The Children's Page
Allow the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. - Mark 10:14

Jericho is called the city of palm trees. It is near the north end of the Dead Sea and at the foot of some very high mountains. It is in the very beautiful Jordan valley. One day Jesus was passing through the city. Many people followed him. They had heard what wonderful things he had done for the poor.

In Jericho lived a rich tax collector named Zacchaeus. For a long time he had wanted to see Jesus. When he heard that Jesus was passing by he was afraid he would not get to see him. He was a very small man. He ran ahead and climbed up a sycamore tree along the road so he would be certain to see Jesus when he passed by.

When Jesus came to the tree, he saw Zacchaeus. He said, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for today I must come to your house.” Zacchaeus was very glad. He could hardly realize that Jesus was actually going to visit him. He came down from the tree at once and took Jesus to his home.

Many of the people were angry. They did not want Jesus to visit the home of a sinful man. Zacchaeus told the Lord he was sorry for any wrong thing he had done and that if he had taken anything unjustly from any person, he would give back four times as much.

Jesus said, “Today salvation has come to this house, for this man also is the son of Abraham for the Son of man came to seek and to save that which is lost.” Jesus was very happy that Zacchaeus wanted to do right. Jesus wanted to help him just as he wants to help all today who will follow him.

Zacchaeus wanted to learn more about Jesus. We should also want to learn more about Jesus. Zacchaeus also wanted to obey God. Jesus said, “If you love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15). Do you love Jesus, and will you obey Him?

Down:
1) Zacchaeus was a _____ collector.
2) What kind of tree did Zacchaeus climp?
3) Zacchaeus climbed the tree to _____ Jesus.