LESSON Zacchaeus Climbs a Tree Year B 1st Quarter Lesson 2 GRACE loves me unconditionally.

References :1-10; The Desire of Ages, pp. 552-556.

Memory Verse “God is love” (1 John 4:8, NIV).

Objectives The children will: Know that Jesus loves them all the time. Feel accepted and loved by God. Respond by thanking God for His love.

The Message

Jesus loves me all the time.

Getting Ready to Teach

The Lesson at a Glance grace to feel secure. This lesson helps Zacchaeus is a tax collector. He wants to to teach them that Jesus loves us no know more about Jesus. When Jesus comes matter what we do and that His love to , Zacchaeus climbs up a tree to see is a power that changes us, and gives him. Jesus asks to go to his house, showing us constant security. how much He loves him. Zacchaeus accepts Jesus’ love and forgiveness. Teacher Enrichment “It is when is received as a This is a lesson about grace. personal Saviour that salvation comes Young children need unconditional to the soul. Zacchaeus had received

30 TWO

Jesus, not merely as a passing guest in his home, but as One to abide in the soul temple. The scribes and accused him as a sinner, . . . but the Lord recognized him as a son of ” (The Desire of Ages, p. 556).

Room Decorations See Lesson 1. Add steps or boxes going up to the tree.

31 LESSON 2 Program Overview

LESSON SECTION MINUTES ACTIVITIES MATERIALS NEEDED Welcome ongoing Greet students

1 Parent Time up to 5

2 Arrival up to 10 A. Book Basket books about trees and Activities God’s gifts of love B. Peekaboo Basket hand towels, play objects C. Rock-a-Bye, Baby dolls, blankets D. Climbing Blocks climbing blocks, small slide E. Measuring growth chart, tape, pencil F. Counting large objects, containers G. Rocking Chair adult-size rocking chair

3 Getting up to 10 A. Welcome bells Started B. Prayer C. Visitors D. Offering offering container E. Birthdays artificial birthday cake, candles, coins (optional), matches, small gift (optional)

4 Experiencing up to 30 A. Memory Verse felt or cardboard “” the Story B. Find the Money large cutout coins (see p. 67), basket or large purse C. Jesus Comes to Town D. Climb a Tree tree used in room decorations, step- ladder, large picture or felt Jesus E. Jesus Forgives F. Dinner Guest table and chair from room decora- tions, plastic plates and cups, snack (optional) G. Return the Money large cutout coins (see p. 67), basket or large purse H. Jesus Loves Us Jesus banners, mirror, children of the world felts or pictures

32 LESSON 2

LESSON SECTION MINUTES ACTIVITIES MATERIALS NEEDED 5 Make and Take up to 10 (Optional) Week 1 Tree copies of tree outline (see p. 68), crayons, cotton balls, pressed leaves or green paper, glue sticks Week 2 Jesus Loves You copies of heart pattern (see p. 69), pencils, Jesus stickers or pictures of Jesus and glue sticks (optional) Week 3 Leaf Rubbing large leaves with veins, paper, thick cray- ons Week 4 Coin Purse small envelopes, “coins” (see p. 67), cray- ons or stickers Week 5 Jesus Loves Me copies of three-section card (see (Optional) p. 70), crayons, markers

Snack Center fruit, snacks, napkins, or baby wipes (Optional)

1 PARENT TIME

Busy parents often arrive at church had pulled down off the dresser. A little tired and worn out from the week’s plastic truck and some crayons were activities and from getting the family melting on the bulb. It had burned ready for the “day of rest.” Share a word through the bedspread, two sheets, of encouragement with them sometime the mattress pad, and was beginning during Sabbath School (possibly during to burn the mattress! Arrival Activities), something that will Needless to say, it wasn’t Shelly’s express your care and concern for them. crowning moment of motherhood! We The following statements were prepared all have moments of crisis that zap our by young mothers and fathers as sug- strength and paralyze us with fear. But gestions, and may be used at your dis- no matter how unsafe or naughty our cretion at any time you wish. children act, and no matter how we parents respond, God still loves them Week 1 and us because of His grace. “Why are you out of your room?” What has been your response to Shelly frowned at Andrew. The busy a frightening situation your child has toddler should have been napping. been in? Does how you respond de- “My truck hot,” he replied. pend on it being innocent curiosity Following him into the room, she or defiant behavior? gasped. On the bed was a lamp Andrew

