Church School SumUp
Theme: “Climbing A Tree, What Will I See?”

This week’s Church School SumUp explores the transforming encounter between Jesus and Zacchaeus, a wealthy tax collector whose desire to see Christ led to confession, surrender, and restoration. The lesson invites viewers to examine the past honestly, respond enthusiastically to Jesus, and recognize that genuine repentance produces visible change.

Weekly Lesson: Zacchaeus, The Publican

This lesson focuses on Zacchaeus’ determination to see Jesus, Christ’s willingness to meet him personally, and the life-changing response that followed their encounter. Though Zacchaeus was rejected by many because of his occupation and past actions, Jesus saw beyond his reputation and called him by name. Through worship, scripture, discussion, reflection, and small-group engagement, viewers are reminded that God loves us despite our shortcomings and desires honest confession so that He can lovingly restore us.

Scripture Focus: Luke 19:1–10

The Scripture focus reminds us that no reputation, wrongdoing, or personal history places anyone beyond the reach of Christ. Because Zacchaeus was short in stature and unable to see over the crowd, he climbed a sycamore tree to catch a glimpse of Jesus. Yet Jesus did more than allow Zacchaeus to see Him—He stopped, called him by name, and announced that He would stay at his home.

Zacchaeus welcomed Jesus joyfully and responded with repentance and generosity. He pledged to give half of his possessions to the poor and repay four times the amount taken from anyone he had cheated. His response demonstrated that authentic confession is more than admitting wrongdoing; it includes a sincere willingness to change, make amends, and live differently.

The lesson’s discussion theme, “The Power of Personal Confession,” challenges believers to release the shame, guilt, and unresolved pain associated with past wrongs. Zacchaeus’ example teaches us that confession creates space for healing, reconciliation, and transformation. When we honestly acknowledge our actions before God and those we have harmed, we open ourselves to the restoring work of grace.

The small-group discussion, “Releasing The Past,” encourages participants to write a letter to themselves, someone they have hurt, or God. Each perspective offers an opportunity to acknowledge wrongdoing, seek forgiveness, release guilt, and move forward with greater freedom and spiritual maturity.

Hymnology: “I Surrender All”

This week’s closing hymn, “I Surrender All,” was written by Judson W. Van DeVenter in 1896, with music composed by W. S. Weeden. Van DeVenter wrote the hymn after years of struggling between pursuing a career in art and answering God’s call to full-time evangelistic ministry.

When he finally surrendered his plans to God, he described the decision as the beginning of a new chapter in his life. The hymn later became widely influential and was especially meaningful to evangelist Billy Graham during his early ministry.

“I Surrender All” connects beautifully with Zacchaeus’ story because both reflect the transforming power of complete surrender. Zacchaeus did not merely express regret; he responded to Jesus by releasing his former way of life, making restitution, and committing himself to a new path.

Key Takeaway

God loves us despite our shortcomings and desires our honest confessions so that He can lovingly forgive, restore, and transform us.

Application Prompt

What past wrong, regret, or unresolved burden do you need to release? Write a letter to yourself, someone you have hurt, or God. Confess honestly, seek forgiveness where appropriate, and ask God to help you surrender the past and move forward in freedom.