Zacchaeus The Tax Collector Free Preschool Bible Sunday School Lesson
Zacchaeus the Tax Collector
With a toddler-friendly Free Bible story, hands-on craft, fun activity, catchy song, and snack—this lesson is perfect for Sunday School, preschool, children’s church, or homeschool!
📖 Bible Theme:
Jesus loves everyone, no matter what.
📖 Bible Verse (Toddler Version):
“Jesus came to find and save the lost.” – Luke 19:10
💬 Main Point to Repeat with Kids:
“Jesus loves me no matter what!”
🧠 Toddler-Friendly Bible Story:
Zacchaeus was a very short man. He collected money from people, but he didn’t always do the right thing. One day, Jesus came to town! Zacchaeus wanted to see Him, but he couldn’t see over the crowd. So what did he do? He climbed a big tree!
Jesus saw Zacchaeus up in the tree and said, “Come down! I want to come to your house!” Zacchaeus was surprised. No one else wanted to be his friend, but Jesus did! Zacchaeus was so happy, he changed his heart and gave back the money.
Jesus loved Zacchaeus—and He loves us too!
🖍️ Coloring Page
Zacchaeus and Jesus Coloring Page
This free preschool coloring page features Zacchaeus in the tree as Jesus looks up and calls his name! You can download the FREE coloring page on our site at this link: CLICK HERE
🎲 Activity:
Tree Climb Relay
Tape a tree on the wall (or draw one on poster board). Use felt Zacchaeus cutouts. Have kids take turns “climbing” (sticking) Zacchaeus onto the tree while saying, “Jesus loves me no matter what!”
🎨 Craft: Sycamore Tree Craft
Supplies:
- Colored Card Stock or Construction Pape (green and brown)
- Glue Stick
Let the kids make the Sycamore tree craft. Help them cutout a bush from green paper and a trunk from the brown. Let them glue it together.
Optional: Have them glue the treen to colored construction paper. You could let them draw Zacchaeus in the tree and Jesus.
🎨 Craft:
Zacchaeus in the Tree Paper Plate Craft
Supplies:
-
Paper plate
-
Green Fuzzy Pom Poms
-
Glue
-
Brown construction paper
-
Black crayon (for hole in tree trunk) and Green crayon or Paint (for the tree part)
Directions:
Color or paint the paper plate green. Glue on green pom poms. Cut out a brown tree trunk and glue to paper plate. Draw a black hole in the tree trunk,
🎵 Song: Zacchaeus Climbed a Tree
Zacchaeus climbed a tree so tall,
Tree so tall, tree so tall!
Jesus saw him way up high—
“Come down now!” He gave a call!
Jesus came to Zacchaeus’ place,
Zacchaeus’ place, Zacchaeus’ place!
He changed his heart and gave with grace,
Jesus loves us all!
📝 Poem:
Zacchaeus climbed so he could see,
A man who’d change his life—truly!
Jesus smiled and called him down,
Now love and joy are all around!
🎭 Pretend Play Game:
Let kids pretend to be Zacchaeus! Use chairs as “trees.” One child pretends to climb, another plays Jesus calling him down. Rotate roles!
🛡️ Safety Note for Teachers:
If you’re acting out Zacchaeus climbing the tree, invite children to stand carefully on a sturdy chair or step stool one at a time — only with your help! Always lay down a soft mat and never leave a child unattended. Make it a fun moment about “Zacchaeus climbing high with help from his teacher!”
Even better — let them “climb” by taping a paper Zacchaeus up on a tree poster instead! No balancing needed.
🍎 Snack Idea:
Tree Top Treats
Serve apple slices (tree top) with pretzel sticks (tree trunks). Let kids build their own trees on a plate. Talk about how Zacchaeus climbed a tree to see Jesus.
🙏 Closing Prayer (Repeat After Me):
Dear God,
Thank You for loving me,
Even when I do wrong.
Help me say sorry,
And follow Jesus!
Amen.
📬 Optional Take-Home Note for Parents:
Today we learned about Zacchaeus and how Jesus loved him even when others didn’t. Ask your child to show you how Zacchaeus climbed the tree and tell you what Jesus said to him. Talk about how Jesus loves everyone, no matter what!
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