Zacchaeus Wants to See Jesus

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This is the first Sunday of Lent.  Lent is the 40 days before Easter when many people do things to feel closer to God. This might mean making room for God in their day–spending time with God in prayer or another activity.  Sometimes when a person chooses to be close to God or spend time thinking about God, it might mean that they spend less time doing something else. This could mean giving up something, or doing less of something. This can look different for everyone.

Our stories during Lent will highlight some of the wonderful things that Jesus did and the amazing things that Jesus said. Jesus wanted us to know God and to know how much God loves and wants to be close to every person–even the people who don’t seem important or that society says are unloveable.

Story: Zacchaeus Wants to See Jesus

In today’s story from the Bible, we’ll hear about Zacchaeus, a disliked tax collector. Jesus singled him out and invited himself to Zacchaeus’ house for dinner, much to the grumbles of the crowd.  Being close to Jesus changed Zacchaeus, who promised to change his ways. 

Story from: Luke 19: 1-10

Wondering Questions

  • I wonder what you noticed about this story?

  • I wonder what Zacchaeus felt when Jesus looked up at him and knew his name?

  • I wonder what you would be thinking and feeling if Jesus came to your house?

  • I wonder how God came close to Zacchaeus in this story?  I wonder how Zacchaeus came closer to God in this story?

  • I wonder if there are other stories about Jesus where lost things were found?

  • If you wanted to feel close to Jesus, where would you go or what would you do?

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Activities

Throughout the season of Lent, we will continue to look at stories of the amazing things Jesus said and the wonderful things Jesus did. During Lent you can use our Lent resources to help you find ways to feel close to God through prayer, giving, fasting, or even baking!

You can ask your grownup to help you print the coloring page below. Today and always, I hope you remember that God knows you, loves you, and calls you by name.

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