Hidden in the Tree: Zacchaeus Children’s Bible Lesson – Radical Welcome, Skit, Games, and Crafts (Luke 19:1–10)
LESSON OVERVIEW
Theme: Jesus Welcomes Everyone, No Matter What
Big Truth: Jesus sees us, loves us, and welcomes us—even when we feel hidden or left out.
Key Scripture: Luke 19:1–10
Pillar Focus: Presence — Experiencing the transforming welcome of Jesus in our lives.
1) INTRODUCTION
Have you ever felt left out or too small to be noticed? Zacchaeus felt those things too. One day, Jesus looked for Zacchaeus and welcomed him in a way that changed his whole life! Today, we’ll discover how Jesus welcomes everyone—no matter what—and how His love can turn everything around, even for someone hiding up in a tree. Are you ready? Let’s dive in!
2) ROOM PREPARATION & EXPERIENCE ENHANCERS
Instructions: Leaders, create the atmosphere!
Room Prep Checklist:
Arrange tables (long, round or multiple groups works); cover with tablecloths and set with paper plates/cups.
Decorate a large box or area as the "tree" (add green streamers/paper leaves for branches) for Zacchaeus to climb.
Seat cushions/mats (invite kids to gather close for the drama).
Optional: simple costume props—scarves/tunics for Zacchaeus, Jesus, and crowd.
Use coin props for the tax collector role; set up a "tiny home" table for Zacchaeus’s welcome meal.
Prepare green paper leaves for each child for games/activities.
Add a "Welcome Door Hanger" craft station and a "Radical Welcome Table Centerpiece" craft area.
3) GAME: "Tree Climber Tag"
Materials:
Green paper leaves per child
Open space
Instructions:
Each child holds a “leaf” to ‘hide’ in the tree.
One child is “Jesus”; the rest are Zacchaeus hiding.
When Jesus calls, “Zacchaeus, come down!” and tags them, Zacchaeus joins the welcome circle.
Continue until all are welcomed.
Preschool adaptation: Kids wave leaves, and when called, join the teacher for a group hug/high-five.
4) PRAISE & WORSHIP
“Nobody's a Nobody” — Randall Goodgame (Slugs & Bugs)
“Welcome Table” — Yancy
“Friend of God” — Kids version
“Jesus Loves Even Me” — Lifetree Kids
“All Are Welcome” — Seeds Family Worship
Kids move, clap, and dance—celebrating that all belong in Jesus’ family.
4) Bible Story Skit: Zacchaeus’s Radical Welcome
(Luke 19:1–10)
Leader Prep List:
Large box or tall chair decorated with green paper/leaves for "tree"
Scarves or robes for Zacchaeus, Jesus, each Crowd member
Play coins, small purse for Zacchaeus
Small table with pretend bread, fruit, cups for the feast
Bible opened to Luke 19
Characters Needed:
Narrator
Jesus
Zacchaeus
Crowd (3+ kids or leaders, some in simple costume)
SKIT SCRIPT
Narrator:
"In the bustling city of Jericho lived a man named Zacchaeus. He was rich—a chief tax collector—but he wasn't liked by many. People thought he took unfair money! Zacchaeus longed to see Jesus, who was coming through Jericho. But Zacchaeus was also very short—and the crowd? Way too big."
(Zacchaeus puts on a scarf, tries to push through the crowd; crowd blocks him and looks grumpy.)
Crowd:
"No way, Zacchaeus! Make room for us!"
(Crowd stands shoulder-to-shoulder so Zacchaeus can't see.)
Narrator:
"But Zacchaeus wasn’t about to give up. He spotted a huge sycamore tree up ahead—just the chance he needed!"
(Zacchaeus runs ahead, climbs onto "tree" box or chair, peeks out over the crowd, and smiles.)
"From up in the tree, Zacchaeus finally could see Jesus coming… Can you all wave and whisper, 'Jesus is coming!'? (Let kids join in!)*
Jesus (holds Bible and reads Luke 19:5):
"When Jesus reached the spot, He looked up and said to him, 'Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.'"
(Jesus gently waves to Zacchaeus.)
Zacchaeus: (Surprised, climbs down the tree—let him act excited, maybe hop!)
"Me? Jesus wants to come to my home?!"
(Joyfully leads Jesus to the table, lays out pretend food, gestures for everyone to sit.)
Crowd (muttering to each other):
"Why would Jesus go to his house? Doesn’t He know Zacchaeus is a sinner?"
(Crowd whispers, looks surprised or annoyed. Let kids try silly whispers.)
Narrator:
"But Jesus wasn’t there to judge Zacchaeus; He was there because He loved him. At the table, something amazing happened. Zacchaeus stood up and made a big promise to Jesus—in front of everyone!"
