Big Idea: Jesus doesn’t look down on people, so we shouldn’t either.
Bible Basis: Luke 19:1-10
Key Verse: “You must love one another, just as I have loved you.” John 13:34
OPENING PRAYER
Lord, open now my heart to hear, And through your Word to me draw near. Let me your Word ever pure retain; Let me your child and heir remain. All this I ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.
THUMBS UP, THUMBS DOWN
Simply ask your child to share one good thing that happened today or this week (thumbs up) and one not-so-good thing (thumbs down). This is a great way to share celebrations and struggles with one another.
BIBLE LESSON VIDEO
ASK THESE QUESTIONS
For younger kids:
What was your favorite part of this story? Why?
Why do you think Jesus would show love to someone like Zacchaeus?
For older kids:
What does this story teach you about Jesus?
How do you think you would have treated Zacchaeus if he had cheated you out of money?
REFLECT AND RESPOND
After the video, have your child pick one or more of the prompts on the GO! Home Guide.
Prayer Station prompt: Write a prayer asking Jesus. Thank him for loving you no matter what.
Journal Station prompt: Think of someone that you look down on or don’t like that much. How could you show that person love this week? Write about it.
Bible Station prompt: Read it yourself: Luke 19:1-10. Draw a picture of the story or write to God about your favorite part of the story. Tell him why you liked it.
Art Station prompt: Draw a picture of yourself doing something you are good at. While you’re drawing, think about ways you could show love to someone who isn’t as good at doing that activity.
LEARNING ACTIVITIES
+ Build It Big (Application Activity)
- Say: In today’s story, everybody was looking down on Zacchaeus, not only because he was short, but because he was a sinner. Not Jesus, though. He did the opposite. The opposite of looking down on someone is building them up. We’re going to do an activity right now that will help us build each other up with encouragement.
- Directions: Place a bag of large marshmallows and a box of toothpicks in the middle of the group. Challenge the kids to build the tallest tower they can by fastening the marshmallows together with the toothpicks. Before they build the tower up, though, they have to build a kid up with encouragement. Begin by choosing a kid in the group to receive encouragement. Prompt the kids to say something they like about that kid or point out something that kid is good at. When a kid shares an encouragement, allow the encourager to add a marshmallow to the tower. After the recipient has received encouragement from a few kids, make the next kid in the circle the new recipient and continue. When the tower falls over, disassemble the marshmallows and toothpicks and allow the kids to begin building up from the bottom again to see if they can make the next tower even taller. When all of the kids have received encouragement, you can continue around the circle for a second or third time. When finished, ask the following questions:
- Question: Why do you think we sometimes look down on and avoid people like Zacchaeus?
- Question: Can you think of someone that you look down on or think badly about? How could you build that person up with encouragement? How could you show them love?
+ Fist Puppets (Bible Memorization Activity)
- Supplies: Fist Puppet/Bible Verse” sign from the resource folder
- Directions: Place the “Fist Puppet/Bible Verse” sign in the middle of the group with the Fist Puppet side showing. Instruct the kids to make a Fist Puppet like the one in the picture. Using washable markers, have the kids draw a face on the thumb-side of their fist. Tell them to have fun and be creative. When finished, flip the sign over so that it reveals the Bible verse. Today’s Bible verse says: “You must love one another, just as I have loved you.” John 13:34. Read the verse together several times so the kids can begin to memorize it. When ready, flip the sign over once again so the verse is no longer visible. Choose a kid to go first. Have them recite the verse while moving their Fist Puppet’s mouth (their thumb) up and down like a ventriloquist. For added fun, encourage them to say the verse in a funny voice without moving their lips. When finished, allow them to pick who goes next. Continue until every kid has had a turn.
- Question: What can you do to love other people more like Jesus loves them?
- Question: How could you show more love to your friends and family?
+ One Word Prayers (Prayer Activity)
- Directions: Challenge the kids in your group to remember everyone’s name and prayer request. Select someone to go first and have them share a prayer request. After the first person shares, have the group say their name followed by one or two words that sum up their request. For example, if Brandon needs help to not fight with his brother, say “Brandon, no fighting.” After the second person has shared their request, say the name of the first person who shared and their request, followed by the second person who shared and their request. For example, “Brandon, no fighting. Connor, patience.” Continue this pattern for everyone in the group until everyone has had a turn. At the end, see if your group can remember everyone’s name and request. Encourage them to remember each other during the week and pray for each other. Finally, close your group by leading them in prayer.
(Due to copyright restrictions, the printable materials described in the activities above are only available to those who have registered for Our Savior’s Kids. To register your child(ren), click the button below)
CLOSING PRAYER
Dear God, Thank you for sending Jesus to forgive all my sins and make me part of your family. Help me to show others the same love you showed to me. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
DURING THE WEEK
Read in the Bible the story that was the basis for this week’s lesson:
Luke 19:1-10
Do more of the activities list above with your child.
QUESTIONS ABOUT THE LESSON?
Leave them in the comments below!