Lesson 3: Jesus enters Jerusalem.
Passage: John 12:12-19 - This passage describes Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. As Jesus approaches the city, a large crowd gathers, having heard about his miraculous raising of Lazarus. They welcome him by waving palm branches and shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord — blessed is the King of Israel!” Fulfilling prophecy, Jesus rides in on a young donkey, a symbol of peace. His disciples don’t fully understand the significance at the time, but later they recognize it as a fulfillment of Scripture. The Pharisees, witnessing the growing support for Jesus, express frustration, remarking that the whole world seems to be following him.
Big Idea: Jesus is our king.
For Teachers:
Lesson plan.
-
Welcome — Activity Leader
Have the children sit in a circle on the circle time rug. Welcome them to class.
Warm Up Activity: Parachute Waves — Activity Leader
The leader will call out different actions for the kids to do with the parachute (ie. calm, soft, wavy, storm, wild, etc). For variety, add a soft ball on the parachute that they have to try to keep in while they do the actions.
Preliminary Discussion — Bible Story Leader
Today we’re going to learn some more about the Easter Story from our favourite Nana Alex.
Let’s watch our video to find out more about the story…
Video Lesson — Bible Story Leader
Follow Up Discussion — Bible Story Leader
When Jesus came to the big city, who was there waiting for him?
What were the people waving in their hands and saying about Jesus? (they were waving palm branches and saying that he’s their king)
What kind of animal was Jesus riding on? If he’s a king, why do you think he was riding on a small donkey instead of a big fancy horse or carriage?
What kind of king do you think Jesus is?
Prayer — Bible Story Leader
Dear God, thank you for being our king, and not just any kind of king, but a good king who loves and cares for us. Please help us to love and follow you every day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Activity: Paper Cup Donkey — Activity Leader
Kids will use the materials provided to craft their own paper cup donkey. They can glue the verse onto the back of their donkey.
If a child is not interested in the activity, allow them to move to free play.
Dismissal: Collect tags and make sure each child leaves with their caregiver.
-
Welcome — Activity Leader
Have the children sit in a circle on the circle time rug. Welcome them to class.
Warm Up Activity: Parachute Twister — Activity Leader
Just like the game of Twister, call out different colours that the kids have to place their feet or hands while trying not to fall over. (ie. “put one hand on red,” “put one foot on blue,” etc.)
Preliminary Discussion — Bible Story Leader
Today we are continuing our series on the story of Easter told by Nana Alex. This time the story is about the very first Palm Sunday, which is today.
Let’s watch our video to find out more about the story…
Video Lesson — Bible Story Leader
Follow Up Discussion — Bible Story Leader
Why do you think so many people were crowding around and excited to see Jesus when he came to the city?
What do you think it means when the people shouted “Hosanna”? (they were praising him as a king)
If Jesus is a king, why do you think he came riding on a small donkey instead of on a horse or carriage?
What do you think it tells us about what kind of king Jesus is?
Prayer — Bible Story Leader
Dear God, thank you for coming to show us God’s love and that you are a good and gentle king who loves and cares for us. We want to welcome you into our hearts just like the people in the story. Please help us to love and follow you always. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Activity: Paper Cup Donkey — Activity Leader
Kids will use the materials provided to craft their own paper cup donkey. They can glue the verse onto the back of their donkey.
Dismissal: Collect tags and make sure each child leaves with their caregiver.
-
Welcome — Activity Leader
Have the children sit in a circle on the circle time rug. Welcome them to class.
Warm Up Activity: The Sound Game — Activity Leader
Like charades, but using only sounds (no words or actions) to try to get the others to guess your word.
Preliminary Discussion — Bible Story Leader
Today is week three of new series on the Easter Story and it’s going to be all about the story of where Palm Sunday came from.
Before we get into today’s video, let’s read the passage together.
Read: John 12:12-19
Now let’s watch our video to find out more…
Video Lesson — Bible Story Leader
Follow Up Discussion — Bible Story Leader
Why do you think such a huge crowd gathered to see Jesus? What were some things they had heard about him?
What do you think it meant when they shouted “Hosanna” and waved palm branches as he passed? (It’s an expression of praise and adoration to a king)
What do you think is the importance of Jesus riding a donkey instead of a horse or chariot?
What kind of king do you think Jesus is showing himself to be?
Prayer — Bible Story Leader
Dear God, thank you for being the kind of king that is humble and gentle, and who loves and cares for your people. Help us to understand who you are and to live in a way that honors you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Activity: Paper Cup Donkey — Activity Leader
Kids will use the materials provided to craft their own paper cup donkey. They can glue the verse onto the back of their donkey.
Dismissal: Collect tags and make sure each child leaves with their caregiver.
For Parents:
Follow-up questions.
-
What was the story you learned about in class today?
When Jesus came to the big city, what kind of animal was he riding on?
What were the people waving in their hands when Jesus passed by? Why do you think they were doing that?
What kind of king do you think Jesus is? What are some ways we can show how much we love him?
-
What was the story you learned about in class today?
Why do you think the people were so excited to see Jesus? What were they doing and saying?
What would you have done if you were in that crowd?
What do you think it means that Jesus is our king? What kind of king do you think he is?
-
What was the story you learned about in class today?
Why do you think Jesus chose to enter Jerusalem on a small donkey instead of a big horse?
What does this story tell you about the kind of king Jesus is?
Do you think everyone in the crowd understood who Jesus really was? Why or why not?
How can you worship and praise Jesus in your own life, like the people in the crowd did?
