Added on 17 Nov 2008
Aim
To show that Jesus’ thoughtfulness shown towards Zaccheus changed his life.
Good to be back
Remember last month? Remember all those rotten feelings we thought about and what it was like when we didn’t have to carry them round with us? Going to be hearing later about a guy who had a load of stuff to feel sorry about, but first I think my friend has got a problem.
Another member of the team has a stiff neck. Having noticed it earlier, one of the others has brought a warm cosy scarf to keep her neck warm, she says how much better it made her feel and thanking her.
As Christians we believe that Jesus has told us to think about other people and their needs at least as much as about ourselves, so being thoughtful for others is not an optional extra, it’s part of how we are, although of course we don’t always get it right.
Zaccheus
There are plenty of stories in the Bible which tell us more about that, but in the one we’re hearing about today, Jesus shows us by example.
Now we’re going to need your help for this – there’s a little chap in the story called Zaccheus who wasn’t very popular at all because he used to collect taxes, money for the Romans who were in control at that time – and they were even more unpopular, but everyone was frightened of them.
So – every time you hear the name ‘Zaccheus’ – watch the signs that we put up – I want a good ‘Boo’ – shall we try it? And every time you hear the word ‘Romans’ I want a good ‘hiss’ – watch the signs – let’s give that a go. Also in the story was Jesus, who had come to visit that place, and who everyone wanted to see – the crowd were really excited and kept shouting ‘Hurray!’ and pushing and shoving to make sure they could see – let’s give that a try.
Zaccheus' story is acted out. To end on positive note of Jesus’ thoughtful act of calling Zaccheus by name, going back with him to share a meal, and Zaccheus being transformed and giving back what he had effectively stolen – so a final ‘Hurray’ for Zaccheus!
Reflection
The theme for this assembly time is thoughtfulness. Did you see what Jesus did?
Zaccheus wasn’t a very nice man- he was selfish and greedy and people didn’t like him much but Jesus was kind and thoughtful to him and that made a big difference to Zaccheus’ life.
Do you think it makes a difference to other people when we’re kind and thoughtful to them? Let’s just close our eyes and think about people we know who perhaps are a little bit like Zaccheus – but then think how different they might be if we were kind and thoughtful towards them.
Now in a moment we’re going to say a prayer together, but before we do there’s a song all about this chap Zaccheus, but first you need to know the actions.
Song
Zaccheus was a very little man