33 LESSON 2

Week 2 of Jesus, as they looked back to that mem- My 2-year-old seemed to sail through orable occasion! His gracious words had the “terrible twos” without much of a removed the burden from their hearts and fuss. But when 3 hit, things changed. He inspired them with fresh hope and cour- became very strong-willed. One evening age. All sense of weariness was gone” (The as my husband was giving him a bath, Adventist Home, pp. 273, 274). Carson poured water out of the tub. My What words of encouragement would husband reminded him not to do that. you love to hear Jesus speaking to you Carson defiantly disagreed out loud today? and then said, “I’m the guy who blows out the candle.” Week 4 What in the world does that mean? my I know how Zacchaeus must have husband thought. felt. As my son approaches his fifth birth- Later when he told me about it, day, he’s the size of an average 21⁄2-year- we decided Carson must be thinking old. It’s hard not to compare his stature about the song “This Little Light of with younger kids. I wonder how it will Mine,” which we had sung at worship be for him when he starts school. He’ll that night. Carson knew he was being surely be the smallest in his class. Will he naughty like (“Don’t let Satan be teased? How will that affect him? One blow it out. I’m gonna let it shine.”). At thing is certain, just as in Zacchaeus’s such a young age children know when case, Jesus loves my son dearly. It doesn’t they are not doing the right thing! matter if our children aren’t “perfect” in Share about a time when you saw the world’s eyes. They are in Jesus’ sight. your child demonstrate their knowledge Share ways you are teaching your of right and wrong. Let’s pray that the child about Jesus’ awesome love. Holy Spirit will continue to work on our children’s young minds to convict them Week 5 (or optional) of right and wrong. When my firstborn was 8 months old, I distinctly remember one beautiful, Week 3 warm May afternoon. We had walked “As the mothers passed along the to a playground. After swinging and dusty road and drew near the Savior, He playing a long time, we started for saw the unbidden tear and the quivering home. I carried him and sang “God Is lip, as they offered a silent prayer in behalf So Wonderful.” He put his tired, sweaty of the children. He heard the words of head on my shoulder and fell asleep. rebuke from the disciples and promptly As I carried my precious son I countermanded the order. His great heart thought, Motherhood doesn’t get much of love was open to receive the children. better than this! I was completely satis- One after another, He took them in His fied. I thank God for the moments I have arms and blessed them, while one little with my children, sometimes rare in the child lay fast asleep, reclining against His frenzied pace of life, but filled with love bosom. Jesus spoke words of encourage- and peace. ment to the mothers in reference to their For what wonderful memories of work, and, oh, what a relief was thus time spent with your children do you brought to their minds! With what joy thank God? they dwelt upon the goodness and mercy

