Leader Guide

Video Leader Guide

Welcome (1 minute)

Welcome, everyone! Today, we begin a new Superbook adventure about a man named Zacchaeus. He was not the most popular man in town; in fact, many people tried their best to avoid him. None of this mattered to Jesus—He came into the world to meet with people just like Zacchaeus. But before we learn more about Zacchaeus, let’s check in with our friend Chris.

Play Video 2: Chris and Joy’s Dilemma (6 minutes)

Chris is so excited about talking with Jia Wei about his baptism that he forgets to help Joy with a volunteer event. She is frustrated with Chris, and they argue.

Chris and Joy's Dilemma

SuperTruth and Discussion (2 minutes)

What did Chris forget that upset Joy? He was supposed to help Joy at the pool party for the children’s home.

According to Joy, what was Chris obsessed about? Being baptized.

What were some of the questions about baptism that Chris asked his friend, Jia Wei? Do you get dunked under the water? How long are you under the water? What do you wear? Will there be a lot of people watching? Do you feel any different after baptism?

Today’s SuperTruth is “Everyone needs Jesus.”

Why do you think we need Jesus? Because we have all sinned.

What did Joy say about the need for her to be saved? She said she didn’t need to be because she was a good person.

Let’s watch the second part of the video to see if Joy ever cools down enough to forgive Chris and realize that she needs Jesus, too. We’ll also meet a man named Zacchaeus.

Play Video 3: Bible Story and Resolution (17 minutes)

Superbook takes Chris, Joy, and Gizmo to ancient Jericho, where they meet Zacchaeus. People despise him for being a tax collector for Rome, so they are amazed when Jesus reaches out to him and Zacchaeus is saved and transformed. The children learn that Jesus came to seek and save every lost person.

Bible Story and Resolution

Video Discussion (1 minute)

Why did the people of Jericho so dislike Zacchaeus? He was a tax collector who worked for the Roman government. He cheated them by collecting more tax than was required.

Play Video 10A: SuperVerse Graphic

The graphic loops 2.5 minutes without audio; turn off or freeze video after children repeat the verse.

10A: SuperVerse Graphic

SuperVerse Discussion (1 minute)

The people of Jericho looked down on Zacchaeus and called him a sinner. Chris told the young man in the video that we all are sinners. That is what the Bible says in Romans 3:23. Let’s say the SuperVerse together: 

What did Zacchaeus declare he would do after he received forgiveness and salvation from Jesus? He said he would give half his wealth to the poor, and he gave back four times as much to anyone he had cheated. 

What an amazing change took place when Zacchaeus admitted his need for Jesus! His life would never be the same. Everyone needs Jesus—not just people who are mean or obviously do bad things, but also people who seem to be nice. We all have sinned and need a savior!

Children will have more time to learn the SuperVerse in Small Group. If any children are not able to memorize the entire verse, be sure they understand its meaning.

Prayer and Send-Off (1 minute)

Dear God, You are holy and perfect without sin. We have all fallen short of Your glory. Thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus, to die for us. We need Jesus—He is the only way that we can be forgiven and saved! In His name, we pray, Amen.

In Small Group today, we are going to learn more about how everyone needs Jesus. To get started, we will play a game called “On Your Mark!” Let’s go see how it’s played.

Teachers take children to Small Group classes for Grades 1–3 and 4–6. If the combined group is small, all children may stay together for Small Group time.

Action Game

On Your Mark! Play a game to illustrate what it means to sin.

What does sin mean? Disobeying God and His Word, purposely doing something you shouldn’t do or choosing not to do something you should do.

One meaning of sin is to miss the mark—like shooting an arrow and missing the target. Can you think of another example in sports of missing the mark? Shooting a basketball and missing the hoop, kicking a soccer ball and missing the net.

God wants us to obey Him because He knows what is best for us. He understands the problems that our disobedience and sin will cause. His laws, like the Ten Commandments, are to protect us. What can happen when we are disobedient? We can feel guilty, fear punishment, hurt ourselves or others, cause others to lose trust in us.

Why didn’t people trust Zacchaeus? He was dishonest when he collected taxes. He took more money than was required.

