! A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. 3 he wanted to see who jesus was, but because he was short he could not see over the crowd. Jesus, therefore, did the most unbelievable and amazing thing, at least in the eyes of the inhabitants of Jericho . It is used in the context to dismantle or disassemble buildings, laws or social movements. rich. That was because Zacchaeus was a tax collector. 3 . Since Zacchæus was the one who took money for the Romans, it made his own people dislike him very much, perhaps more than any other man in Jericho. Absolutely. He saw the possibility of repentance in such a man despite his great sin. He may have had a religious upbringing. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way. Although he was Abraham's son, he still needed salvation. He could not because he was short, so he climbed a tree. Zacchaeus is mentioned by name; the rich ruler is not. Zacchaeus was a very short man and he could not get to the front of the crowd. He saw Jesus walking along the road. He was given that name as a baby. Ways we use our time, abilities, and money all show what it is that we care about or are loyal to. Zach is so famous he has a song, "Zacchaeus was a wee, little man, And a wee, little man was he. And Zacchaeus offered to give up half of his possessions to the poor . Jesus also wanted Zacchaeus to invite all his "non-believing" friends to join the . But crowds were gathered around Jesus, and Zacchaeus had two things working against him: his height and . He saw the possibility of repentance in such a man despite his great sin. All of a sudden, Jesus looked right up at Zacchaeus and said, "Zacchaeus, come down right now. You know why? Christ is come to his house, and where Christ comes he brings salvation with him. He was a tax collector. Ways we use our time, abilities, and money all show what it is that we care about or are loyal to. What did Jesus say about Zacchaeus?Narrator: Jesus is heading toward Jerusalem for the Passover. Zacchaeus had his first true passover feast that day. He was known as a corrupt tax collector who collected more than he should have collected. Why did Zacchaeus want to see Jesus? Zacchaeus did not want someone else to tell him about their experience about seeing Jesus. 5. The Holy Spirit bound him and his Father together and they thought . This is what caused Zacchaeus' change of heart. Zacchaeus was rich because he cheated people. Jesus seeking to save a sinner and showing us that He went after the man, his heart was prepared by the Spirit, He drew the man to Himself, and the man believed, as indicated in the phrase "because he is, too, a son of Abraham," and it issued in a transformed mind, a transformed heart, transformed behavior. He was a seeker after the truth. In John 6:44, Jesus says "no one can come to . Jesus looked up and called him by name: "Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house." Zacchaeus was not a popular man. He was a chief tax collector and was very rich. He wanted to see Jesus and so he went to go see him. because "the Son of Man had come to seek and to save that which was lost" (v.10). Clearly this practice was scorned by the religious leaders of the day. Love is the only thing that causes conversion. He is known primarily for his faith in climbing a sycamore tree to see Jesus, and also his generosity in giving half of all he possessed. Jesus was known as a friend to sinners who came to seek and to save the lost. He saw Jesus on the . to fight back. Yes, it is true that He saves us, but the point . So, he climbed the professional ladder. This is the critical first step in beginning a relationship with God: acknowledging Jesus as the Lord of your life. The key is that Zacchaeus pled guilty when he recognized I need the Savior. ask for forgiveness. Jesus looked up and said, "Hurry down, Zacchaeus, because I must stay in your house today." The peopl. Knowing that Jesus would pass by a certain sycamore tree, Zacchaeus ran ahead and climbed the tree, figuring he could see Jesus passing below. There are some hints in the text. This action is interesting. Why was Jesus looking for Zacchaeus? 2 a man was there by the name of zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. Jo shared a YouTube video from Tailrace kids which told of the story of Zacchaeus. It is a special Sacrament in the Catholic Church. Why was Jesus looking for Zacchaeus? Zacchaeus Is Curious About Jesus Say: Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. He has the same furniture for our hearts and lives too. Zacchaeus wanted to see who Jesus was. In the eyes of Jewish people, he was short in more ways than one. All sin separates us from God, because at its root it is a declaration of independence from God.