Undeserved Kindness

Text: Luke 19:1-10 International Children’s Bible (ICB)

Scripture Reading: 

Zacchaeus

19 Jesus was going through the city of Jericho. 2 In Jericho there was a man named Zacchaeus. He was a wealthy, very important tax collector. 3 He wanted to see who Jesus was, but he was too short to see above the crowd. 4 He ran ahead to a place where he knew Jesus would come. He climbed a sycamore tree so he could see Jesus. 5 When Jesus came to that place, he looked up and saw Zacchaeus in the tree. He said to him, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down! I must stay at your house today.”

6 Zacchaeus came down quickly. He was pleased to have Jesus in his house. 7 All the people saw this and began to complain, “Look at the kind of man Jesus stays with. Zacchaeus is a sinner!”

8 But Zacchaeus said to the Lord, “I will give half of my money to the poor. If I have cheated anyone, I will pay that person back four times more!”

9 Jesus said, “Salvation has come to this house today. This man truly belongs to the family of Abraham. 10 The Son of Man came to find lost people and save them.”

Reflection: Jesus was kind to Zacchaeus even though Zacchaeus had a reputation of cheating people. Through the interaction, Zacchaeus decided to turn his life around. Is there anyone in your life who has a less than desirable reputation that you could also show kindness to? 

Prayer: Dear God, thank you for loving us even when we aren’t being the best person we can be. Guide us to show kindness and love to others around us, no matter if they deserve it. Amen.

Focus for the Day: Undeserved Kindness

Author: Rachel Dudley, Director of Children’s Ministry