The people were quick to point out Zacchaeus’s sins, but they were sinners, too! Let’s say our SuperVerse together, Romans 3:23:

With God’s help, we can avoid sin and hit the mark. So let’s play a game about that. We’ll throw rolled up socks toward our target, which is the trash can (or box). No matter which team we’re on, we all have a common goal to succeed, so let’s cheer each other on!

Divide the class into two equal teams. One child may need to play twice. Try to mix older and younger children on each team. Teams stand next to each other, in single file, behind the line or mark. Give a sock ball to the first player on each team.

Start the game. The first player on each team will try to hit the target or mark by tossing a sock ball toward the trash can. If a sock hits the mark by going in the can, the player retrieves it and gives it to the next player. If it misses the mark, the player quickly retrieves the sock ball and throws it from the spot where it landed. The player must keep trying until the ball goes into the can.

The first team to finish wins, but the other team will continue to play until all players have taken a turn. Players should all cheer each other on. The goal is for everyone to be successful! Play again as time permits.

God’s standard for us is to never sin—not even one time! The reality is that sometimes, just like in this game, we miss the mark and sin. The only one in history who never, ever missed the mark is Jesus! God loves us so much that He provided a way for our sins to be forgiven through His perfect Son, Jesus! That’s why everyone needs Jesus! Let’s learn more about this in today’s teaching.

Teaching

From Beginning to End: Discuss our need for Jesus.

Let’s say our SuperVerse together. Romans 3:23:

How many sins are too many—1,000? 100? 10? One sin is too many!

The Bible says that if we break even one of God’s laws, we are guilty of breaking all of them! (See James 2:10.)

It doesn’t sound like we have much hope, does it? Point to the God’s Standard Sign taped up high on the wall. I would like three volunteers to try to reach God’s standard. Who can jump really high? Select three volunteers and have them try to touch the sign.

You are right—you can really jump! But you still couldn’t reach God’s standard. Optional: Let me try since I am taller. Try to touch the sign.

Is there anything that we can do to reach God’s standard? Believe in Jesus, trust in Jesus, ask Jesus for forgiveness.

Give the yardstick with the Jesus Sign to a different child—possibly the smallest or youngest—and have them touch the sign with the yardstick.

There is our answer: we need Jesus to meet God’s standard! Without Him, we fall short and have no hope! Let’s shout the SuperTruth together: “Everyone needs Jesus!”

In the game we played, why do you think we kept shooting until we hit the mark? Jesus forgives us and gives us another chance.

In the video, did the people of Jericho want to give Zacchaeus a second chance? No, they only saw him as a sinner who would not change.

Do you remember what Judge Gizmo said he would do to Zacchaeus? He said he would sentence him to prison!

If we judge someone as a sinner and think they will always be bad, we limit God’s power like the people in the video. God can change anyone. Nothing is impossible for God! (See Luke 1:37.)

Zacchaeus did change, even though none of the people in Jericho thought he would. His life was turned upside down for good. Place the two boxes with the Self Sign and the God Sign towards the children. Hold the sock balls.

Before Zacchaeus encountered Jesus, what would you say his main goal was? To be wealthy, to make money.

He was focused on himself and his own gain, even if it meant cheating people out of their money. This was his target or mark: he was focused on self. Throw the sock balls toward the box with the Self Sign. 

After he met Jesus and confessed his sin, he was forgiven, and his heart was changed. His target or mark also changed. Throw the sock balls toward the God Sign. Now he was focused on pleasing God instead of fulfilling his own selfish desires.

Zacchaeus found out how much he needed Jesus; he was set free of his old life, and his new life began. So, do we only need Jesus to start our new life, and that’s it?

Hold the book and walk it around so the children can see the front cover. Someone tell me who the author of this book is. Children answer. Do you see another author listed who wrote the middle and the end of the book? No, the same author wrote the whole book.

Here is what the Bible says about Jesus in Hebrews 12:2a (NKJV):

Who do we begin our new life with? Jesus.

Do we need to go to someone else in the middle of our journey? No, only Jesus.

According to this verse, who finishes our faith walk with us? Jesus.

