Zacchaeus is a fun story to share with young children (and a great song, too!). As we look at the Bible lesson, we emphasize the change of heart that the tax collector went through after meeting the savior, and we recall how Jesus has power to impact our lives. These crafts help students recount and act out the story, and collect coins to help others, too. A “Find Zacchaeus in the Tree plate” places a moveable popsicle stick puppet on a plate. A “Zacchaeus in the tree bank” reflects the tree and doubles as a depository for change, as well. Have fun!
Download our complete Zacchaeus Sunday School Lesson from Luke 19:1-10.
Craft one: “Zacchaeus in the Tree Plate”
You will need:
- Crayons or markers
- Paper plates
- Scissors
- Glue or tape
- Paper (Construction/cardstock)
- Popsicle sticks
- Additional decorations (stickers, glitter, etc.)
Procedure:
- Decorate paper plate with sky or grass backgrounds.
- Cut a trunk and leaves out of construction paper or cardstock, and add to plate to look like a tree.
- Create a Zacchaeus by drawing on a clothespin or popsicle stick, or drawing on paper and attaching to stick. Place Zacchaeus within the tree.
- Place additional decorations, verses, and captions as desired.
- Use the plate as a reminder of the Zacchaeus story, and hang it up as a decoration.
Craft Two: “Zacchaeus in the Tree Bank”
You will need:
- Construction Paper or cardstock
- Scissors
- Glue or tape
- Decorative elements as desired
- Markers or crayons
- Paper towel or toilet paper tube
- Clothespin or popsicle stick
- Cup
Procedure:
1. Cut out leaf and tree branch shapes from paper or cardstock.
2. Attach the leaves to the tube to create a tree. Add verses or captions.
3. Draw a “Zacchaeus” on clothespin or popsicle stick, or draw on a paper and attach to a stick.
4. Place the stick somewhere in the “tree.”
5. Decorate a cup to serve as the base of the bank. Place the tree in the cup so that coins can be deposited in the tube and drop down into the bank cup.
Bible Verses or Captions to Consider… (Luke 19:1-10)
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.” -Luke 19:8
9 Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. 10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” -Luke 19:9-10
Give what you have…
Jesus changes hearts!
Zacchaeus climbed a tree…and saw Jesus!
Jesus met his savior!