34 LESSON 2

2 ARRIVAL ACTIVITIES

Plan simple play activities on a blan- children hold and rock their babies ket, sheet, or quilt for children who while singing to the tune “Rock-a-Bye, arrive early. The children participate in Baby.” these activities, under the supervision of an adult, until the program begins. The Rock-a-bye, baby, Jesus is near. child’s play should be with materials that While you are sleeping we will not fear. relate to the program, which is based on Jesus is watching; He’s always here. the monthly Bible story. Rock-a-bye, baby, Rock-a-bye, dear. Choose from the following suggested —Traditional. Adapted. activities for this month. Be sure to in- clude something for the span of children’s D. Climbing Blocks ages. See room decorations for the month. Set up climbing blocks near the tree so A. Book Basket the children can feel that they are climb- Provide a basket of sturdy board ing like Zacchaeus. If you have a small books about trees or another of God’s slide available you may want to try that. gifts of love to us. E. Measuring B. Peekaboo Basket Zacchaeus was a small man. During This basket includes hand towels and the month measure each of the children play objects (a block, ball, rattle, or toy and mark their height on a growth chart stuffed animal). Parents hide an object taped to a wall. Tell each child that Jesus under the towel. The children will enjoy loves us no matter how big or small we playing peekaboo to find something that are. God has made, as the parent says this rhyme: F. Counting On the table outside the house (see Let’s see who Room Decorations) have stacks of large Finds a (name of object) objects to count, different colors if possi- God made for you. (Child picks up the ble, and containers. Let the children count object.) the objects into different containers. (Name) did! (Parent hug child. Affirm child.) G. Rocking Chair Have an adult-size rocking chair avail- C. Rock-a-Bye, Baby able for parents to hold and rock chil- Provide dolls and blankets. The dren who are too tired or shy to join in the activities.

35 LESSON 2

3 GETTING STARTED

A. Welcome B. Prayer Time Say: Good morning, boys and Say: I want to thank God for girls! I’m so happy to see you loving us all the time. To prepare today. Greet each child with a smile or for prayer, sing “When It’s Time to Pray” handshake as you sing “Good Morning” (Little Voices Praise Him, no. 17). (Little Voices Praise Him, no. 1). When it’s time to pray I bend my Good morning, Good morning, knees, Good morning we say; Fold my hands, bow my head. We’re happy, so happy to see you When It’s time to pray I close my eyes, today! and then I talk to Jesus. —Janet Sage —Janet Sage. Adapted.

© 1977 by Janet Sage. Assigned to the North © 1977 by Janet Sage. Assigned to the North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists®. All rights American Division of Seventh-day Adventists®. All rights reserved. Used by permission. reserved. Used by permission.

Say: Sabbath School is a Introduce the popcorn prayer to the You Need: special place. In Sabbath parents and children. Ask the parents to School we learn about being take turns saying their children’s names q bells the kind of boys and girls in random, spontaneous fashion. Begin Jesus wants us to be. Let’s ring our the prayer by saying: Jesus, thank You bells to tell Jesus how happy we for loving ______. The parents will are for Sabbath School. “pop” out their child/children’s names. Distribute bells for the children to When everyone has had a turn, close the ring as you sing “I’m Glad I Came to prayer by saying: Thank You for lov- Sabbath School” (Little Voices Praise Him, ing us all the time. Amen. no. 5). Sing “Tiny Tot Response” (Little Voices Praise Him, no. 21). I’m glad I came to Sabbath school, I’m glad I came to Sabbath school, Thank You, Jesus, for ev’rything. I’m glad I came to Sabbath school Amen. On this bright Sabbath morning. —Joy Hicklin Stewart —Edith Smith Casebeer Copyright © 1980 by Review and Herald® Publishing Association.

36 LESSON 2

C. Visitors E. Birthdays Welcome each visitor individually and Say: Someone here has had You Need: then sing, “We’re Glad You Came to Our a birthday. Do you know who Sabbath School” (Little Voices Praise Him, it is? Close your eyes and we’ll q artificial no. 25). find out. birthday Lead the birthday child up front cake We’re glad you came to our Sabbath to a special birthday chair while q candles or school. you sing “A Birthday” (Little Voices coins Won’t you come again? Praise Him, no. 36). q matches We’re glad you came to our Sabbath q small gift school. A birthday, a birthday, (optional) Won’t you come again? O who has had a birthday? —Mary E. Schwab Come sit right here and we will sing, To wish you happy birthday. Copyright © 1980 by Review and Herald® Publishing —Mildred Adair Association. Light the candle(s) or help the child D. Offering drop the coin(s) into the artificial cake or Reinforce this other container while you sing “Count You Need: month’s message— the Birthday Money” (Little Voices Praise Jesus loves me all the Him, no. 37). q box or time—by adding heart basket shapes and pictures or Mary* has a birthday, we’re so glad. with heart stickers of Jesus to an We will see how many she* has had. shapes offering container. As we count the money (candles) we attached Say: We learn are told [count] q pictures or about Jesus’ love in Yes, the money says (candles say) stickers of Sabbath School. But she’s* two* years old. Jesus some boys and girls don’t know about * insert name, appropriate pronoun, and age of child. Him. We bring our offering to help other boys and girls learn that Jesus Light the birthday candle(s) and then loves them too. Sing “Offering Prayer lead in singing “Jesus Loves Me.” Song” (Little Voices Praise Him, no. 33). Jesus loves me this I know, We have bro’t our off’ring on this For the Bible tells me so, Sabbath day. Little ones to Him belong, Bless our gift, dear Jesus. May it help They are weak but his is strong. someone, we pray. —Norma June Bell Chorus Yes, Jesus loves me © 1976 Sabbath School Productions. Used by permis- Yes, Jesus loves me sion of AdventSource. Yes, Jesus loves me The Bible tells me so. —Traditional. Adapted.

