A Little Man with a Big Problem (Preschool Adaptation)

Have you ever been too little to see something? Maybe at a parade or when grown-ups are standing in front of you? That's not fun!

Today we're going to hear about a little man named Zacchaeus. Zacchaeus was very, very short. Can you show me how short? Crouch down low! Good job!

One day, Jesus came to town. Lots and lots of people wanted to see Jesus. They all stood together - big people, tall people, everywhere! Zacchaeus was too short to see. He was sad.

But Zacchaeus had a good idea! He climbed up, up, up into a big tree! Can you pretend to climb a tree? Reach up high! Great!

When Jesus walked by the tree, He looked up and saw Zacchaeus. Jesus said, "Zacchaeus, come down! I want to come to your house today!"

Zacchaeus was so happy! He climbed down fast. Jesus came to his house for dinner.

Zacchaeus had done some bad things before. He had taken money that wasn't his. That made people sad and angry. But when Zacchaeus met Jesus, he said "I'm sorry! I want to give the money back and help poor people."

Jesus was happy! He forgave Zacchaeus. Jesus loves everyone - tall people and short people, big people and little people!

Jesus loves you too! When we say sorry for bad things, Jesus forgives us. That makes Jesus happy and makes us happy too!

Let's pray: Dear Jesus, thank you for loving us. Help us say sorry when we do wrong things. We love you! Amen.