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      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can explain how and why Jesus called Zacchaeus.

      Key learning points

      1. Jesus was a Jewish teacher.
      2. During Jesus’ lifetime the Romans occupied the land and were resented by the Jews.
      3. Tax collectors were outcasts because they worked for the Romans.
      4. People at the time would have been shocked by Jesus eating with Zacchaeus.
      5. This is an example of how Jesus challenged the society of his time.

      Keywords

      • Outcast - someone who has been rejected by their community

      • Tax collector - someone who collects money on behalf of the government

      • Roman empire - areas and countries ruled by the ancient city of Rome

      • Gospel - one of the four books in the Bible about the life and teachings of Jesus

      Common misconception

      The story of Zacchaeus is a parable.

      The story of Zacchaeus is a narrative about Jesus and someone he met.

      Teacher tip

      The story of Zacchaeus lends itself to creative responses such as dramatic retelling or 'hot seating'. Pupils could take turns to be in role and answer questions about their feelings and opinions as the story progresses.

      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 is the name of the Christian holy book?

      The Quran
      The Torah
      Correct answer: The Bible

      Q2.
      Who do Christians believe is the Son of God?

      Correct answer: Jesus
      Moses
      Muhammad

      Q3.
      Where do Christians usually go to worship?

      Correct answer: Church
      Mosque
      Temple

      Q4.
      What is the symbol of Christianity?

      Star
      Correct answer: Cross
      Crescent moon

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      Put these events from the story of Zacchaeus in the right order.

      1 - Jesus came to town and large crowds followed him
      2 - Zacchaeus climbed a tree to see Jesus
      3 - Jesus told Zacchaeus to come down and invited himself to his house
      4 - Zacchaeus gave away half his possessions to the poor

      Q2.
      Why was Zacchaeus seen as an outcast?

      He lived in a different town
      Correct answer: He worked for the Romans collecting taxes
      He was very short

      Q3.
      What surprising thing did Jesus do in the story?

      He ignored Zacchaeus
      He asked Zacchaeus for money
      Correct answer: He invited himself to Zacchaeus

      Q4.
      What type of story is the account of Zacchaeus?

      A parable
      Correct answer: A real event from Jesus’ life
      A poem

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