Encourage the child to blow out the candle(s). If possible, give the child a small gift from Sabbath School. Say a special birthday prayer thanking Jesus for the child. 37 LESSON 2

4 EXPERIENCING THE STORY

A. Memory Verse Zacchaeus collected the money, Say: It’s time to look in our the money, the money; You Need: Bibles. Distribute small felt or Zacchaeus collected the money, cardboard “Bibles” to the children. They gave their money to him. q felt or Say: What do you see in cardboard your Bible? (Take responses.) Words © 2002 by General Conference Corporation of “Bibles” ® The Bible teaches us that Jesus Seventh-day Adventists . loves us all the time. He helps us to do what is right. Our memory verse today tells us that God loves C. Jesus Comes to Town us. It says, “God is love.” Say that Say: One day Jesus came into the with me. Let’s sing our memory town where Zacchaeus lived. There verse. Sing the words to “Jesus Is Love” were many people in the streets (Little Voices Praise Him, no. 99). Point wanting to see Jesus. People were upward on “God.” crowded all over. It was like a parade. Let’s pretend we are there, Love, God is love; wanting to see Jesus as we walk Love, God is love. around the room. Sing “Our Parade” God loves Bobby* and David* and (Little Voices Praise Him, no. 41). Susie* Because God is love. Let’s walk together in our parade, —Susan Davis. Adapted. In our parade, in our parade. Let’s walk together in our parade, * Use the names of children in your class. Walk in our parade. Second verse: © 1980 by Review and Herald ® Publishing Let’s clap together in our parade. Association. —Traditional.

Arrangement copyright © 2001 by Review and B. Find the Money Herald ® Publishing Association. Beforehand, make large cut- You Need: outs of paper coins. Hide the D. Climb a Tree “coins” throughout the room. Say: Place a picture or a q large cutout Zacchaeus was a tax collector. You Need: felt of Jesus behind the coins That means his job was to col- tree. Say: All of you (see p. 67) lect money from other people. q tree used are little children. q basket or There is some money hidden in room It is sometimes large purse in our Sabbath School room decorations hard for you to see today. Can you help me find it? q short everything. Instruct the children to find the stepladder Zacchaeus money and place it in the container. Sing (three wanted to see Jesus, the following words to the tune of “Here steps) but he was short, Is My Money” (Little Voices Praise Him, q large and he needed no. 32). picture or help, because there felt Jesus were so many taller

