Jesus and the Triumphant Entry

Triumphant Entry by Jennifer Tolbert

Jesus had traveled all around Israel teaching and healing. His time here on Earth was nearing an end. It was almost time for his most important work to be done. In this story, we learn about when Jesus goes to Jerusalem to fulfill God's plan for salvation. Even in this story, Jesus fulfills prophecy and proves that he is the Son of God. 

(Optional) Once in Jersusalem, he finds that the temple of God is being used as a market. Jesus did not want this! God's house was for worship. 

Key Themes: 
1. Jesus is the Son of God. We can be confident of this because he fulfilled the prophecies. 
2. We should praise Jesus and give glory to God just like the people did! 
3. We need to obey God and his laws. 

Memory Verse

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. -John 3:16

Songs

Books of the New Testament
Hosanna in the Highest
Above All Else
God is So Good
Great Are You Lord
Ha-la-la-la-la-la-le-lu-jah
He's the King
Lord, Reign in Me

Story

Begin Class with Songs, Games, Table Activity, or Sharing Time
 
Open Class in Prayer

Introducing the Story Ideas
1. Review & Connect
What have we learned about Jesus? What do we know about his childhood? What could he do that no else could? What are some things that he taught us? SAY: With all that Jesus had taught us, his most important work on Earth still had to be done. To do that job, Jesus had to go to Jerusalem. This is the story of that journey. 

2. Have a Parade. 
Pass out different objects like small kazoos, pom poms, etc. SAY: Have you ever been to a parade? Today, we are going to have a parade. Let the kids march behind you in a parade. You could even take a field trip around the building if it's appropriate. SAY: In today's story, Jesus travelled to Jerusalem, but his trip turned into a parade! 

3. Hosanna
SAY: Today, I want us to learn a new word. That word is Hosanna! (Encourage all the kids to say Hosanna with you.) Hosanna means "save." A long time before Jesus was born, the prophet Zechariah wrote down some things about the coming Savior. Read Zechariah 9:9 together. Let's see if Jesus fulfilled this prophecy. 

Story: Jesus came to Earth to rescue, or save, us. He had taught the people how to live through his example and his teachings. He told parables to help them understand. He performed miracles that no other person could have ever done. However, it was time for him to go to Jerusalem to fulfill his mission. 

READ the story of the Triumphant Entry or Matthew 21:1-11 and/or Jesus Clears the Temple or Matthew 21:12-17. 

EMPHASIZE that:

• Jesus is the Son of God. 
• Jesus fulfilled prophecy. 
• We should worship Jesus. 

Visual Aids

Video: The Triumphant Entry and Jesus Clears the Temple

Video: Jesus and Palm Sunday by God's Story

Video: The Triumphal Entry by Saddleback Kids

God is...

Connect the story back to God and his character. Explain how this story fits into God's overall story. ​

Activities

Palm Leaves Hand Tracing Craft
Supplies: Green construction paper, pencil, scissors, glue and a popsicle stick OR cardboard tube

Palm Leaves Steppingstone Game
Supplies: Paper cut into large leaves, list of questions
Ask kids questions about the story. As they get answers correct, let them move along the leaves. First one "down the road" of leaves wins! 

Palm Leaf Hosanna Mosaic Craft by Oriental Trading

Magic Scratch Palm Leaves