Andrew Musch - As a boy I began to tell people that I was saved. I did this so the people around me who loved me would quit being so worried about me not being saved. I also tried to convince my own heart I was saved, forgiven and on my way to Heaven.
Printable activity for a Sunday school class. Use this spreadsheet template to calculate the great debt that Zacchaeus promised to repay after the day he was saved at the foot of a Sycamore tree.
Suggestions for Lesson Content
Point 1: A man - others might only see a no-good cheating sinful tax gatherer, but the Lord saw a man with all his need and potential. The man was rich but unsatisfied. He was clever but not too smart for his own good. He was seeking the Saviour. How wise. Point 2: He is earnest - repeatedly he was hindered from seeing him so made it his business to get into the tree where no one could hinder him. The Saviour was earnest too. He made it His business to come to where Zacchaeus was. Point 3: Zacchaeus heard the Saviour's voice that day. He even called him by name. He was obedient. He was ready to be saved. He was made to rejoice. What other accomplishment in life could compare with this. He had received HIM. Point 4: He was real - does not just call Him LORD but acts in keeping with that truth. Returned with interest the embezzlement of the past (which shows that he knew the OT Law and had acted all these years with a bad conscience) - and he also shows great compassion toward the poor.
Notes: You may need to differentiate between what it means to call Him Saviour and LORD. Could have the class participate in this discovery.
This Sunday School Curriculum guide is part of a 254 Sunday School Lesson Book available at www.gospelhall.org. See the Downloads Section of the site for a complete copy.
Andrew Musch