Zacchaeus (reading or repeating Luke 19:8):
"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 (smiling, opens Bible and reads Luke 19:9–10):
"Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost."
Narrator:
"Zacchaeus’s whole life changed. Jesus saw him, knew him, and welcomed him with open arms. Zacchaeus’s heart exploded with joy—he wanted to be generous and make things right. All because of Jesus’s incredible welcome!"
(Crowd claps, everyone smiles and shares pretend food. Celebrate together!)
Fun Interactivity For Kids:
Let the whole crowd join in saying “Jesus is coming!” and whispering “Who will He visit?”
Encourage kids to wave leaves, crouch and hide, then "pop out" smiling when it’s Zacchaeus’s turn (great for preschoolers).
Ask after: "Who do you think Jesus welcomes in our class or church? How can we show radical welcome to others like Zacchaeus?"
Preschool Tip:
Let little ones crouch and "hide" behind the tree—then pop up with big grins when Jesus calls their name: "Come down! I want to be with you!"
Read aloud from the Bible (Luke 19:1–10)
Encourage older kids to open and read a few verses themselves!
6) HOLY SPIRIT ACTIVATION: "Welcome Door Hanger"
Objective:
Kids create a door hanger for their bedroom or classroom as a daily reminder to be welcoming, just like Jesus welcomed Zacchaeus.
Materials Needed:
Pre-cut door hanger shapes (these can be made from sturdy cardstock or foam, or cut out from a printable template)
Markers, crayons, or colored pencils
Stickers (hearts, smiley faces, people, animals, etc.)
Pre-cut paper shapes (trees, houses, people) if available
Glue or tape
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Pass Out Materials:
Give each child a door hanger shape. If not pre-cut, help kids cut out a rectangle and a circle at the top so it hangs on a doorknob.Decorate and Design:
Kids use markers and stickers to decorate the door hanger.
Encourage them to draw a big tree (to remember Zacchaeus), a home (Jesus wants to come to our house), and pictures of friends or family.
Write a big, clear message: “Jesus Welcomes Everyone!”
Add hearts, smiling faces, or anything that shows friendliness and love.
Add Special Touches:
Use cutout paper shapes or stickers to add even more color.
Kids can draw themselves in the scene with Jesus or among friends.
Blessing & Prayer Time:
Gather the kids and say:
“Let’s pray together before we hang up our door hangers. Repeat after me:
‘Holy Spirit, help me welcome others like Jesus. Fill my heart with love and kindness. Amen.’”Hang It Up:
Kids take their finished door hangers and hang them on their bedroom door, classroom doorknob, or anywhere they’ll see it every day.Daily Reminder:
Encourage kids: “Every time you see your Welcome Door Hanger, remember how Jesus welcomed Zacchaeus, and choose to show radical welcome and kindness to everyone you meet!”
Leader Tip: Review the story—when Zacchaeus thought he was an outsider, Jesus saw him and said, “Come down! I want to be with YOU.” This craft is a reminder that we invite, include, and love others, just like Jesus does. Invite kids to share their door hanger with their family and explain what it means!
7) CRAFT 1: "Zacchaeus in the Tree Paper Plate Craft"
Objective:
Kids create a fun scene of Zacchaeus in the sycamore tree to remember how Jesus welcomed him by name.
Materials Needed:
Standard white paper plate (to be the background/base)
Brown construction paper (for tree trunk/branches)
Green construction paper or tissue paper (for leaves)
Scissors, glue, tape
Markers or crayons
Zacchaeus character cut-out (printed, drawn by child, or made from paper)
String (optional, for moving Zacchaeus)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Prepare the Tree Trunk and Branches:
Cut strips of brown paper for the trunk and tree branches.
Glue/tape them vertically and horizontally onto the paper plate so it looks like a tall tree reaching up.
Add Green Leaves:
Tear or cut small pieces of green paper/tissue.
Glue lots of leaves along the branches and top of the plate, making the tree bushy and inviting.
Create Zacchaeus Cut-out:
Use a pre-printed, hand-drawn, or traced Zacchaeus figure.
Color and decorate him with a smiling face and bright clothes!
Attach Zacchaeus High in the Tree:
Glue or tape Zacchaeus near the top of the tree, “hidden” among the leaves.
Optional: Use a short piece of string or a folded paper 'tab' to let Zacchaeus “move” or slide down from the tree to the ground when you tell the story! (Tape one end behind Zacchaeus, one to the back of the plate.)
Write Your Message:
Using a marker, write on the rim or bottom of the plate:
“Jesus welcomes everyone!”
Optionally add the scripture reference: “Luke 19:1-10”
Show and Tell:
Invite kids to move Zacchaeus up and down as you retell or discuss the story: How did Zacchaeus feel up in the tree? How did he feel when Jesus welcomed him?