38 LESSON 2

people crowding around Jesus. [Spoken:] Look up, wag a Zacchaeus saw a tall tree and And He said: finger in admoni- decided to climb up high so he “Zacchaeus, you tion. could see Jesus. come down, Would you like to climb up and see Jesus? Let’s sing our song one For I’m going Clap hands on time and do the motions together. to your house accented beat. Then you can take turns climbing today, the ladder to see Jesus. Have the children take turns climbing For I’m going Clap hands on the steps or ladder and peek over to to your house accented beat. see the picture of Jesus as you sing today.” “Zacchaeus” (Little Voices Praise Him, —Unknown no. 63). Arrangement © 1943 Mrs. Newell Schaper. Zacchaeus was a Hands in front, wee little man, right palm above Say: Jesus loved Zacchaeus, and left palm. He loves you all the time. Let’s sing our memory verse song again. Sing A wee little man Bring palms closer. the following words to “Jesus Is Love” was he. (Little Voices Praise Him, no. 99). Point upward on “God.” He climbed up in Alternate hands in a sycamore tree, climbing motion. Love, God is love; Love, God is love. For the Lord he Shade eyes with God loves Bobby* and David* and wanted to see. one hand; look Susie* down. Because God is love. —Susan Davis. Adapted. And as the Savior Move one hand in passed that way, front of you from *Use the names of children in your class. left to right in bobbing motion © 1980 by Review and Herald ® Publishing Association. He looked up Shade eyes with in the tree, one hand; look up.

39 LESSON 2

E. Jesus Forgives F. Dinner Guest Say: Zacchaeus saw Jesus! And Say: When Jesus Jesus saw Zacchaeus! When Jesus You Need: looked up in the tree and saw looked into Zacchaeus’ face and q table and Zac­chaeus, He said smiled, Zacchaeus knew that Jesus chair from “Zac­chaeus, you loved him! room come down. I want Hooray for Jesus! Let’s do the decorations to come and eat motions while we sing together q plastic at your house.” about Jesus loving us. Sing “Jesus plates and Zacchaeus loved Smiles and Forgives” (Little Voices Praise cups Jesus, and he was Him, no. 77). q snack excited to have (optional) I did wrong, Shake head “no” Jesus come to his that’s too bad; and frown. house. You can come and sit at the table as we sing about Jesus visiting I’ll tell Jesus Fold hands in Zac­chaeus. I am sad. prayer. Have the children come and sit at the table. If appropriate in your setting, offer He will smile Smile. a snack of fruit or crackers. Otherwise from above have the children pretend to eat. Sing the following words to “I Am Happy as Can And forgive Place arms Be!” (Little Voices Praise Him, no. 214). in His love. crisscross over heart. I am happy as can be! —Adriana Itin Femopase I am happy as can be For Jesus came and ate some food Copyright © 1999 by General Conference with me! ® Corporation of Seventh-day Adventists . —Janet Sage. Adapted.

Say: Jesus forgives you and loves © 1977 by Janet Sage. Adapted. Assigned to the ® you all the time. Let’s sing our North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists . All rights reserved. Used by permission. memory verse song again. Sing the following words to the tune of “Jesus Is Love” (Little Voices Praise Him, no. 99). Say: Jesus loves us all the time. Point upward on “God.” Let’s sing our memory verse song again. Sing the following words to the Love, God is love; tune of “Jesus Is Love” (Little Voices Love, God is love. Praise Him, no. 99). Point upward on God loves Bobby* and David* and “God.” Susie* Because God is love. Love, God is love; —Susan Davis. Adapted. Love, God is love. God loves Bobby* and David* and *Use the names of children in your class. Susie* © 1980 by Review and Herald ® Publishing Because God is love. Association. —Susan Davis. Adapted.

*Use the names of children in your class.

© 1980 by Review and Herald ® Publishing Association.

