The shortest man in Jericho climbed a tree, and it changed his whole life. If your child loves the Zacchaeus song, this story is worth a slower read, especially at bedtime.
What the story is about
Zacchaeus was a chief tax collector. He was rich, and almost nobody in town liked him. When a crowd gathered to watch Jesus walk through Jericho, Zacchaeus was too short to see over the people in front of him.
So he did something no dignified grown-up would do. He ran ahead and climbed a tree.
Jesus stopped right underneath it, looked up, called Zacchaeus by name, and invited Himself to dinner. By the end of the day, Zacchaeus was giving half his money to the poor and paying back four times over what he had taken.
Why it matters for kids
Children know what it feels like to be left out, or to be the one who can't see over everyone else. This story shows them that Jesus notices the person nobody else wants near. He knew Zacchaeus's name before Zacchaeus said a word.
It also shows that being welcomed can change a heart. Nobody lectured Zacchaeus first. Jesus came to his table, and Zacchaeus wanted to make things right.
The Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost. (Luke 19:10)
That verse is the memory verse that comes with the story.
Talking about it at home
- For little ones: Ask, "Where did Zacchaeus go so he could see Jesus?" Then ask, "What did Jesus say when He looked up?" Let them answer with the name.
- For older kids: Ask, "Why do you think Zacchaeus wanted to give things back after dinner with Jesus?" or "Who at school might feel like they're up a tree by themselves?"
Read it at your child's level
Zacchaeus Up a Tree comes in four versions: Seeds (ages 2–4), Sprouts (4–6), Branches (6–9), and Roots (9–12). Siblings can share the same story at different levels. Read to me narrates every page and highlights each word as it's read. After the story you'll find a memory verse, discussion questions, a song, and printable coloring pages.
Each story is $1.99, and one purchase unlocks all four ages. There's no subscription, and your first book is free.
