This half term our RE topic is based on how Jesus changed the lives of people he met and is still changing the lives of people in society today. We have been learning about Levi the Tax Collector and the changes in his life after he met Jesus. We have also been learning about the Chief Tax Collector, Zacchaeus. Zacchaeus, was a small man and he was so desperate to see Jesus, that he climbed up a sycamore tree, to get a glimpse of him. Jesus noticed Zacchaeus, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” So he came down at once and welcomed Jesus gladly. Zacchaeus showed his regret about his past and was extremely sorry. He said “Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor. And if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold.” Zacchaeus’ actions reveal that his repentance and faith are genuine. The example of Zacchaeus, who gave away half of his goods shows the kind of open-handed generosity that characterises those whose hearts have been transformed by the Gospel and Jesus.
Based on the story we all added to our class display. We have created a tree with Zacchaeus in it, to remind us of the story. We all wrote a private note on how Jesus has changed our lives and placed it on the tree. We know Jesus is with us and he helps us make the correct choices. This is just one of the ways in which Jesus helps to change peoples lives.