40 LESSON 2

G. Return the Money I may not be Stand tall and Say: Jesus loved very tall, stretch arms up You Need: Zacchaeus so much. over head. And Zacchaeus q large cutout loved Jesus. But I can love Crisscross arms coins Zacchaeus Jesus best of all! across chest. (see p. 67) wanted to obey q basket or Jesus’ rules and not And when He Point upward and large purse cheat. He wanted to comes on that smile. do good things. He happy day, told Jesus that he was sorry for all the bad things he had done. Jesus Then I’ll be with Crisscross arms forgave him. Him alway! across chest. Zacchaeus decided to give back —Virginia Cason. any money that wasn’t his. You can come and get some coins to give to Copyright © 1973 Virginia D. Cason. All rights someone else like Zacchaeus did. reserved. Used by permission. Have the children take the large cut- out coins and give them to each other or Say: Jesus loves us all the time. their parents while you sing an adapta- Let’s sing our memory verse song tion of verse 7 of “I Give Myself to Jesus” again. Sing the following words to the (Little Voices Praise Him, no. 192). tune of “Jesus Is Love” (Little Voices Praise Him, no. 99). Point upward on “God.” I want to be like Jesus, God’s rules I will obey. Love, God is love; I want to be like Jesus, Love, God is love. And take just what is mine. God loves Bobby* and David* and —Joy Hicklin Stewart Susie* Because God is love. Copyright © 1980 by Review and Herald ® Publishing —Susan Davis. Adapted. Association.

*Use the names of children in your class. Say: Zacchaeus must have felt so happy. Jesus had forgiven him. © 1980 by Review and Herald ® Publishing Jesus had come to his house to eat. Association. Jesus loved him! Let’s sing about how happy Zacchaeus was, and how happy we are that Jesus loves us too. Sing ”Alway” (Little Voices Praise Him, no. 128).

41 LESSON 2

H. Jesus Loves Us As you come to each child place their Say: Jesus loved Zacchaeus name in the place of the “me, me, me.” You Need: and forgave him, even though Sing “Jesus Loves the Little Ones” (Little Zacchaeus may not have been Voices Praise Him, no. 107). q Jesus nice to other people. Jesus banners showed him that it is better Jesus loves the little ones like (name, q mirror when we are not mean, but name, name). q children of are kind to others. Let’s sing Jesus loves the little ones like (name, the world about how much Jesus loves name, name). felts or us. Wave Jesus banners on sticks Little ones like (name), sat upon His pictures and sing “Jesus Loves Me” (Little knee, Voices Praise Him, no. 102). Jesus loves the little ones like (name, name, name). Jesus loves me! this I know, —Sidney E. Cox. Adapted. For the Bible tells me so; Little ones to Him belong, © 1944 Singspiration Music (ASCAP) (admin. by They are weak, but He is strong. Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing, Inc.). All rights re- served. Used by permission. Yes, Jesus loves me! Yes, Jesus loves me! Say: Jesus loved Zacchaeus even Yes, Jesus loves me! when no one else did. Jesus was The Bible tells me so. very happy that Zacchaeus learned —William B. Bradbury to love Him. Jesus loves us, too. He loves all the boys and girls no Let’s sing our memory verse matter where they live. We should song again. Sing the following words love all the boys and girls of the to the tune of “Jesus Is Love” (Little world, no matter if they look Voices Praise Him, no. 99). Point upward different, talk different, or wear on “God.” different kinds of clothes than we do. Let’s sing about Jesus loving Love, God is love; all the children of the world. Love, God is love. Distribute felts or pictures or finger God loves Bobby* and David* and puppets of children from different parts Susie* of the world, and let the children put Because God is love. them on a board. Sing the adapted —Susan Davis. Adapted. words to “Jesus Loves the Children” (Little Voices Praise Him, no. 106). *Use the names of children in your class. Jesus loves the little children, © 1980 by Review and Herald ® Publishing All the children of the world; Association. Ev’ry color, ev’ry race, all are cover’d by His grace, Say: Jesus loves us all of the time. All are precious in His sight— Jesus loves each one of us so much. Jesus loves the little children of the We are very special to Him. Let’s world. look into the mirror and sing. —Words by Clare Herbert Woliston.

42 LESSON 2

Say: Jesus loves all the little chil- Love, God is love; dren, and He loves you all the time. Love, God is love. Let’s sing our memory verse song God loves Bobby* and David* and again. Sing the following words to the Susie* tune of “Jesus Is Love” (Little Voices Praise Because God is love. Him, no. 99). Point upward on “God.” —Susan Davis. Adapted.

*Use the names of children in your class.

