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Zacchaeus in the Tree

Bible passage: Luke 19 · Ages 3 to 5 · New Testament

Paraphrase Zacchaeus lived in a town called Jericho. He was not very tall, and many people did not like him.

Paraphrase One day, a crowd came down the road. Jesus was coming through town! Everybody wanted to see him.

Paraphrase Zacchaeus was too short to see over the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed up a tree.

Paraphrase When Jesus got to the tree, he looked up. Zacchaeus, come down! I want to stay at your house today.

Paraphrase Zacchaeus climbed down in a hurry, and he was so happy. Jesus was his friend!

Paraphrase Zacchaeus said, I will give back what I took, and share my money with people who need it. His heart had changed.

From the Bible (King James Version)

For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.
Luke 19:10 (KJV)

Let us wonder

Why do you think Zacchaeus climbed the tree?

One small thing to do

Do something nice for someone who might feel left out.

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Retold in simple words (a paraphrase), so it is not the Bible’s own text. The read-aloud voice is computer-made. Jesus is never shown with a face. Nothing you do here is saved or sent anywhere.

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