Introduction: Why This Matters
Have you ever felt like you were too far gone or too messed up to be noticed by Jesus? Zacchaeus was a guy with a bad reputation—greedy, selfish, and disliked by everyone. But one moment with Jesus changed everything.
This story teaches us that no one is too far from God’s grace and that true encounters with Jesus transform hearts and lives.
1. Bible Reading: Luke 19:1–4
“Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. He wanted to see who Jesus was, but because he was short he could not see over the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way.”
Explanation For Teenagers
Zacchaeus was rich, but he wasn’t respected—he made money by cheating others.
Even with all his money, he was still searching for something more. That’s why he climbed a tree just to get a glimpse of Jesus.
This shows us that no matter who you are or what you’ve done, Jesus sees your heart.
Youth Group Discussion Questions
- Why do you think Zacchaeus wanted to see Jesus so badly?
- Have you ever felt like you didn’t belong or were too messed up for Jesus?
- What does it say about Jesus that He noticed Zacchaeus in a tree?
2. Bible Reading: Luke 19:5–10
“When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, ‘Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.’ So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly. All the people saw this and began to mutter, ‘He has gone to be the guest of a sinner.’ But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, ‘Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Today salvation has come to this house… For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.'”
Explanation For Teenagers
Jesus didn’t just pass by—He called Zacchaeus by name and chose to spend time with him.
Zacchaeus was so impacted that he immediately changed how he lived—he went from greedy to generous.
This is what happens when people experience real grace: they are transformed from the inside out.
Youth Group Discussion Questions
- How do you think Zacchaeus felt when Jesus said He wanted to come over?
- Why do you think Zacchaeus responded with generosity?
- What are ways we can show we’ve been changed by Jesus?
Youth Group Game: “Tree Climber Challenge”
What You’ll Need:
- Chairs, pillows, or anything safe to simulate a climbing path
- Blindfolds or obstacles
How to Play:
- Create a safe “tree climb” obstacle course in the room.
- Students must climb through or over while someone reads Zacchaeus’ story aloud.
- Once they reach the end, they receive a “call from Jesus” to represent grace and invitation.
Debrief
- What was it like trying to get through the “tree” to reach Jesus?
- How do we sometimes feel blocked from Jesus in real life?
- What’s one step you can take to respond to Jesus’ call this week?
Closing Prayer
Jesus, thank You for seeing us, even when others look past us. Help us to respond like Zacchaeus—with joy, with change, and with open hearts. Teach us to live transformed lives, full of grace and generosity. In Your name, Amen.