Another Bible version of Hebrews 12:2a says that Jesus is the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. When we trust completely in Jesus, we will grow closer and deeper in our relationship with God. The Apostle Paul wrote about our need for Jesus in Galatians 3:3 (NLT):

There is no point in our walk when we can say, “I’ve got this; I don’t need any help, I can do it on my own.” From beginning to end, from start to finish, and all points in between, everyone needs Jesus.

Let’s move to our Discipleship Challenge now to apply this truth in a practical way.

Discipleship Challenge/Practical Application

Give each child a Coin Pouch Page, Coin Page (one half), piece of yarn, scissors, and a pencil. Have the children carefully cut out their six coins. The children will then carefully cut out the coin pouches, fold them on the dotted line, and write their names on the blank line. Next, if you have not pre-punched the holes in the pouches, have the children do so now—one punch should punch a hole in both sides of the pouch. Demonstrate how to weave the yarn through the holes on both sides of the bag. It’s now time to put the six coins in their pouches. Display the model you made before class and assist the children as necessary to complete their craft.

Use the model craft as you explain the challenge. What did Zacchaeus do at the end of our Superbook adventure? He returned the money to the family.

Following his encounter with Jesus, Zacchaeus vowed to give money to the poor and return four times the amount to all he had cheated on their taxes. What did He bring the money in? A (money) bag.

Zacchaeus was holding a money bag filled with coins. That is what we are making—a money bag or pouch with coins. But instead of coins made of metal, we have coins made of something much more precious! These coins contain Bible verses and challenges for us to do to help us grow in our faith!

For each lesson, one coin will have a Bible verse to learn, and a second coin will have a challenge for you to do—only if you think you are up for it! Carefully reach into your coin pouch and find Coin #1 and Coin #2. Choose a volunteer to read the first coin. All of us have sinned. Romans 3:23

This is part of today’s SuperVerse. The first challenge is to look up and read this verse in your Bible or Superbook Bible app, then try to memorize it. Have a volunteer read Coin #2: Pray for people who may not know they need Jesus.

According to our lesson today, who has sinned? All of us, everyone.

Not everyone realizes this. At the beginning of our video, Joy didn’t think she needed a savior. But all of us do! You probably can think of some people who don’t know yet that they need Jesus. So your challenge is to pray for these people each day. As we learned with Zacchaeus, Jesus came to save the lost. 

We will discuss how this went the next time we meet.

SuperVerse

Superbook in Motion. Memorize the SuperVerse with a group activity.

Let’s say today’s SuperVerse together. Romans 3:23:

Certainly, Zacchaeus had sinned. He admitted that he was dishonest. But the same people who judged and condemned Zacchaeus as a hopeless sinner were sinners themselves! All had fallen short of God’s glory, or His standard of righteousness. It is the same today. God still requires us to be without sin. Sometimes, we are quick to point out the sins of others and ignore or excuse our own sins. However, we all have sinned and need Jesus; we can only be acceptable to God by trusting in Jesus as our Savior.

For this activity, we are going to divide into small groups. Create groups no larger than three to five children. If possible, each group should have a mixture of older and younger children.

Each group will find a place in the room to practice saying the verse aloud and come up with motions or actions to go along with it. You will have three minutes to do this. Then, each group will have an opportunity to perform the verse in front of the class. Adjust the time as necessary.

Prayer

Need Prayers: Communicate with God.

What’s our SuperTruth today? “Everyone needs Jesus!”

Luke 19:1–3 says:

Zacchaeus wanted to see Jesus. It could have been out of curiosity, or maybe it was because he knew something was missing in his life that he couldn’t identify. Maybe he thought he might witness one of Jesus’ miracles! Whatever the reason, it would have been easy for Zacchaeus to give up when he couldn’t see over the crowd. But he refused to quit—even going so far as to climb a tree to see Jesus.

Have you ever been curious about Jesus and wished you could talk with Him? Did you know that you can do that anytime and anywhere? We don’t have to climb a tree and wait for Him to walk by. Jesus is always with us. One of the many names of Jesus is Immanuel. Does anyone know what this name means?

Immanuel means “God with us.” Today in our prayer time, I would like you to silently express your need for Him. It could be for salvation, for forgiveness, for compassion, for strength—whatever your need, Jesus is more than able to meet it. Allow children time to pray silently.

