Zacchaeus Up and Down Game

Zacchaeus was a short man who collected taxes, and many people did not like him. When Jesus came to town, Zacchaeus climbed a tree so that he could see. Jesus stopped, called him by name and went to his house.

Zacchaeus changed his ways and gave back what he had taken. The story shows that Jesus welcomes everyone.

Verse to remember (Luke 19:10): Jesus came to seek and to save people who are lost.

1. Everyone sits. Tell the story slowly in your own words.
2. Whenever you say "Zacchaeus", everyone stands up. When you say "Jesus", everyone sits down.
3. Add a second rule: when you say "tree", everyone reaches up high like branches.
4. Tell the story again faster, with new words, so players have to listen carefully.
5. Choose a helper to be the storyteller for one round.
6. End with everyone standing when you say, "Zacchaeus, come down, for I must stay at your house today."

How it ends: Finish with a cheer for Zacchaeus. Ask who in your own life needs a welcome.

Leader can say: “Jesus saw Zacchaeus and called him by name. Jesus knows each of us by name too.”

For little ones: Use only two words, Zacchaeus and Jesus. Let little ones copy a friend until they get the idea.

For teens and adults: Older players can add more words, such as "crowd", "taxes" or "house", and discuss why Zacchaeus changed.

Safety: Stand and sit gently. If there is a crowd, ask everyone to stay in place so nobody bumps into someone else.

After the game, sit together and ask:

• Why did people not like Zacchaeus?
• What did Zacchaeus do after meeting Jesus?
• How can we welcome people who feel left out?

• Good Samaritan Helper Game: Act out the kind traveller, then mime small acts of kindness.
• Peace, Be Still: Act out wind, waves and thunder, then freeze when Jesus calms the storm.
• All Bible games for church