1. Finding Christ
Luke 19:1-10
Before class, place a picture of Jesus Christ on a top shelf or a tall piece of furniture in the classroom.
Position the picture so no one can see it without climbing on a desk or chair.
When class begins ask: Did you see the picture?
Describe the picture, tell students that it is within the room, and ask them to try to find it.

2. Correct the Story Luke 19:1-10
After someone finds the picture, invite students to read Luke 19:1–10.
Correcting the story with the worksheet as they go along.
Historical background: Zacchaeus was a publican, a Jew working as a tax collector for the Romans. he was despised by his people because he served the conquering empire. he was also rich, possibly because the system allowed him to overcharge for taxes so that he would have additional income for himself. One day he hears that Jesus was coming to his town, and he joined the throng to see Jesus pass.

3. Ask: How is the account of Zacchaeus like looking for the picture of Jesus?
Discuss the similarities they find.
Similarities

4. Make haste and come down, for today I must abide at thy house
Zacchaeus did come down to receive the visit of Jesus and the reward would end up being a Life changing experience for him.

5. Seeking the Savior Why Commonalities Blessings received
The Gospel writers included several examples of people earnestly seeking the Savior.
Pass out worksheet on Seeking the Savior:
Have them read the following examples and look for answers as to Why the person or people sought the Savior, What the individuals from the various accounts had in common and what blessings they received from seeking Him.
Matthew 2:1–2; Wise Men
Matt 5:1; Multitudes
Matt 8:1–2; a Leper
Mark 1:35–37; Simon
Mark 5:24–28; Many people, a woman with issue of blood
Luke 2:15–16; Shepherds
Luke 7:1–4 Roman Centurion

6. Could you be “Convicted” of seeking the Savior?
If a court of law were held today - could you be convicted of “seeking the Savior”?
Does seeking the Savior change your activities and your choices?
Does it change who you hang out with and what you do?
Does it change how you treat others?
Does it change your goals?
To seek the Savior - Action is required - Review actions taken by examples from their worksheets
Zacchaeus climbed a tree, Wise Men followed a Star, etc.
“What happened to Zacchaeus during that short time to change his heart so dramatically? I believe it was what happens in all our associations with other people:
those with whom we “rub shoulders” influence us.
Something of them, whether good or evil, tends to “rub off” onto us. We tend to become more like the people with whom we associate, especially with those with whom we associate intimately.
(click to finish quote and add the question)
(Colin B. Douglas Ensign Apr 1989 “What I’ve learned about Grace since coming down from the Sycomore tree”)

7. Welcoming the Savior into your life is a life changing experience
When Zacchaeus welcomed Jesus into his house, and his life, he opened himself to an influence that would make of him a different man.”
(Colin B. Douglas Ensign Apr 1989 “What I’ve learned about Grace since coming down from the Sycomore tree”)
Are we welcoming the Savior into our life and allowing Him to influence it and in turn becoming more like Him as we spend more time with Him?

8. Preparations prior to climbing the Tree
Luke 19:8
Blessings
Luke 19:9-10

9. Want to see the Lord? D&C 93:1 5 Requirements Forsake Sins Come Unto
Call Upon
Obey
Keep
Which of these things did Zacchaeus do?
Are we willing to do these same things?
What can keep us from coming to the Savior?

10. What’s the Importance of Seeking the Savior?
John 17:3
We can all come to the Savior, the question is, Is seeking Him important to us?
Are we willing to give up anything of this world in order to seek Him or are there other things in our life more important to us than the Savior?
Is seeking the Savior an intense desire or just a passing fad, something we engage in once in a while - are we as devoted to this as we are to our most favorite hobby or favorite person?
Will seeking the Savior make a difference in your life?
Next Slide: Mormon Message: Look to the Light 4:29 min
What difference can it make in your life?

11. Watch
: Mormon Message: Look to the Light 4:29 min

12. Will you come down & let him in?
Are we seeking Him? Are we doing all we can to get close to Him?
“We may not be privileged as was Zacchaeus to walk and sit and talk with the Master in the flesh, but the Savior nevertheless offers us a companionship just as intimate as we could ask for... & (that relationship will come) as we pause to listen for it, (We) can hear the knock on the door of our hearts and as we permit (His influence) we change (to become more like him).
(This relationship with the Savior) must be received as a gift... a gift that is given by the Savior’s grace... (not because we earned it, but because He loves us so much - no matter if we are imperfect)
and He will share that love & grace with each of us IF ONLY we will “come down” from our personal “sycomore tree” where we have been watching him and INVITE HIM IN to visit and stay with us.
Colin B. Douglas Ensign Apr 1989 “What I’ve learned about Grace since coming down from the Sycomore tree”)