Let us celebrate Jesus! Today, we remember Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Knowing that his death was coming soon, he rode into Jerusalem on a donkey with his head held high. Because of Jesus’ courage and obedience to God, we all have a second chance at life. Jesus lived a life of perfect obedience, resisting temptation. And on the cross, He overcame death for us all. And now, we have a chance to live an eternity with Jesus! All you must do is ‘confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.’ -Romans 10:9-10
So just as the people of Jerusalem shouted Jesus’ praise and laid their clothes and branches on the road, let us shout praises to the world around us! Share the Good News at work, to family, to friends, to the barista at your coffee shop. Invite people to attend church or watch the sermon online this Easter Sunday. Celebrate the life, sacrifice, and gift of Jesus Christ!
Here is a snapshot of what we will show the kids this week:
Bible Story Focus: We celebrate our friend, Jesus. (Palm Sunday • Matthew 21:1-11, 15-16)
Memory Verse: “I am with you always.” Matthew 28:20, NIV
Key Question: Who wants to be your friend forever?
Bottom Line: Jesus wants to be my friend forever.
Bible Story and Worship
Watch the Bible Story Video with your kids so you can recap and discuss it with them in the “Bring Jesus To Their Level” section. Then join your kids in worship as we sing and dance for God.
Bible Story Video – Palm Sunday (link)
Worship – We Are Friends (link)
Worship – One, Two, Three (link)
Activities
Next, use the Memory Verse video to practice our monthly verse. We will practice this verse all month. Be sure to use the hand motions as it helps the kids to remember. Also, think of a fun reward you can give them at the end of the month when they are able to say it all by themselves. The activity sheet and coloring page are fun resources to help reinforce story and/or big idea.
Memory Verse with Hand Motions (link)
Bible Story Activity (link)
Coloring Page (link)
Bring Jesus To Their Level
Follow the following script to recap the story, practice the memory verse and demonstrate to your young children how to pray.
Say: “The people in our Bible story were excited when they heard Jesus was coming. They spread their coats on the road, waved palm branches in the air, and shouted ‘Hosanna! Hosanna! Yay, Jesus!’ They were SO excited to see Jesus because they had heard all of the amazing things Jesus had done. He wanted to be everyone’s friend. It’s true! Jesus wants to be everyone’s friend forever!
“That’s why, when I ask you ‘Who wants to be your friend forever?’, you say [Bottom Line] ‘Jesus wants to be my friend forever!’ Who wants to be your friend forever? (Together.) [Bottom Line] Jesus wants to be my friend forever!
“He sure does! When Jesus is our friend forever, He can always be with us. And the Bible verse we’re learning will help us remember that Jesus is always with us. It says . . . ‘I am (point up) with you (thumbs to chest) always,’ (spread arms out) Matthew 28:20. (Open hand like a book.) (Practice this verse several times with your kids.)
“Thank you for saying that with me. It’s so special to know that Jesus is always with us. Since today is all about celebrating our friend Jesus, we’ll do something special to show Jesus we love Him. We’ll take turns saying, ‘Hosanna! Hosanna! Yay, Jesus!’ (Take turns praising Jesus. Don’t forget to praise Him yourself.)
“What a wonderful way to celebrate our friend, Jesus. Would anyone like to pray before I pray?” (Give each family member who wants to pray the opportunity to do so.)
Prayer: “Dear God, thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus, to be our friend forever. He is so kind and teaches us how to love everyone. And He can do amazing things that only He can do! Jesus is SO worth celebrating! We love You, God. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
As we wrap up, I would like to leave you with one of the kids’ favorite ‘good-bye’ songs:
Let Me See Your Alligator
Thank you for the opportunity to partner with you in the discipleship of your kid(s). My prayers are with you.
“’Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.’ And He took the children in His arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them.”
Mark 10:15-16
