Lesson Continued

Warm Up

Ask the students if they could meet one famous person, who would they like to meet? Why?

In today's lesson, we are going to learn about when crowds of people followed Jesus around and worshipped him.

Teach the Story

This story is short enough that it can be read directly from the Bible for all ages. You can bring out some of the highlights listed below:

Here are some important highlights of this story:

• Jesus was going to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover Feast. The symbolism of this should not be overlooked. The Jews celebrated the Passover Feast as was commanded them after they were delivered from the Egyptians. The angel passed over the Israelite households that had the blood of the Passover Lamb over their doorways.  Jesus was about to become the ultimate Passover lamb, saving all who would believe from the judgment of God by his own blood.

• That Jesus asked his disciples to get a donkey emphasizes his humility and is in contrast to the hopes of the Israelites at that time - that Jesus would become a military or political king and deliver them from the Romans. It was also in fulfillment of the prophecy found in Zechariah 9:9.

• This story happens as Jesus began to become very widely known and crowds began following him. Those crowds did several things to worship him or "roll out the red carpet":

  • They put their coats down in front of him for the donkey to walk on

  • They took branches they cut from the fields for the donkey to walk on

  • They shouted and sang Psalms of David (Psalm 118:25-26) - "Hosanna!" means "Lord, Save Us!"

• This crowd of people adulating Jesus really got to the Pharisees and was one of the catalysts that led them to crucify him. Jesus told the Pharisees that if his disciples were quiet, even the rocks would cry out in worship.

• Luke records that Jesus began to weep for the city of Jerusalem as he approached it because they did not believe and did not accept him. He also prophesied its future destruction.

• After this entry into Jerusalem, Jesus did a couple things that would serve to instruct people of his true character and purpose (which was bigger than just being a rock star)

  • He predicted his death

  • He cleared the temple of those who were using it as a "den of robbers"

Comprehension Questions 

• Why was Jesus going to Jerusalem?

To celebrate the Passover Feast

• What was the Passover Feast?

Celebrates when the Israelites were delivered from the Egyptians

• What did Jesus ride on?

A young donkey, or a colt

• Where did he get that donkey?

Jesus sent his disciples into the city to get it

• What did the people do for Jesus as he was riding the donkey into Jerusalem?

Put down their coats and branches for the donkey to walk on, shouted "Hosanna!"

• Who was mad about Jesus getting all this attention?

The Pharisees, who hated Jesus

• What does "Hosanna!" mean?

"Lord, Save Us!"

• The crowds in this story recognized that Jesus had come into the world to save them (that's why they shouted "Hosanna" or "Lord, save us!")Do you recognize that Jesus came into the world to save you? Have you asked Jesus to save you?

Memory Verse

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men. Colossians 3:23 

Directions

1. Give the kids a piece of white paper, some green squares, and glue.
2. Draw the black lines to form a branch and have them glue the pieces on the line!

Directions

1. Give the kids green paper and have them cut out their handprint several times.
2. Next have them layer/glue them together as shown in the picture and add a craft stick on the bottom.

Directions

1. Divide the kids into two teams. Give each team a pool noodle to represent a "donkey". 
2. Set up an obstacle course using the cones. Have kids take turns riding the donkey through the obstacle course. 

Directions

1. Have the kids act out the story! They can take turns being each character (Donkey, Jesus, Townspeople)