This is a simplified version of the Bible story found in Luke 19:1-10, written for children to understand. For the original version, please refer to the Bible passage.
Jesus was traveling through a town called Jericho. As He was walking, He saw a man named Zacchaeus. Zacchaeus was a tax collector and was very rich. He really wanted to see Jesus, but there were so many people around that he couldn’t see over them because he was very short. So, Zacchaeus ran ahead and climbed up a tree called a sycamore tree so he could see Jesus when He passed by.
When Jesus got to the tree, He looked up and saw Zacchaeus. He said, “Zacchaeus, come down from the tree quickly. I need to stay at your house today.” Zacchaeus was so happy that Jesus wanted to come to his house. He climbed down from the tree quickly and welcomed Jesus joyfully.
The people who saw this were not happy. They grumbled and complained because Zacchaeus was a tax collector and they did not like tax collectors. They thought that Jesus should not be friends with someone like Zacchaeus. But Jesus didn’t care what they thought. He went to Zacchaeus’ house anyway.
While they were at the house, Zacchaeus stood up and said to Jesus, “Lord, I will give half of my money to the poor. And if I have cheated anyone, I will give them back four times as much.” Jesus was very happy to hear this and said, “Today, salvation has come to your house because you are a son of Abraham. I came to find and save people who are lost.”
Biblical Lessons
- Jesus wants to be friends with everyone, even if they are different or unpopular.
- It’s never too late to do the right thing and make up for past mistakes.
- Jesus came to earth to save people who are lost.
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