Passage to Study: Luke 18:35 to 19:1-10.
Read with the class: Luke 19:1-10.
Memorization Text: Luke 19:10.
OBJECTIVES: To teach that:
1. The sinner that is seeking the Savior discovers that the Lord was already seeking him.
2. Even when a person tries to hide his concern, God’s eye is on him.
3. The meaning of true repentance, showing the blessings that come to those who are found
and forgiven.
4. Changes will be seen in the life of the one who receives the Lord Jesus as Saviour.
5. Jesus declares that Zaccheus now enjoys salvation, a divine recognition of an
accomplished fact.
SCENE No. 1. Outside the city of Jericho.
DEVELOPMENT of the lesson:
- Zacchaeus was a publican, which means he collected taxes.
- The publicans were considered traitors to their country, since they collected money for
a foreign government.
- Publicans were hated by the general population because they were dishonest, usually
becoming rich through their activities.
- It is difficult to discover when Zacchaeus’ curiosity changed to conviction of sin.
Cmt. No one can be saved without conviction of sin.
Cns. From your own experience of knowing how you felt when convicted of some sin, discuss
with the children what happens as one feels badly for a deed done. Ask them how they
understand conviction of sin.
Cmt. Make a distinction with the children between true conviction of sin and being sorry
you were caught.
- Zacchaeus’ lack of height hinders him from seeing Jesus, surrounded as He was by so
many people.
Apl. This physical impediment is a figure of some of the personal factors that keep some
people from coming to Christ.
- Zacchaeus does not let his problem stop him. He runs ahead and climbs a well
located tree.
- That he “ran before” shows that this was an important matter to him.
Apl. “Strive to enter in “, said the Lord Jesus, meaning that the sinner must
not let any obstacle hinder him from coming to Christ.
- Zacchaeus was determined to see Jesus, as one must be who truly wants to be saved.
Cmt. Try to think of what kinds of things could be hindrances for the students, and
discuss it with them
- Every sinner, without exception, will experience an awakening of conscience.
Sug. Zacchaeus shows that he truly desires to know Jesus, for he was willing to do
something very uncommon for a person with his wealth and status in the community.
- When he ran ahead and climbed a tree, he was exposing himself to the mockery of others.
Cmt. It is well to show the ways in which Christ demonstrated His deity.
a) Without being told, He knew Zacchaeus’ thoughts, for He stopped under the tree and
invited Himself to Zacchaeus’ house.
b) He knew his name even though He had had no previous contact with Zacchaeus.
c) He stated that salvation had come to Zacchaeus’ house, something that only God has
a right to do. (Lu 5:21). Apl. The Lord knows about our lives and even our thoughts,
and through His Word calls each one personally to repentance and salvation.
Apl. Emphasize to the scholars that, just as in Zacchaeus’ case, God knows all about
us, where we are and how much real interest we have in the gospel.
SCENE No. 2. Zacchaeus’ house.
DEVELOPMENT of the lesson:
Sug. This section shows the blessing and happiness that can be obtained by all those who
seek the Saviour with all their hearts.
- Having received forgiveness of sin, Zacchaeus enjoys relief from a bad conscience.
- If Zacchaeus had allowed himself to be hindered in his search, he would have missed this
wonderful visit with the Lord.
- Neither would he have received his soul’s eternal salvation.
- Jesus was heading for Jerusalem and the cross. He was passing through Jericho for
the last time.
Apl. Zacchaeus was wise to take advantage of what might well have been his last chance to
be saved.
Sug. Without using scare tactics, it is necessary to communicate to the student the urgent
need to be saved.
- Those who complained about Jesus going to the Zacchaeus’ house did not understand
God’s desire to seek and save sinners.
- Those who are saved by God’s grace show a real change in their lives.
- Zacchaeus’ love of riches had taken him to the position of chief of the tax
collectors, but that is now changed to love for the Lord and his neighbours.
- This change shows up as he gives the half of his goods to the poor and returns four
times the amount of any money he has charged unfairly.
- Those who are saved try to correct any damages they have caused in their unsaved days.
Lxn. The idea of restitution needs to be taught. See Ex 22:3; Le 6:4; Pr 6:31;
Eze 33:15.
- Saying “I’m sorry” isn’t always sufficient to rectify a wrong.
SCENE NO. 3.
DEVELOPMENT OF THE LESSON:
Note: Seek out figures or illustrations to show the blessings that come to one who is
found by the Lord and has been forgiven.
Ilu. A picture of the lost sheep being found by the shepherd illustrates the memorization
text of this lesson. Luke 19:10. (It should be printed up in large letters for the
children to consider here.)
Ilu. A picture of the shepherd carrying the sheep on his shoulder would illustrate the
love with which the sheep is treated when he is found by the shepherd who is seeking it.
Ilu. A young child destroys a toy, and the father corrects him. He feels badly about his
act and when pardoned understands the seriousness of anger and also the benefit of love
and harmony in the family.
Sug. Other illustrations could show children who have been fighting or disagreeing, then
having a change of heart and attitude as a result of salvation, with the result that it
brings harmony into the family.
Lxn. Real friendships are formed as the believer becomes less selfish and less
self-centered. |