OPTIONAL: Lead a prayer of salvation, pausing after each line for children to pray along:

Dear God, I admit that I am a sinner and that I want to have a relationship with You ...
Please forgive me for all of the wrong things I have done ...
I believe in my heart that Jesus died and rose again to take away my sin ...
And I declare Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior ...
Please, fill me with Your Holy Spirit ...
that I may be faithful to You ...
Thank you for saving me and for letting me become Your child ...
Please speak to me and help me hear Your voice and follow Your ways ...
I look forward to spending time with You ... both here on earth and in heaven. ...
In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.

Now, let’s thank Him for meeting all of our needs.
Dear God, thank You for never leaving us and always being there to meet our needs. The Bible promises that You will supply all our needs through Jesus. Help us never forget that everyone needs Jesus and that He is all that we will ever need! In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.

Assembling Game

From Start to Finish: Discuss our never-ending need for Jesus.

In today’s teaching, we discussed the first part of Hebrews 12:2. Let’s read it together from the board. Hebrews 12:2:

We are going to do an activity to see who can assemble this verse the fastest.

Divide children into pairs. Try to pair an older and younger child together. Give each couple of children a bag of Verse Cards. Have each pair of children find a place in the room to sit. Have children put their cards face down in front of them. Erase the verse from the board. Say “go,” and children will begin to assemble their cards in the correct order. Eventually, the children will realize that they cannot complete the verse because they are missing the “Jesus” card.

There seems to be a problem with some cards missing. Are you all missing the same card? What card is it? “Jesus.”

Ok, let me make sure I hear you correctly; everyone needs Jesus? Yes!

Act genuinely perplexed. Now, why does that sound familiar? Everyone needs Jesus.... I have heard that before.... Hmmm.... It’s the SuperTruth!

If children don’t respond, then say: I’ve got it: everyone needs Jesus! Wow, that’s today’s SuperTruth!

Hand a Jesus card to each group. Then, have the children reshuffle their cards and turn them face down. Say, “Go!” and have them see who can assemble the verse in the first, second, and third quickest times.

Great job assembling your cards in the correct order! Just like you couldn’t fully assemble your verses without the “Jesus” card, we can’t please God and do all He calls us to be and do without Jesus.

Action Game

Don’t Give up! Play a game to overcome obstacles.

In our Superbook adventure, what were some obstacles that Zacchaeus encountered when he wanted to see Jesus? The large crowd, his height. Angry people may have tried to block him or keep him from advancing. People who were unkind and tried to discourage him. His pride, ego, greed.

Did Zacchaeus give up? No!

He was determined to see Jesus. He did whatever he needed to do to overcome everything that stood in his way. That is what this game is about: overcoming whatever stands between us and the finish line.

Have a sixth-grade helper or an older child walk through the course as you give instructions to demonstrate the flow of the course and how to perform the activities/obstacles properly. During the activity, have assistants walk through the course to help younger children or those with disabilities. As children participate, have the other children cheer them on and encourage them by shouting things like, “You can overcome it!” “Don’t give up.” etc. Begin the activity and allow each child to have at least one turn through the course.

Options:

• If you have a large group, allow the next player to begin the obstacle course as soon as the previous player finishes the first obstacle.
• Time individuals as they go through the course and write the times on a board.
• Play as a large group and add up all of their times to get a total time. Have the children go through the course again if time permits to try and beat that time.
• If you have extra time at the end of the lesson, you may have children do the obstacle course again for fun.

What obstacle was the most difficult for you? Children answer.

The game today was fun. However, the obstacles we can face in life aren’t usually fun; in fact, they can be very difficult and sometimes even scary.

We encouraged and cheered for one another in this game. How is that different from what Zacchaeus encountered? People tried to stop him.

Do you think that could ever happen to us? Others may make fun of us or reject us. They can try to hold us back.

What are some obstacles that could hinder us from coming to Jesus or having a closer walk with Him? Fear, embarrassment, being too busy, pride, self-righteousness, sin, a wrong view, or not understanding who God is.

No matter what people may say, everyone needs Jesus! Like Zacchaeus, we must do everything we can to overcome anything that would keep us from Him. The good news is that we are not alone; we can pray and ask the Holy Spirit to strengthen us and help us overcome any obstacle!