Preschool Adaptation:
Pre-cut the trunk, branches, leaves, and Zacchaeus pieces.
Use glue sticks and guide younger children in placing Zacchaeus in the tree—say together: “Jesus sees me and welcomes me!”
Keep the craft simple, focusing on colors and big shapes.
While making the craft, discuss:
How Zacchaeus just wanted to be seen… and Jesus looked right at him!
Jesus welcomes everyone, whether they’re hiding, feeling small, or just want to know Him.
Encourage every child to display their tree at home and remember: “Jesus welcomes EVERYONE—even me!”
8) CRAFT 2: "Radical Welcome Table Centerpiece"
Objective:
Children create a miniature table scene where everyone has a seat! This craft reminds them that Jesus welcomed Zacchaeus—and He welcomes each of us, too.
Materials Needed:
Mini tray, sturdy plastic lid, or small paper plate (serves as the 'table')
Paper cutout people, printed/drawn by kids, or small toy figures
Tiny paper cups and plates (or make from rolled or folded paper)
Markers and crayons
Construction paper scraps for decorations (tablecloth, centerpiece, food, etc.)
Tape or glue
Strips of paper or a craft sign
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Prepare the Table Base:
Place the small tray, lid, or paper plate in front of each child.
Decorate the table: color or glue on a paper tablecloth, draw a centerpiece, or add paper 'bread/fruit' to make it festive.
Create the Friends:
Color, cut out, or draw several people figures. Encourage kids to include themselves, friends, Zacchaeus, Jesus, anyone they want!
For extra fun, use tiny toy people if available.
Add Cups & Plates:
Make mini cups/plates from rolled or folded bits of paper—color them or draw tiny food and drinks.
Glue/tape them onto the table in front of each person.
Arrange Everyone Around the Table:
Tape or glue the people figures standing or sitting around the table, making it crowded with friends!
Add the Welcome Sign:
On a paper strip or with a marker, write: "Jesus welcomes me!"
Tape or prop the sign in the center of the table.
Display and Discuss:
Encourage each child to place their finished table centerpiece at home, on a family table, or in the classroom as a reminder: “There’s always room at God’s table!”
Craft Learning Moment:
While crafting, talk with the children:
Who would you want to sit at your special table with Jesus?
How did Zacchaeus feel to be invited and welcomed by Jesus?
What makes a table truly welcoming?
Encourage the kids: Whenever you see this centerpiece, remember: Jesus welcomes everyone—and He welcomes YOU!
9) EXTRA ACTIVITY: Disciple Tag
How to Play Disciple Tag:
Choose One Child as "Jesus":
Pick who will be "Jesus." All other children become “disciples.” (For large groups, you can have two or three children be "Jesus" for more active play.)Start Moving:
All disciples scatter and move freely in a designated space (running, skipping, speed-walking—whatever is safe and age-appropriate for your group).Tagging:
"Jesus" chases the disciples and tries to gently tag them.When Tagged:
Any disciple who is tagged must freeze in place.
While frozen, they declare a truth about Jesus—such as:
“Jesus loves me!”
“Jesus forgives everyone!”
“I am part of God’s family!”
“Nothing can separate us from God’s love!”
You can provide a list of prompts if kids need ideas, or let them come up with their own.
Unfreezing:
After sharing their truth, the frozen disciple can re-join the movement. (Optional: another disciple can come and “high five” to unfreeze them, encouraging teamwork.)Rotation:
Change who is "Jesus" every round so several kids get a turn.
Leader Tip: End the game by gathering everyone and asking: "What was your favorite truth someone shared? How can we remember these truths all week long?"
10) SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS
Why did Zacchaeus climb the tree?
How did Jesus show he welcomed Zacchaeus?
What happened after Jesus visited Zacchaeus’s home?
How can you welcome someone new at school or church?
How do you feel knowing Jesus sees you—even when you’re 'up in a tree'?
11) PRAYER
Jesus, thank You for loving and welcoming me—even when I feel left out or lonely. Thank You for seeing me, knowing me, and calling me by name, just like You did with Zacchaeus. When I feel small or forgotten, remind me that I am important to You. Fill my heart with Your kindness and courage so I can welcome others, just as You have welcomed me. Show me ways to include people who are new, different, or left out. Help me to share Your amazing love in my words and actions every day so that everyone can know they are treasured by You. Thank You for never giving up on me. I love You, Jesus. Amen.
12) FINAL THOUGHT FOR PARENTS AND LEADERS
Parents and Leaders, this lesson helps children experience Jesus’s radical welcome in story, action, and creativity. Use the crafts to reinforce the truth that everyone is welcome in God’s family and challenge your kids to welcome someone new this week and to display their crafts at home. Friends together makes everything better!
