In this lesson, children discover that they can celebrate Easter by praising Jesus for coming to be our Savior.
TOPICS
Celebration, Easter, Jesus, Praise, Worship
AS KIDS ARRIVE (10 minutes)
Palm Branch Maze (Activity) Click here
WORSHIP TIME (5 minutes)
Further info? Click here
BIBLE VERSE (5 minutes)
"Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord." Matthew 21:9b NIV
Talk to the children about how many people gathered along the road to see and worship Jesus as He rode into Jerusalem. Many of the people were shouting, "Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord." Have the children shout this verse a few times in unison.
BIBLE STORY (15 minutes)
Gather the children around you in preparation for story time. After the introduction, read the story right from the Bible. If possible, use a Children's Bible so it will be easier for the kids to understand.
Introduction:
Our Bible story today is about the time Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a little donkey. He asked some of His disciples to go ahead of Him into the city, find a donkey, and bring it to Him. Let's read what happened.
Read Matthew 21:6-11 (Jesus Rides on a Donkey)
Discussion Questions:
1. Why did the disciples bring a donkey to Jesus? (So Jesus could ride on it.)
2. Did many people gather to see Jesus? (Yes, a very large crowd gathered to see Jesus.)
3. What things did the crowd lay on the road in front of Jesus? (Coats and branches.)
4. What did the people shout as Jesus came down the road? (Hosanna, blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.)
5. How can we celebrate and praise Jesus? (Allow for answers.)
FUN TIME (10 minutes)
A Young Boy's Donkey (Story) Click here
ALTERNATE FUN TIME (10 minutes)
Triumphal Entry Story Pictures (Activity) Click here
PRAYER/SNACK (10 minutes)
Further info? Click here
Begin by praying to God and thanking Him for sending Jesus. Provide a snack of potato chips or fruit roll-ups to represent the branches and cloaks spread on the road before Jesus. While eating, have a discussion about how we can worship and praise Jesus today.
CLOSING ACTIVITY (5-10 minutes)
Riding on a Little Donkey (Song) Click here
NEXT WEEK
Time to choose another lesson series from Kids Sunday School Place.
TAKE HOME PAGE
Give one copy to each child at the end of the class to take home [PDF]. Click here