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Interpreting the calling of Zacchaeus today

Lesson details

Learning outcome

I can explain how some Christians interpret the calling of Zacchaeus today.

Key learning points

  1. In the gospel account, Zacchaeus changed his behaviour after meeting Jesus.
  2. Many prisoners can be seen as outcasts because they have committed crimes and are kept away from society.
  3. Some Christians work in prisons today as chaplains. They aim to work with prisoners and support them.
  4. Restorative justice is about reflecting on behaviour and putting things right.

Keywords

  • Interpretation - an explanation of the meaning of something

  • Chaplain - a religious leader who works in a hospital, prison or other organisation

  • Restorative justice - repairing the harm done by bad behaviour

  • Forgive - to let go of anger when someone has hurt you

Common misconception

Forgiveness is easy and instant.

Forgiveness can be hard and complex.

Teacher tip

Invite a Christian chaplain or other Christian leader to be interviewed about the challenges of applying and interpreting Christian beliefs in a particular context e.g. hosptial, prison, school, sports teams, youth groups etc. Pupils should plan questions in advance with reference to Zacchaeus.

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
(Collection 2).

Lesson video

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Prior knowledge starter quiz

4 Questions

Q1.
What did Zacchaeus do to see Jesus?

He ran ahead of the crowd
He shouted loudly
Correct answer: He climbed a tree

Q2.
Why were people shocked by Jesus visiting Zacchaeus?

Zacchaeus was rich
Correct answer: Zacchaeus was an outcast
Zacchaeus was from another town

Q3.
Where in the Bible is the story of Zacchaeus found?

Correct answer: Luke’s gospel
Genesis
Psalms

Q4.
Is the story of Zacchaeus a parable?

It is a made-up poem
Correct answer: No, it is a real event from his life
Yes, Jesus told it as a lesson

4 Questions

Q1.
helped Zacchaeus make things right with his community.

Correct Answer: Jesus

Q2.
What does a chaplain do in a prison?

Keep the prison clean
Correct answer: Help prisoners talk and pray
Teach prisoners to cook

Q3.
What is restorative justice about?

Saying sorry and fixing mistakes
Letting people out of prison
Correct answer: Helping people put things right

Q4.
Is forgiveness always easy?

Yes, it’s quick
Correct answer: No, it can take time
Only if you don’t get caught

To help you plan your 4 religious education lesson on: Interpreting the calling of Zacchaeus today, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...