Zacchaeus Bible Lesson for Preteens (Luke 19:1–10)

Luke 19:1–10

Trueway Word Bible lesson for preteens (ages 8–13)

About This Preteen Bible Lesson

This free printable Bible lesson helps preteens explore the Bible passage in Luke 19:1–10, where Jesus meets Zacchaeus, a tax collector who climbs a sycamore tree just to catch a glimpse of Him. Through this Bible account, children discover that Jesus seeks those who are far from God, knows each person by name, transforms hearts, and offers salvation as a gift of grace rather than something we can earn.

Using the Trueway Word W.O.R.D. Bible study method, preteens will Walk into God’s Word, Observe what the Bible says, Reflect on what it means, and Discover how to live it out. Designed for Sunday school, homeschool, family devotions, and church groups, this preteen Bible lesson helps children develop a biblical worldview centred on God’s personal love, the transforming power of the gospel, and the good news that Jesus came to seek and save the lost.

The Big Question

Does Jesus really notice me?

Yes—He really does.

Sometimes children can feel overlooked, misunderstood, or as though they don’t matter as much as others. Zacchaeus probably felt that way too. Hidden in a tree and rejected by many people, he seemed easy to ignore. Yet Jesus stopped, looked up, and called him by name. This lesson helps preteens understand that Jesus knows them personally, sees beyond appearances, and invites them into a relationship with Him.

What Kids Will Learn

• Jesus came to seek and save the lost.
• Jesus knows every person personally and calls them by name.
• God’s love reaches people who feel overlooked or excluded.
• Meeting Jesus changes hearts and produces changed lives.
• Salvation is a gift of God’s grace, not something we earn.
• Good works are the fruit of a transformed heart, not the way to earn God’s acceptance.
• Jesus invites everyone to respond to His call with joy and faith.

Why This Lesson Matters

Many preteens struggle with questions about identity, acceptance, and whether they truly matter. They may compare themselves with others or feel unnoticed in a busy world. This Bible passage reminds children that Jesus sees individuals, not just crowds. He knows their names, understands their hearts, and pursues them with love.

The lesson also helps children understand one of the most important truths of the gospel: salvation begins with God’s grace. Zacchaeus did not change in order to earn Jesus’ acceptance. Instead, Jesus sought him first, and that life-changing encounter produced genuine repentance and transformed behaviour. Preteens will learn that following Jesus changes both the heart and the way we live.

What’s Included

• Printable booklet version
• Single-sided classroom version
• Full Bible reading from Luke 19:1–10
• W.O.R.D. Bible study pages
• Reflection questions and practical activities
• Big Question apologetics page
• Word search and memory verse activity
• Creative drawing and discussion activities
• Weekly “live it out” actions
• Prayer and notes page

Perfect For

• Sunday school
• Homeschool
• Family devotions
• Midweek Bible clubs
• Church small groups
• Preteen discipleship lessons

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