Hey Kids and Parents! Our Kids’ Church lesson for March 1, 2026 is “Jesus Saves Zacchaeus”.

Lesson Focus: The rich ruler came to Jesus thinking he could earn eternal life with his own righteous actions, but he went away sad when Jesus asked him to give up what he treasured more than God—his wealth. Zacchaeus was a wealthy tax collector in Jericho, and he climbed a tree to see Jesus as he passed by. Jesus called to Zacchaeus and announced He would come to his house. Unlike the rich ruler, Zacchaeus responded joyfully and demonstrated his repentance by repaying anyone he had cheated and giving half of his possessions to the poor.

Key Verses: Luke 18:18–27, 19:1–10

Memory Verse: 
John 8:12 - Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

Matthew 16:24–25 Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.”

Key Points:
Because the rich ruler treasured his possessions more than he loved God, he refused to follow Jesus. 
The despised yet wealthy tax collector Zacchaeus sought Jesus in Jericho and responded joyfully when Jesus chose to come to his home.
Zacchaeus believed Jesus, repented of his sins and showed a changed heart by paying back those he had cheated and giving to the poor.

Talk About It:
What did Jesus ask the ruler to do with his riches? 
Why did Zacchaeus climb the sycamore tree? 
What did Zacchaeus do to show his heart had changed?
Suppose a friend says that she doesn’t think her uncle will ever get saved. He’s super rich and says he doesn’t need God. She’s prayed for him for years, but he refuses to talk about Jesus or come to church when he visits her family. What could you say?