ke 19:1-9
Background
The locals loathed Zacchaeus because of his occupation. But because of that occupation, we can draw some reasonable conclusions about Zacchaeus’ formerly loathe-worthy habits. As an agent of the Romans, Zacchaeus was authorized to collect taxes on grain, highways, harbours, bridges, wagons,pack animals, and several other things. This was in addition to income tax and an individual head tax for … well, just having one!
As a chief tax collector, Zacchaeus likely bid for his job, promising Roman officials the highest take after he skimmed off his unfair share. The people he pinched for pennies had no knowledge of the tax system, no right of appeal, and absolutely no respect for the neighbourhood publican.
Telling the Story
Read the story from a children’s Bible.
A few online options include:
The cast of the Little Clay Bible tell the story of Zacchaeus, a wee little man who was short on love, but in for a big surprise when he meets Jesus. Playing time 7:32 minutes.
This is a longer version of the story and geared towards a bit older age group. Playing time 15 min.
This is an online story book to read. Great telling of the story.
Craft Time
Make Zaccheaus in the Sycamore Tree
Cut slits in the brown paper bag and stand bag up.
Next, twist the bottom of the bag to make the base of the tree. Then, take sections of the bag and twist the slits together.
N
ow it was time to glue on some leaves. Tear green construction paper into small pieces and round each one on your fingers and put a dot of glue on the tip. Finally, glue them to your tree.
To complete the craft, glue on our bible story, Luke 19:1-10, to the bottom of the tree.
You could also add your own Zacchaeus.
A Game to Play
Zaccheaus Scavenger Hunt
Hide pictures around a designated area with objects about our story today. Ex: picture or plastic little tree, a plastic little man, a plastic little group of people (from dollar store); play money, parade items, etc.
Hide the Chocolate Coins
Hide coins or something else of your choosing that could represent the money that Zaccheaus collected and let your kids find them.
See the attached word games for the story.
Snack Time
Zacchaeus In the Tree Waiting for Jesus
Rice
Krispie Treats
Ingredients
24 bite size Kit Kat Bar single "trunk"
24 Sour Gummy Bears (for Zachaeus)
1 Stick (1/2 Cup) Butter
1 Big Bag (16 ounces) BUT FRESH Miniature Marshmallows
9 Cups Generic RICE Krispie Rice Cereal
10 Drops Green Food Colouring
Cooking Directions
First, let's make the rice krispie treat "Leaves" of the tree, In a LARGE Microwave safe bowl, add marshmallows and butter, zap for 30 seconds, stir to mix, repeat until marshmallows are just melted... Do NOT over heat. I zapped three times, 1 minute 30 seconds total.
Stir to mix and combine, while stirring, add food colouring 2-3 drops at a time to get desired colour.
Add the Krispie Rice Cereal to the green marshmallow goo and mix. Fold until the krispies have also become coloured.
Allow to cool while you prepare the "Trunks. Separate the pieces of a fun size Kit Kat Bar.
Make 24 small Golf Ball size balls of Rice Krispie Treats. Flatten slightly. Insert one "trunk" into the bottom of the flattened ball. Add a Gummy bear (and tell the kids it is Zacchaeus sitting in the tree waiting for Jesus!
Serve Chilled and ENJOY!!!