For very young children
Play, and explore putting things right.
Play materials: play tea set and food.
Mini Bible story with actions
You are saved!
Zacchaeus collected too much money.
‘Collect’ money.
No one liked him.
Shake head.
He wanted to see Jesus,
Put hand above eyes.
but the people pushed him back.
Push.
So Zacchaeus climbed a tree.
Pretend to climb.
When Jesus came by he called out, ‘Zacchaeus,
Cup mouth.
I am coming to your house today!’
Beckon.
The people were angry.
Shake fist.
Zacchaeus said, ‘I will give back the money, and even more.’
Mime giving more.
Jesus said, ‘Now you are saved!
Hold out, then clasp arms.
You have put things right with God,
Point up.
and with the people.’
Point around.
Repeat so the children can join in.
Putting things right with God!
You will need: a cloth ‘road’, a model tree, toy figures, plastic coins/counters.
Invite the children to use the figures to retell the story.
Meeting Jesus
You will need: card cut-outs of the crowd, Zacchaeus and Jesus, crayons, coloured card, sticky tac.
Invite the children to colour in the characters and make a four-fold scene.
Prayer
You will need: strips of cloth, washable felt tips, a bowl of soapy water, towels.
Invite the children to draw on the cloth to represent something they would like to say sorry for, then wash away the pen markings.
Finish with this prayer. Ask the children to repeat each phrase after you:
Lord Jesus, thank you that when we say sorry, you forgive us.
Help us to put things right. Amen.