In this “35” Activity, freshman Theology students answer two questions based on a reading about Jesus and Zacchaeus from the Gospel of Luke, then share their answers anonymously with classmates, who evaluate each response.
Students share five times, with the chance to earn up to seven points each round — hence the name “35.”
Theology teacher Sr. Guadalupe says the activity encourages students to engage with each other and reflect on their classmates’ varied answers.
The lesson centers on a key question: Did Zacchaeus really act first, or did Jesus knowingly seek him out by traveling to Jericho?
Sr. Guadalupe used this to impress upon her students that whether we’re praying, celebrating Mass, or genuflecting, it is Jesus who has first pursued us.
