Dear Parents,

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. Jesus and His disciples traveled to Jerusalem as well. Near Bethphage (BETH fayj) and Bethany near the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples ahead into a village to bring a donkey to Him.

Jesus made a spectacular entrance into the city. He rode the donkey, and people laid branches and their robes on the ground in front of Him. The people welcoming Jesus into Jerusalem believed He was the promised Messiah, but they expected Him to overthrow Roman oppression and set up an earthly throne. Jesus sent a different message.

The next day, Jesus entered the temple and turned over the tables of the money changers and those selling doves. Jesus referred to Isaiah 56:7, declaring that His kingship would not just be over the Jews but over all people. While Jesus was in the temple, He healed the blind and the lame. Jesus’ actions declared, “I am not just your King; I am also your God” (Isa. 35:4-6).

Finally, the priests and the scribes heard the children in the temple worshiping Jesus as their King. “Do You hear what these children are saying?” they asked. Jesus replied, quoting Psalm 8:2. Jesus gladly received their praise because He was worthy of their praise. Jesus is the Son of God who came to overthrow sin and set up an eternal throne.

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)

As you prepare for and celebrate Easter, help your kids connect the dots between God’s promises of a Messiah and Jesus’ coming. Help them understand why Jesus came: to save the world from sin! 

Family Starting Points

Scripture Memory (K-5th): James 1:17

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.'"

Help your kids memorize these verses by listening to a song together throughout the week! Click here to listen to the K-5th grade memory verse song or visit: https://www.worshiphousemedia.com/worship-tracks/78708/heavenly-lights

Big Picture Question:

Who saves us from our sin? Only Jesus saves us from sin.

Bible Story: Jesus’ Triumphal Entry (Matthew 21:1-17; Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19:28-44; John 12:12-19)                                 

• Jesus and His friends traveled to Jerusalem for Passover.
• Jesus entered Jerusalem riding on a donkey as people shouted “Hosanna.”
• The religious leaders did not like that the people praised Jesus.

Family Discussion Starters:                                                                  

• Why do you think the religious leaders were angry the people were praising Jesus?
• Hosanna means “save now.” Why was that a good word for the people to shout?
• Read Revelation 19. Compare and contrast Jesus’ second coming to His triumphal entry.

Familys Activity:                                                                                    

• Research the Passover. Consider serving a Passover meal.
• Recruit your kids to help with yard work. Collect branches from the bushes or trees around your home and hold a mini parade, waving the branches. Take turns being the “guest of honor” and walking on the branches.

Next Week: Jesus’ Crucifixion and Resurrection (Matthew 26:36-28:10)