Title: Palm Sunday – The Triumphal Entry
Objective: To teach children aged 6-10 about Palm Sunday and the significance of Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem.
Bible Story: The Triumphal Entry (Matthew 21:1-11, Mark 11:1-10, Luke 19:28-38, John 12:12-15)
Introduction: Begin by welcoming the children and explaining that today’s lesson is about Palm Sunday, the day when Jesus entered Jerusalem riding a donkey, and the people welcomed Him as their King. This event marked the beginning of the Holy Week, leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection.
Bible Story: Read or paraphrase the story of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem from one of the Gospels mentioned above. Emphasize the excitement and joy of the people who welcomed Jesus by waving palm branches and laying their cloaks on the ground. Explain that the people shouted “Hosanna,” which means “save us,” as they believed Jesus was the promised Messiah who would save them.
Craft Suggestions:
- Palm Branch Craft: Provide each child with green construction paper or cardstock. Show them how to cut out palm leaf shapes and glue or tape them onto a craft stick or a straw. Encourage the children to wave their palm branches and say “Hosanna” as they did in the Bible story.
- Paper Plate Donkey: Provide each child with a paper plate, markers or crayons, and construction paper. Instruct the children to color the paper plate like a donkey’s face, cut out ears and legs from the construction paper, and attach them to the plate. Add googly eyes or draw eyes with markers to complete the donkey’s face.
Game Activities:
- Donkey Relay Race: Divide the children into two teams. Each team lines up at one end of the room, and a “donkey” (a chair, a stuffed animal, or a picture of a donkey) is placed at the other end. The first child in each line runs to the donkey, touches it, and runs back to their team, tagging the next child in line. The race continues until all children have participated. Celebrate the winning team and remind the children that Jesus rode a donkey to show humility and peace.
- Hosanna Shout: Have the children sit in a circle. One child starts by saying, “Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” and then passes the phrase to the next child. Each child repeats the phrase, trying to say it louder than the previous child. Continue around the circle, encouraging the children to shout “Hosanna!” in celebration of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem.
Closing Prayer: Dear God, thank You for sending Jesus to be our King and Savior. Help us to remember the joy and excitement of Palm Sunday and the love that Jesus showed for all people. As we go through this Holy Week, help us to learn more about Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Palm Sunday Coloring Pages:
- https://www.supercoloring.com/coloring-pages/christianity-bible/palm-sunday
- https://ministry-to-children.com/palm-sunday-coloring-page/
Bible Story Video (The Triumphal Entry):
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lTmbTuutBgg (Duration: 2:32, Saddleback Kids)