© 1980 by Review and Herald ® Publishing Association.

5 MAKE AND TAKE (Optional) Have the children sit around small tables. Parents or other adults should assist children to do one of the following as you review the lesson story. Week 1 Week 3 Tree Leaf Rubbing Beforehand, make In advance, collect large leaves You Need: copies of the tree out- with veins. Give each child a piece You Need: line (see p. 68). Have of paper. Help them make a leaf q copies of the children color in rubbing by placing a leaf under q large leaves tree outline the trunk. Then they the paper and coloring over it, with veins (see p. 68) can glue either cotton using a thick crayon. Talk about q plain white q crayons balls, pressed leaves, how Zacchaeus climbed a tree to paper q cotton balls, or pieces of torn green see Jesus. q thick pressed paper inside the tree crayons leaves, or shape. Talk about how green paper Zacchaeus climbed a q glue sticks tree to see Jesus.

Week 2 Week 4 Jesus Loves You Coin Purse Beforehand, make Beforehand, cut out the paper You Need: You Need: copies of the heart “coins.” Give each child an enve- pattern (see p. 69). lope to decorate with crayons or q small q copies of Have the parents write stickers. Give them each a few their child’s name in paper coins to put in their coin envelopes heart q the blank and help the purse. Talk about how Zacchaeus ”coins” (see p. 69) printed on q glue sticks children place a sticker collected tax money, about how or glue a picture of he may have cheated, about how heavy gray (optional) paper q Jesus Jesus in the middle of Jesus changed his heart, and about the heart. Talk about how he gave back more than he (see p. 67) stickers q how much Jesus loves had taken from the people. crayons or or pictures stickers of Jesus them. When finished, q pencils hold up their hearts while they sing the memory verse song together.

43 LESSON 2

Week 5 (or optional activity) Have the children use baby wipes or Jesus Loves Me damp paper towels to clean their hands. In advance, prepare photocop- Say: There are so many good You Need: ies of the three-section card with things to eat. Who made all these morning, afternoon, and night good things for us to enjoy? Jesus q white paper scenes (see p. 70). did. Jesus loves me all the time. q crayons Distribute the copies and cray- Let’s sing our memory verse q markers ons. Have the parents help song again. Sing the following words q copies the children color the three scenes, to the tune of “Jesus Is Love” (Little of three- then fold the paper on the fold Voices Praise Him, no. 99). Point upward section card lines so it will stand alone. On the on “God.” (see p. 70) outside “front cover” have the parents write “Jesus loves (child’s Love, God is love; name) all the time.” Love, God is love. As the children work, sing “Jesus Loves God loves Bobby* and David* and Me” (Little Voices Praise Him, no. 102). Susie* Because God is love. Snack Center (Optional) —Susan Davis. Adapted. If you choose to have a snack *Use the names of children in your class. You Need: time, keep it simple. Use “finger” foods and be sure to clean the chil- ® q dren’s hands afterward. © 1980 by Review and Herald Publishing fruit pieces Association. or snacks Provide small pieces of several q napkins different kinds of fruit or snacks. q baby wipes Invite the children to imagine that Bible Activities If there is still time, families may or damp Zacchaeus has invited them home choose from a variety of activities that paper for a meal. Say: Please taste reinforce this month’s Bible story. Those towels your snack. Please taste your fruit. Continue until they have an activities listed as Arrival Activities may opportunity to sample each item. be used again. In addition, you may want to provide a snack at one table.

Closing Say: Jesus loved Zacchaeus. Jesus loves you all the time. Say a short prayer similar to the following: Dear Jesus, thank You for loving all of us all the time. Amen. Sing together “Sabbath School Is Over” (Little Voices Praise Him, no. 46).

Our Sabbath School is over, And we are going now. Goodbye, goodbye, Be always kind and true. Goodbye, goodbye, Be always kind and true.

