Luke 19
Explanation and Bible story for toddlers and preschoolers (ages 3-6)
The Explanation
In a town called Jericho lived a man. His name was Zacchaeus. Zacchaeus was small. Very small. Not much taller than you!
Zacchaeus had a lot of money. But nobody liked him. Because Zacchaeus took money from other people. That was not fair.
One day something happened. Jesus came to the town! Everyone ran to the street. Everyone wanted to see Jesus.
Zacchaeus also wanted to see Jesus. He stood on his toes. He jumped up and down. But he saw nothing. Only backs. Only big people in front of him.
Then Zacchaeus had an idea. He saw a big tree. A tree with strong branches. Zacchaeus ran to the tree. And up he climbed! Higher, and higher, and higher.
Now he could see everything. Now he waited.
What Does This Mean?
There, in the distance, came Jesus. Closer. And closer. Zacchaeus held his breath.
And then… then Jesus stopped. Right under the tree! Jesus looked up. Straight at Zacchaeus.
"Zacchaeus!" said Jesus. "Come down quickly. I want to come to your house today!"
Zacchaeus could hardly believe it. Jesus knew his name! Jesus wanted to come to him! Nobody ever wanted to come to Zacchaeus.
He climbed down as fast as he could. His heart was so happy. Jesus was coming to his house!
The Common Thread
The people were angry. They grumbled. "Why is Jesus going to that man? Zacchaeus is not nice!"
But Jesus was not angry. Jesus was glad.
In the house Zacchaeus said something wonderful. "Jesus, I want to make everything right. I will give my money to poor people. And if I took too much, I will give it back. Four times as much!"
Jesus smiled. "Today something wonderful happened here," said Jesus. "I came to look for people who were lost. And I found Zacchaeus!"
Jesus is like a shepherd who looks for a lost little sheep. Jesus came looking for Zacchaeus. And Jesus keeps on looking for people. Also for you.
For You
Do you know what is so beautiful? Jesus saw Zacchaeus in the tree. Even though Zacchaeus was small. Even though many people stood in front.
Jesus also sees you. Always. When you play. When you eat. When you sleep. When you are sad, and when you laugh.
And Jesus knows your name too. Just like He knew Zacchaeus's name. He wants to come close to you. Just like He came close to Zacchaeus.
Maybe you can do something like Zacchaeus. Did you take something that was not yours? You can give it back. Did you do something mean? You can say sorry. And then your heart becomes glad. Very glad.
Talk About It
Would you also climb into a tree to see Jesus? Which tree would you choose?
Zacchaeus was glad Jesus came to his house. What would you say if Jesus came to your house?
Praying Together
Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank You that You saw Zacchaeus. Thank You that You see me too. You know my name. I am glad about that. Please come close to me today.
Amen.
Questions about Luke 19
Short answers for anyone reading about this for the first time.
What is Luke 19 about?
What does Luke 19 say?
What does Luke 19 teach us about God?
What can toddlers learn from Luke 19?
Why is Luke 19 an important Bible story?
What others discovered
They call him "Teacher" and in the same breath ask him to hush the singing. "Teacher, rebuke your disciples!" Respectable words, and underneath them a request to make Jesus smaller, quieter, easier to be near. Ask yourself honestly: is there praise in you that you keep down because of who might hear it?
Jesus is crying while the crowds are cheering. "If you, even you, had known today the things which belong to your peace!" He does not say peace was withheld. It was standing in front of them, riding a donkey, close enough to touch. What might you be missing today, not because it is far off, but because it is too near?
He said to him also, 'You are to be over five cities.'"
Notice the master doesn't scold this servant for producing less than the first. He simply gives him what fits his faithfulness. Five cities, not ten. God isn't comparing you to anyone else. He's watching what you did with what He handed you. That's enough. That's everything.
He said to him, 'Out of your own mouth I will judge you, you wicked servant!'"
Notice, the master doesn't argue with the servant's description of him. He simply takes the servant at his word. If you truly believed I was harsh, why did you do nothing?
Fear that produces no action isn't reverence. It's an excuse. What have you buried because you were "afraid" of God, when really, you just didn't trust Him enough to try?
Looking for something for slightly older children?
We also have dedicated versions for elementary age (7-12) and teens (12 and up).
Open in the Children's Bible tool
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