Lesson 6: Conflict-Preventing Ice Cream

The Story of Zacchaeus

Bible Scripture Reference: Luke 19:1-10

Message

Rewrite the Script of Your Life.

The Lonely Zacchaeus

The Bible account is intriguing. There's no record of what Jesus said to Zacchaeus, yet Zacchaeus repented. It's a complete turnaround—he multiplied the ill-gotten wealth by four and returned it to the people. Isn't that incredible?

On closer reflection, Zacchaeus, so eager to see Jesus, likely knew deep down that years of accumulated wealth couldn't fill the emptiness and loneliness within. Jesus, understanding Zacchaeus's pain, left those around Him and intentionally walked up to him, making a special visit to his home. Imagine the two of them happily walking back home, engaging in light-hearted conversation over a feast. Zacchaeus was drenched in the love of Jesus, feeling recognized, understood, and cherished. This satisfaction surpassed the meaning of money. Zacchaeus, renewed in spirit, believed Jesus would now walk with him. Clearing all ill-gotten money seemed inconsequential.

Jesus' Love Transcends All

After Jesus entered Zacchaeus's home, He actually stirred up more trouble for Himself. Many people were gossiping behind His back, and His actions even angered those who wanted to plot His murder. Jesus knew that His actions would cause resentment and discussions, yet He resolutely approached Zacchaeus. Why? Because Jesus knew that Zacchaeus needed His help. This further illuminates the depth of the Lord's love—no hesitation, only a determined stride forward, all the way to the cross for our sake.

Do you acknowledge an inner emptiness that seems insurmountable? Feel lonely or entangled in painful struggles? Jesus understands this pain more than we can imagine. As long as we take a step forward, our loving Jesus will come to us, for our God is the most willing and eager to draw near to us. God transformed Zacchaeus, and likewise, each of us has the opportunity to rewrite our life script if we are willing to let God help change our perspectives.

Approach

• Read the Bible with students or refer to adapted Bible story content.
• Use worksheets to guide students in identifying the emotions of the events and characters in the story.
• Share insights and engage in discussions with students about the issues faced by the characters in the story and how they can bring about change.
• Conclude with a prayer.

Reference answers for worksheet questions and discussions.

Zacchaeus Reflection and Transformation Chart.

---

Worksheet

Bible Story - Zacchaeus

Story Adaptation from Luke 19:1-10

Have you ever been disliked by others? In the Bible, there's an unpopular character, someone nobody liked—Zacchaeus, a tax collector. However, everything changed when he encountered Jesus. What happened? Let's explore his story!

One day, Jesus came to the city of Jericho. The scene was like a gathering of international superstar fans; the streets were filled with common people eager to see Jesus. Among the crowd was the tax collector Zacchaeus. Being of short stature, Zacchaeus was quickly engulfed by the crowd. Not only could he not see Jesus' face, but he also had no idea where Jesus was in the crowd. Determined, he found a solution—actively running ahead, he reached the front of the crowd and climbed a sycamore tree, thinking, 'Even if I can't speak to Jesus, just catching a glimpse would be enough!'

Suddenly, the crowd surged in Zacchaeus's direction. He looked around and saw the central figure everyone was surrounding—Jesus. To his surprise, Jesus walked towards him and, under the tree, called him by name: 'Zacchaeus, come down quickly! Today, I must stay at your house.' Zacchaeus couldn't believe that Jesus recognized him, called him by name, and wanted to be a guest at his house. 'Wow! After years of being a tax collector, no one wanted to visit my home, and now Jesus wants to come?' Overjoyed, Zacchaeus descended from the tree and, with enthusiasm, led Jesus to his home.

However, the crowd complained, 'Why would Jesus go to the house of a sinner?' Later, Zacchaeus said to Jesus, 'I will give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anyone, I will pay back four times the amount.'

In the end, Zacchaeus, touched by Jesus, made a commitment to change his ways and make amends. This story highlights the transformative power of encountering Jesus in our lives.

Questions and Discussion

(You can refer to the Emotion Traits Chart or Emotion Vocabulary Cards)

1. From this narrative, identify the possible emotions of the characters in the story. (You can refer to the Emotion Traits Table to list the possible emotions for each character)

   Jesus:

   Zacchaeus:

   Crowd:

2. If you were Zacchaeus and no one usually wants to associate with you, what emotions might you experience? Do you think Jesus would understand Zacchaeus's feelings? Why?
3. Building on the previous question, what do you think might change for Zacchaeus before and after meeting Jesus? (Try using the Transformation Reflection Chart)

   Context of the Situation.	Emotion	One Search: Thoughts Behind the Emotion	Two Seize: Identify Cognitive Distortions, Determine the Appropriate Weapon	Three Evolve: Combat Cognitive Distortions, Formulate New Thoughts
   Before Zacchaeus Met Jesus
   After Zacchaeus Met Jesus

Let's pray together

Do you ever feel empty, lonely, or caught in the struggles of inner conflicts? Jesus understands this pain more than we can imagine. As long as we take a step forward, our loving Jesus will come to us because our God is the most willing and eager to draw near to us. Try praying to Jesus, pour out whatever negative emotions or thoughts you have in your heart, tell Jesus, and He will come to you, letting His love fill your heart, just like Zacchaeus experienced.