44 LESSON 2

Notes

45 LESSON 2

STUDENT LESSON

References Zacchaeus Climbs a Tree Luke 19:1-10; The Desire of Ages, Kip cannot see into the nest. He will climb on the stool. Once a short man climbed pp. 552-556. high to see Jesus.

Memory Verse Zacchaeus is a short man. (Point to standing on chair.) Jesus is walking by. “God is love” Zacchaeus.) He is not tall. Jesus stops. (Stop walking.) Jesus looks (1 John 4:8, “I want Jesus to come to my house,” up in the tree. (Look at child.) “Hello, NIV). Zacchaeus says. (Point to Zacchaeus’ Zacchaeus.” (Touch your child’s nose; house.) “But sometimes I am not good. make your child laugh.) The Message Maybe Jesus does not love me.” Jesus smiles at Zacchaeus. (Smile Jesus loves me Will Jesus go home with Zacchaeus? at child.) Zacchaeus smiles back. all the time. “Jesus is coming today,” Zacchaeus “Zacchaeus!” Jesus calls. “Come says. (Point to Zacchaeus.) “I will go see down! Come down! I am going to your Him.” So Zacchaeus puts on his hat. house today.” (Wrap a thin towel or scarf around child’s (Help child jump down.) Yea for head.) Zacchaeus! Jesus is going to his house. “Goodbye,” Zacchaeus says. “I’m (Clap.) going to see Jesus.” (Wave goodbye; walk around the room.) “Jesus is com- ing!” the people shout. “See Jesus!” (Point to Jesus.) But Zacchaeus cannot see Jesus. (Shake head; use sad voice.) Zacchaeus is too short. Zacchaeus stands on tiptoe. (Stand on tiptoe; shade eyes.) Zacchaeus still cannot see. Climb, Zacchaeus, climb! So Jesus goes to Zacchaeus’s house. (Lift your child high in your arms.) Climb (Point to Zacchaeus and Jesus.) Jesus loves up in the tree. (Child stands on chair.) Zacchaeus all the time. See how high he climbs! Jesus loves you and me all the time Look, Zacchaeus, look! What do you too! (Pick up your child and swing him or see? (Point to objects in the picture and her high.) help the child name them.) Zacchaeus sees Jesus going by. Walking, walking. (Walk beside child

46 LESSON 2

1. Talk about how small things can you and Zacchaeus climbed the your child find in the tree to see Jesus. Help room you are in? Count your child climb stairs, them together. a small tree, or onto a 9. Help your child look chair. in a mirror and make the 2. Go for a walk and kind of face Zacchaeus look at the trees. Collect had when he heard that leaves from different Jesus was coming to his trees. Put them between house. newspaper and place 10. Let your child invite them under a weight to a friend to dinner. Have press them. your child help set the 3. Visit a friend, just as Study these suggestions table. Jesus visited Zacchaeus. for something to do each 11. Make a leaf rubbing 4. Help your child glue to share with a friend. some leaves to a card day. Select those that are Sing about Zacchaeus and write “God Loves appropriate for your child’s while you work. You” on it. Give the 12. Sing together “Jesus card to a family mem- developmental stage and Loves Me.” Insert your ber or friend. Say to- repeat them often. child’s name. Say: God gether: God loves us all loves us all the time. the time. 13. Cut celery or something similar into 5. Find pictures of animals and their two-inch (five-centimeter) sticks. Fill with homes. Talk about God’s love and care peanut butter or a spread your child enjoys for animals. Say: God loves us all the time. and put raisins on top. Serve them as a 6. Ask your child: What special food would special treat for the rest of the family. you want to serve if Jesus were coming to 14. Help your child measure something tall our house? Let your child help prepare and and something small. Measure your child’s serve it for Sabbath dinner. height. Tall or small? 7. Tell your child to jump for joy as 15. Help your child make “binoculars” by Zacchaeus did when he heard that Jesus taping together two empty toilet paper was coming to his house. Sing “Zacchaeus rolls. Paint or decorate them. Use them to Was a Wee Little Man.” “look up” into trees. 8. Zacchaeus was a small man. How many

47