Matthew 21: 1-11
Jesus and his followers were coming closer to Jerusalem. But first they stopped at Bethphage at the hill called the Mount of Olives. From there Jesus sent two of his followers into the town. He said to them, “Go to the town you can see there. When you enter it, you will find a donkey tied there with its colt. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone asks you why you are taking the donkeys, tell him, “The Master needs them. He will send them back soon.”
This was to make clear the full meaning of what the prophet said:
“Tell the people of Jerusalem,
Your king is coming to you.
He is gentle and riding on a donkey.
He is on the colt of a donkey.”
Isaiah 62:11 Zechariah 9:9
The followers went and did what Jesus told them to do. They brought the donkey and the colt to Jesus. They laid their coats on the donkeys, and Jesus sat on them. Many people spread their coats on the road before Jesus. Others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. Some people were walking ahead of Jesus. Others were walking behind him. All the people were shouting?
“Praise to the Son of David!
God Bless the One who comes in
the name of the Lord!
Psalm 118:26
Praise to God in Heaven!”
Then Jesus went into Jerusalem. The city was filled with excitement. The people asked, “Who is this man?”
The crowd answered, “This man is Jesus. He is the prophet from the town of Nazareth in Galilee.”
Discussion Questions
- Jesus told two of his followers to go get an animal. What was it? Donkey
- Who road the donkey? Jesus
- His followers spread branches on the road. What else did they lay on the road? Their coats
- What city did Jesus ride into? Jerusalem
Prayer
Dear God,
Thank you for sending to Jesus to die on the cross for our sins. Please help us to remember to make Jesus the King of our lives.
Amen.
Bible Verse for April
“Tell the good news about Jesus.” Acts 8:35
Activities:
Palm Branches
Materials Need:
- Green construction paper
- Pencil
- Scissors
- Glue
- Popsicle sticks
Guide Your Child to:
- Trace your child’s hand on green paper 5 times
- Cut the hands out of the green paper
- Glue the hands onto popsicle stick (see picture above)
Talk about:
- Why did they wave palm branches when Jesus road the donkey?
- How would you treat Jesus if he came to your neighborhood? Would you invite him inside or snack? Throw a party in his honor?
Song:
I used to sing this at camp and now I sing it to my one year old and she lights up!
This song is a happy song and is meant to be repeated faster and faster. The words at the end of each line are meant to be stretched out when you sing them where the hyphens are.
Ho, Ho, Ho, Ho, Sa-a-nna
Ha, Ha, Ha, lle-lu-uiah
He, He, He, He, Sa-aved MeI've got the joy of the Lord!
