I know it's a LITTLE bit early for a Palm Sunday lesson, but today we're excited to start the count down to Easter! From now until Easter Sunday we'll be going over each day of holy week starting with today's triumphal entry and ending with the crucifixion of Jesus.
The Sunday before Easter is Palm Sunday—the day Jesus entered Jerusalem as the King of kings the week of Passover. Many of God’s people traveled to Jerusalem for Passover. But this time it was different because this was just the continuation of story all leading up to one thing-- when Jesus saved us from our sin!
Christ Connection: During Jesus’ triumphal entry, the people welcomed Him as King. Jesus was the Messiah spoken about by the prophet Zechariah: “Look, your King is coming to you; He is righteous and victorious, humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey” (Zechariah 9:9). One day, Jesus will return to earth on a white horse as King over everything. (Revelation 19:11)
If you have a bible at your house, open to Luke 19:28-44 and have a parent read it out loud to you! If you don't have one, that's okay! CLICK HERE.
So, our question for today is, What is the significance of the Triumphal entry?
Movement Game:
Option #1 Pretend Parade
Gather up as many pillows, pillowcases, or kitchen towels as you can. Create a pathway through your house (think "The Floor is Lava" style") While the floor is NOT lava, is IT the path of your family parade. As kids march down the parade route, consider playing a "walk-out" tune of their choice to get them pumped up!
EXPLAIN TO KIDS: Today we read about the time when Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey. People spread out their coats and palm branches in front of Him, and they cheered and sang too. People welcomed Jesus to Jerusalem as their King!
Continue the game... Palm Relay
Form even teams if you can and guide kids to line up on one end of the room. If there is an odd number of family members, let one be the "judge". Give each team two towels or pillow cases from the first game. Explain that each team should send one kid at a time across the room and back before the next kid can go. Kids travel across the room by stepping on one towel while picking up the other and putting it in front of them. When they get to the finish line, the next person on their team can start the relay with their two towels. The first team to have all of its members complete the relay wins.
EXPLAIN TO KIDS: They laid down their robes and palm branches along the road for Jesus’ donkey to step on. They believed that Jesus had come to rescue them from the Romans, but Jesus humbly came to earth to rescue people from sin. Less than a week later, Jesus died on the cross and rose again to rescue us from our sin when we trust in Him. One day, Jesus will return as a King, riding on a white horse.
Option #2: Palm Leaves craft
Create this little craftivity with your family! Here's a fun idea on how to make your own palm leaves just using green construction paper and popsicle sticks!
Here's how to make these super fun palm leaves!
1. Trace your hand on green paper.
2. Cut out the hand your drew. (Do this 2- 3 times per palm branch)
3. Glue or tape these to the Popsicle stick.
Other Printables:
UNIT QUESTION:
