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The Story of ZacchaeusA puppet play retelling the beloved Bible story of Zacchaeus the tax collector. Cast Narrator: Before we begin, children, you should know a little bit about Zacchaeus. And I do mean little. You see, Zacchaeus was a wee little man. He wasn't only short on inches; he was short on heart, too. You see, Zacchaeus made a lot of money by cheating people. He was a tax collector for the Romans, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. But Zacchaeus was dishonest. In his dishonest system of collection, he divvied up people's money like so: "one for the Romans, one for me." Through his crooked system, Zacchaeus became very rich. Do you think he was very popular? Daniel: Here comes that tiny tax collector Zacchaeus. Oh, I just can't stand him! He collects taxes for the Romans, but keeps half for himself! Linda: You're right! That's our money he uses to buy his fancy tunics and extravagant meals. Zacchaeus is the worst! Zacchaeus (singing to himself and walking toward the men): One for you, and one for me. Oh, life is grand for little ol' Z! (Meets Daniel and Linda) Well, if it isn't Daniel and Linda! I haven't seen you two for a while. I guess that means you have a little something for me. Daniel: Our taxes aren't due for three weeks, Zacchaeus! We just paid you last week! Linda: Just pay him, Daniel. We don't want any trouble and we have to hurry if we're going to see Jesus. Zacchaeus: Yes, Daniel, listen to Linda. Just pay me, and . . . what? Did you say Jesus is coming? Linda: What do you think all these people are gathered for? Jesus is going to speak. But I'm afraid you'll have trouble seeing him from way down there. Narrator: And so the three of them scampered off to join the gathering crowd. But Zacchaeus, being such a little man, could not see a thing over the sea of people. He bounced and jumped and asked for a boost, but no one wanted to help Zacchaeus, for he had done nothing but cheat them. Finally, at the peak of the highest jump little Zacchaeus could muster, he caught a glimpse of Jesus. Zacchaeus: There he is! He's here! I have to find a way to see him. What can a little man like me do from down here to see? Narrator: That's when Zacchaeus spotted a sycamore tree. He made his way to it and climbed up into the branches. When he looked down, little Zacchaeus saw that he was right above the spot where Jesus was speaking. Zacchaeus: What luck! I may be a wee little man, but I can fend for myself. Jesus: . . . and so, my brothers and sisters, I bring to you a message . . . what's that up above? In the tree? Is that you, Zacchaeus? Zacchaeus: Yes, but how do you know my name? Jesus: I know a lot about you, Zacchaeus. Now hurry down from there, for I wish to stay at your house today. Narrator: Zacchaeus rushed down from the tree in excitement and greeted Jesus. Jesus: Zacchaeus, I am so glad you came to see me today. Come, let us walk together to your house where we can spend some time together. Daniel: But, Jesus, wait! All of us have waited all day to see you and to hear you speak. And now you're going off with little Zacchaeus? Linda: That's right, Zacchaeus cheats us all! He's a bad little man. His house is not good enough for you. Please stay with us, Jesus! Zacchaeus: It's true what they say, Jesus. I have cheated them. I have grown rich on their money. I will repay them all and give what I have to the poor. I know I was wrong, and I see now that nothing I have is as important as you. Daniel: But Jesus, he's a sinner. We've prepared our home for you. Come with us! Jesus: You may have prepared your home for me, Daniel, but Zacchaeus has prepared his heart. For that he will be saved. Can you not see, my brothers and sisters, that this is why I have come? I am here to find the lost and to forgive the sinner. I am here for those like Zacchaeus, for those who want to be found and forgiven. |
