1Lesson Goals
I will be able to:
- retell the main events.
- use the story’s vocabulary.
- practise the language focus.
- explain an idea with evidence.
Start here: Why might the man have climbed the tree?
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Jesus and Zacchaeus
Welcoming others and making amends; practise reasons with because.
Teacher note: Explain tax collector and making amends. Zacchaeus promises four times the amount if he has cheated someone; retain that conditional detail. Assess English understanding, not a learner’s beliefs. Learners may discuss the story without sharing personal beliefs.
2Read the Story
Jesus was passing through Jericho. Zacchaeus, a wealthy chief tax collector, wanted to see him. However, Zacchaeus was short and could not see past the crowd. He ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree.
When Jesus reached the tree, he looked up and called Zacchaeus by name. He told him to come down because he would stay at his house that day. Zacchaeus hurried down and welcomed him happily.
Some people complained because Jesus was visiting a man they called a sinner. Zacchaeus said he would give half of his possessions to poor people. If he had cheated anyone, he would repay that person four times the amount.
Jesus said that salvation had come to the house. He explained that he had come to seek and save those who were lost. The story connects a welcome with a changed response and a promise to make things right.
Simplified retelling for English learners; not a direct Bible quotation. Based on Luke 19:1–10. AI illustration.
3Vocabulary
Match 1–6 with A–F.
- wealthy
- crowd
- welcome
- possessions
- repay
- complain
A. give money back
B. things that someone owns
C. say that you are unhappy about something
D. having a lot of money
E. greet someone kindly
F. a large group of people
Use two words in your own sentences.
4Check Your Understanding
- In which city did this happen?
- What was Zacchaeus’s job?
- Why did he climb the tree?
- What did Jesus say he would do that day?
- How did Zacchaeus welcome Jesus?
- What did he promise to give poor people?
- What did he promise if he had cheated someone?
Answer in sentences where you can. Point to evidence in the reading.
5Language Focus
Because introduces a reason. Complete each sentence using a reason from the reading.
- Zacchaeus climbed a tree because ___.
- He came down because ___.
- Some people complained because ___.
- Zacchaeus wanted to repay people if ___.
6Think & Speak
Discuss in pairs. Give a reason for each answer.
- How did Jesus treat Zacchaeus?
- Which promise could help put things right?
- How can a group make a new person feel welcome?
Useful language: He… because… / This could help by… / One example is…
You may use imagined examples.
Jesus and Zacchaeus — Continued
7Use Your English
Write a short imagined message apologising for a mistake and saying how you will put it right. Use because once.
Plan: Who? What happened? What was the result?
Check capitals, verbs, spelling and punctuation.
8Puzzle or Game
Word order: A. a / climbed / Zacchaeus / tree. B. him / welcomed / happily / He. C. poor people / help / He / would.
Extra challenge: Explain your answers in complete sentences.
9Success Criteria ✓
- I can retell the main events.
- I can use three new words.
- I can complete the language task.
- I can support an answer with evidence.
Exit reflection: One thing I learned…
One thing I want to practise…
10Show What You Can Do
Explain why Zacchaeus climbed the tree and what he promised afterwards. Use because and two details from the reading.
Write below or prepare a 45-second spoken response. Use your own words.