Matthew 21:1-11; Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19:28-44; John 12:12-19
This is the story most commonly celebrated on Palm Sunday and is usually referred to as the "Triumphal Entry". We refer to this as the "Entry into Jerusalem" to give children easy words to use, but you can certainly teach them the traditional title of this story. We strongly encourage you to read all 4 tellings of this story (references are in "Background Scripture" above). Each version has nuances in it that are important, but we chose the Mark telling of the story because it is the most concise.
To put this story in context, see this visualization of the chronology of Holy Week.
Here are some important highlights of this story:
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.
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 we've listed in the "Story Summary" above as you think your children will understand them.
Scripture for Kids to Read Aloud: Mark 11:1-11
First, ask the children if they have any questions about the story. What to do if you don't know the answer?
Scripture When they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks over it, he sat on it. Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches they had cut in the fields. Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted, "Hosanna!" "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! "Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!" "Hosanna in the highest!" Mark 11:7-10
Supplies palm branches, stick donkey, cloaks
Scripture They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, "Hosanna!" "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!" "Blessed is the King of Israel!" John 12:13
Supplies palm branches and/or access to internet, dates
Scripture When they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks over it, he sat on it. Mark 11:7
Supplies Headbands with donkey ears attached
Heads up! This might be an activity to complete ahead of time to have for class
Scripture When they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks over it, he sat on it Mark 11:7
Supplies milk jug, brown or gray paint, brown craft foam, pink paint, large googly eyes, brown fur or yarn, pvc pipe or long stick, glue gun
Scripture They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, "Hosanna!" "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!" "Blessed is the King of Israel!" John 12:13
Supplies one paper towel roll per student, green construction paper, glue or tape, scissors, pencils
Scripture They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, "Hosanna!" "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!" "Blessed is the King of Israel!" Jesus found a young donkey and sat upon it, as it is written John 12:13-14
Supplies gray and green, and black washable paint, cardstock
Scripture The next day the great crowd that had come for the Feast heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, "Hosanna!" "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!" "Blessed is the King of Israel!" John 12:12-13
Supplies Paper towel tube for each student, green construction paper. scissors, stapler
Scripture The next day the great crowd that had come for the Feast heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, "Hosanna!" "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!" "Blessed is the King of Israel!" John 12:12-13
Supplies green paper streamer
Scripture When they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks over it, he sat on it. Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches they had cut in the fields. Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted, "Hosanna!" "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! "Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!" "Hosanna in the highest!" Mark 11:7-10
Supplies donkey printout, Jesus printout, contact paper or laminator, tape, blindfold
Scripture So they took branches from palm trees and went out to meet him. They shouted, "Hosanna!" "Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!" "Blessed is the King of Israel!" John 12:13
Supplies palm branches (can be bought from a florist shop)