Coloring Activity

Judge Gizmo: Color a scene from the Superbook video.

Give a coloring page to each child, along with crayons, colored pencils, or washable markers to share. Lead a discussion using the questions below as the children color their pages.

1. Why did Gizmo feel he needed to become a judge? Chris and Joy were having a disagreement, and he was trying to help decide who was right or wrong.

2. Did Chris argue that he was in the right? No, he agreed with Joy.

3. What did the people of Jericho think about Zacchaeus before he met Jesus? He was dishonest when collecting taxes; they thought he could never change.

4. Why is it wrong to judge others? The Bible tells us not to judge others; we all have sinned; only God knows what is in someone’s heart and the whole truth.

5. What should we do instead of judging someone? Pray for them. Show them God’s love, mercy, and kindness. Give them the benefit of the doubt and a second chance.

6. How did Joy and Chris’s disagreement turn out? They both apologized and admitted they were wrong in different ways. They asked for forgiveness.

Conclusion: We must keep in mind that we all sin and need Jesus. There is no heart that Jesus can’t soften and change. Jesus came to save everyone from their sins, no matter what they have done. Instead of judging people, let’s ask the Holy Spirit to open our eyes to see them as God sees them—as His children and creation with a purpose to fulfill in His kingdom.

Bible Activity

Who Was Right in God’s Sight? Look up and discuss a Parable about a tax collector.

Give children a Bible if they do not have one.

Note that the suggested answers are from the New Living Translation. If children are using different translations, their responses will vary.

Jesus told a Parable about a Pharisee and a tax collector. Which man knew that he needed Jesus? The answer may surprise you! Let’s look up this Parable and discuss it together.

Luke 18:9–14

Jesus told this Parable to those who believed they didn’t need Him—or anyone. They thought they were good enough on their own to enter God’s kingdom.

• In verse 10, what did the two men do? They went to the Temple to pray.

• In verse 11, what did the Pharisee thank God for? That he wasn’t like other people, or sinners, and the tax collector.

• What was his attitude toward the tax collector? He looked down on him; he felt he was better or superior to him.

• In verse 12, what did the Pharisee boast of to God? He fasted twice a week and gave God a tenth of his income (tithed).

• Is it okay to boast to God about the good things we do; why or why not? No, we should not boast or brag about ourselves; God sees everything anyway. We must stay humble; good deeds don’t win us favor with God. We can only do things by His ability, which He gives us.

• At school, you may see classmates who do wrong things, like breaking the rules and showing disrespect to others. They may be dishonest, cheat on tests, or bully others. As a follower of Christ, do you think it is okay to look down on people and judge yourself to be superior to them? Please explain. Children answer.

• Based on these first few verses, do you think that the Pharisee believed he needed Jesus? Please explain. No, he trusted in his own righteousness, his good deeds, and goodness. He was proud and stood and boasted of all he had done.

• In verse 13, why do you think the tax collector couldn’t look toward heaven? He felt shame and guilt for his sins. He was embarrassed. He felt unworthy because he was a sinner.

The tax collector also stood as far away as he could, while the Pharisee it seems stood by himself, probably at the front, filled with pride.

• Why do you think the tax collector beat his chest? He felt sorry for his sins.

In Bible times, this was a way to express grief and sorrow.

• Did he boast about anything he had done? No.

• What did he ask God? To have mercy on him.

• Which man confessed and admitted his sins to God? The tax collector.

• What must we also do before we are forgiven? We must confess our sins to God.

• In verse 14, who was justified, which means to be forgiven and accepted by God? The tax collector.

The tax collector confessed that he was a sinner and asked for mercy. Because he did this, he was justified, or forgiven, and his relationship with God was restored!

• What does this confirm about what we said regarding good works or deeds? They don’t make us right with God; they don’t earn forgiveness or salvation.

• In verse 14, which man was humbled, and which was exalted? The Pharisee was humbled, and the tax collector was exalted.

Conclusion: How shocking and offensive this Parable Jesus told must have been to the religious leaders who boasted about themselves! Jesus came to save those who knew they were sinners, not to those who boasted of their own righteousness or goodness. We can never meet God’s standard on our own; however, when we humble ourselves before God and admit our need for Him, He is waiting to help us!