Curriculum
The King is Coming
Memory Verse:
“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!” Matthew 21:9
Bible Background
What Kids Will Learn
Jesus was recognized as the Messiah–the One the Jewish people had anticipated for generations. While He was dismissed by the religious leaders, He was praised by His followers.
Scripture Summary
There were many prophecies about the coming Messiah in the Jewish culture, and Jesus had already fulfilled many prophecies. Matthew is the only Gospel that references the prophecy from Zechariah 9:9 of both a donkey and a colt. (The other Gospels mention only a colt.) Even by using a donkey and a colt as a mode of transportation, Jesus provided yet another piece of evidence that He was in fact the Messiah.
It was about a 10-mile journey from Jericho to Jerusalem. Along the way, Jesus prompted two of His disciples to go into a nearby village, Bethphage, to secure a donkey and a colt for Jesus to ride as they entered into Jerusalem. Jesus riding on a donkey was a distinctive mark that He was King.
The triumphal entry was one of the few places in the Gospels where the greatness of Jesus was acknowledged. Jesus was bold in His kingship, and those ahead of Him, walking alongside Him, and following Him were all praising Him. These are the same people who would turn, in just a matter of a few days, and mock Jesus while supporting His death sentence.
Why Is This Important
Jesus was fully God and fully human. He came to live among us and die for us as the prophesied Messiah, our Savior. We can trust Jesus to not only provide but also to save us from our sins.
Teacher Devotion
Scripture
Trusting Jesus to Provide
“As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, ‘Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me.’” Matthew 21:1-2
This portion of the triumphal entry has always struck me as unique. Jesus sends His disciples ahead to grab a couple of donkeys for Him to ride into Jerusalem. How specific and seemingly random. A donkey. Of course, it’s explained further in verse four that “this took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet.”
Take a look at the timeline. Jesus knew what was to come. Jesus initiates this conversation with His disciples and knows of the need for transportation and the prophecy fulfillment. Jesus knew the donkeys would be there. All the disciples needed to do was listen to and obey Jesus’ instruction.
In my own life I can see myself, complete with a clipboard and pen, initiating conversations with Jesus. I think I know what’s to come, and I just want to be sure Jesus is not only aware but has considered solutions. Jesus, what will you ride while entering Jerusalem? Jesus, about my spouse’s unemployment … do you realize that we need a solution? Jesus, do you remember my mom’s having surgery today? I’m reminded time and time again, He’s way ahead of me. And He’s already got it covered.
He has that job picked out and will provide until it’s ready. Yes, He not only remembers the surgery but also is preparing the minds and hands of the medical staff. How simpler my life would be if I remembered that all I need to do is listen to and obey Jesus. Whatever is on your mind and whatever is on the horizon, you can trust Jesus to provide.
Prayer
Dear God, thank You for having a plan … even before I know there’s a need or ask for a solution. I know I can trust You to provide what I need. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Bible Memory Verse
“Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!” Matthew 21:9 (NIV)
Form three teams. Each team will be given one of the following three recitations:
- “Hosanna to the Son of David!”
- “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”
- “Hosanna in the highest heaven!”
SAY: Today we are going to practice our memory verse as three different teams. Let’s pretend we are on the side of the road that Jesus will be traveling down on a donkey. Remember to say your part of the verse with enthusiasm, because the King of Kings is riding by.
Say each part and have kids in each group echo their part back. You can say the verse in different ways like really loud, really soft, and in slow motion. After each time you say it, say the reference: Matthew 21:9
SAY: Now let’s see if we can say the entire verse together. Have all kids repeat with you in unity: “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!” (Matthew 21:9)
Interactive Bible Experience
You’ll Need: “Hosanna” handout, Markers
Help kids color in the hidden HOSANNA word in their handout.
When they’re finished coloring, explain that as you tell today’s Bible lesson, you will stop for the kids to shake their HOSANNA page in the air. They have to hold it still until you say pause.
Read the following from your open Bible.
SAY: In Matthew 21 we hear what happened when Jesus entered Jerusalem.
As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me.
PAUSE - SHAKE HOSANNA SHEET.
If anyone says anything to you, say that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.” This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet: “Say to Daughter Zion, ‘See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’”
PAUSE - SHAKE HOSANNA SHEET.
The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on.
PAUSE - SHAKE HOSANNA SHEET.
A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road.
PAUSE - SHAKE HOSANNA SHEET.
The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Hosanna in the highest heaven!”
PAUSE - SHAKE HOSANNA SHEET.
When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?”
PAUSE - SHAKE HOSANNA SHEET.
The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”
PAUSE - SHAKE HOSANNA SHEET.
ASK: What word appeared in your picture?
SAY: That’s right; the word Hosanna appeared. This is what people who were lining the streets were calling out to Jesus as He rode by.
Snack
Tasty Palm Branches Snack
You’ll Need: Large pretzel rods - one per child, Apple slices - several per child, Paper plates - one per child
Help kids follow these steps to make the snack.
- Place a pretzel rod in the middle of the plate.
- Use apple slices to make palm leaves.
- Enjoy.
Game
Triumphal Entry Relay
Get Ready: Place a cape and a palm branch at the other side of the room.
Form two teams (if your class is very small, have children take turns). Have teams line up at one end of the room for a relay. One at a time, kids will follow these steps to run the relay:
- Run to the other end of the room while waving the palm branch.
- Put on and take off the cape or coat.
- Return to your team while waving the palm branch.
- Repeat.
The team that has all players complete the Triumphal Entry Relay first is the winner.
Craft
Palm Art Craft
You’ll Need: “Palm Art How-To” video, Green construction paper - three pieces per child, Rulers - one per child, Scissors, Markers, Glue
Have children follow these steps to make their Palm Art.
- Trace your hand as many times as you can on three pieces of construction paper.
- Carefully cut out your palm tracings.
- Glue the palms along the ruler.
- Overlap the palm prints to make it look like a palm branch.
SAY: When the people came to welcome Jesus, they laid their coats down along the path and waved palm branches to honor Him. Today you made palm branches out of your own palms. As you take this craft home, talk to your family about how you will honor Jesus this week.
Prayer
Palms of Praise Prayer
You’ll Need: Large piece of newsprint or poster board, Washable finger paint, Wipes for cleanup
Get Ready: Before children arrive, write “PRAISE JESUS ‘’ largely on the newsprint.
SAY: We learned today how the people praised Jesus as He approached Jerusalem. Today we are going to make our own praise poster using the palms of our hands. As you leave your palm print on the banner say aloud: “PRAISE JESUS!”
Invite the children to all find their own place to sit around the newsprint. Work with each child to dip both hands into finger paint and leave their palm print.
Hang the praise poster out in the hallway so everyone can see the kids’ palms of praise.
