TEACHER BIBLE STUDY It was time to celebrate the Passover. Many of God s people traveled to Jerusalem for the occasion. Jesus and His disciples traveled to Jerusalem as well. Jesus made a spectacular entrance into the city. He rode a 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 be a political leader who would overthrow Roman oppression and set up an earthly throne. Jesus sent a different message when He entered Jerusalem. First, Jesus entered Jerusalem. Read Zechariah 9:9. Jesus fulfilled this prophecy. He was the One Zechariah spoke about. Jesus was saying, I am your King. But I am not here to fight. I come humbly. I am coming to save you. Jesus entered the temple and turned over the tables of the money changers and those selling doves. Read Isaiah 56:6-7. Jesus referred to Isaiah, 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. Check out the words of Isaiah 35:4-6. Jesus actions declared, I am not just your King; I am also your God. Finally, the priests and the scribes in the temple heard the children worshiping Jesus as their King. Do You hear what these children are saying? they asked. Jesus replied, quoting Psalm 8:2: Have you never read: You have prepared praise from the mouths of children and nursing infants? Jesus gladly received their praise because He was worthy of their praise. As we take a break from our chronological study to prepare for and celebrate Easter, help 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! LESSON OVERVIEW/SCHEDULE Session Title: Jesus Triumphal Entry Bible Passage: Matthew 21:1-17; Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19:28-44; John 12:12-19 Big Picture Question: How did people act when they saw Jesus? People welcomed Jesus to Jerusalem as their King. Key Passage: Luke 24:46-47 Unit Christ Connection: God s plan for redemption is fulfilled through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Transition Time Welcome time Activity sheet/table Centers Session starter (10 minutes) 1
Lesson Countdown Introduce the session (1 minute) Timeline Map (1 minute) Big picture question (1 minute) Sing (5 minutes) Key passage (4 minutes) Tell the Bible story (10 minutes) Discussion starter video (3 minutes) The Gospel: God s Plan for Me (optional) Prayer (5 minutes) Table Time Timeline map (1 minute) Bible story review (10 minutes) Large Group Review / Activities Key passage activity (5 minutes) Activity choice (10 minutes) Prayer (5 minutes) THE BIBLE STORY/OVERVIEW Jesus Triumphal Entry Matthew 21:1-17; Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19:28-44; John 12:12-19 It was the time of year that the Israelites celebrated Passover. Many Israelites had traveled to Jerusalem to remember what God had done when He rescued His people from slavery in Egypt. Jesus and His disciples traveled to Jerusalem, too. When they neared Bethphage (BETH fayj) and Bethany near the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of His disciples ahead into a village. As soon as you enter the village, Jesus told them, you will find a young donkey tied there. No one has ever sat on it. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone says to you Why are you doing this? say, The Lord needs it. Jesus was going to fulfill a prophecy by the prophet Zechariah that said, Look, your King is coming to you, gentle, and mounted on a donkey. The disciples did as Jesus asked. As they untied the donkey, its owners said to them, Why are you untying the donkey? The Lord needs it, they said. Then they brought the donkey to Jesus, threw their robes onto the donkey, and helped Jesus get on it. People were spreading their robes along the road, and others spread palm branches cut from the fields. The whole crowd of the disciples began to praise God joyfully with a loud voice for all the miracles they had seen. The King who comes in the name of the Lord is the blessed One. Peace in heaven and glory in the highest heaven! Hosanna! The word hosanna means save now. The people knew Jesus was their promised King! 2
Some of the Pharisees, the religious teachers, told Jesus, Teacher, tell your disciples to be quiet! Jesus answered, If they did not praise Me, the rocks would praise Me! Jesus went to the temple complex in Jerusalem and drove out everyone buying and selling in the temple. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the chairs of those who were selling doves. He quoted the prophet Isaiah and said, My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations. But you are making it into a den of thieves! While Jesus was in the temple complex, people who were blind and people who were lame came to Him. The blind and lame were not allowed to worship in the temple. Jesus healed them. The chief priests and scribes saw the miracles that Jesus performed and heard the children saying, Hosanna to the Son of David! or Our king is here! Our king is here! Even the kids knew Jesus was the promised King. The scribes and priests were angry and asked Jesus, Do you hear what these children are saying? They are saying you are a king! Yes, Jesus replied. The Psalmist said: You have prepared praise from the mouths of children and nursing infants. Jesus left them and went to the town of Bethany to spend the night. Christ Connection: 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). TRANSITION TIME Session Title: Jesus Triumphal Entry Bible Passage: Matthew 21:1-17; Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19:28-44; John 12:12-19 Big Picture Question: How did people act when they saw Jesus? People welcomed Jesus to Jerusalem as their King. Key Passage: Luke 24:46-47 Unit Christ Connection: God s plan for redemption is fulfilled through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Welcome time Tip: As kids arrive this is a great time to collect the offering, fill out attendance sheets, and help new kids connect to your group. paper markers Tip: Make it an even bigger welcome with party supplies, including party horns and confetti. Arriving Activity: Royal greeting As kids enter, welcome them with applause and high fives. Invite kids who arrive early to cheer and give high fives, too. Provide blank paper and markers for kids to make signs to welcome 3
other kids as they enter the room. Say How did you like the way you were greeted? How would you act if you knew Jesus was coming to class today? Well, we will get to see how people welcomed Jesus as He entered Jerusalem to celebrate Passover. Activities/Table Centers (5 minutes) Table Centers (Miscellaneous Activities) Amazing Entrance activity sheet / Bible Story Coloring Sheet, 1 per kid markers, colored pencils, crayons Guide boys and girls to complete the activity page. Say Today, we will find out how people used palm branches to celebrate Jesus arrival. If time remains, allow kids to complete the coloring page provided with this session. Session Starter (10 minutes) Option 1: King or Servant? laminated cards marked: King and Servant tape Tape a sign on one wall that says King. Place a sign on the opposite wall that says Servant. Explain that you will read a statement and the kids should respond by touching the wall that best fits the statement. After each statement, invite the kids to move back to the center of the room. Here are some example statements: This person gives orders. This person receives orders. This person has fewer riches than the other. This person wears a crown. People bow to this person. This person works for the other. Say Jesus came to earth to be both a Servant and a King. Today, we will see whether the people saw Jesus as a Servant or a King when He entered Jerusalem for Passover. Option 2: Palm Tree Snack paper towels, 1 per kid O-shaped cereal, plain and apple-flavored Provide each kid with a paper towel and a handful of plain O-shaped cereal and apple-flavored O-shaped cereal. The cereal should be light brown and green in color. Invite kids to make the shape of a palm tree on their paper towels. Arrange two rows of plain cereal to form the tree trunk. Design single rows of apple-flavored cereal, extending from the top half of the trunk. Once completed, kids may enjoy their palm trees as a snack. Say Today s story tells us how people used the branches of palm trees to welcome Jesus. Transition to large group 4
LESSON Session Title: Jesus Triumphal Entry Bible Passage: Matthew 21:1-17; Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19:28-44; John 12:12-19 Big Picture Question: How did people act when they saw Jesus? People welcomed Jesus to Jerusalem as their King. Key Passage: Luke 24:46-47 Unit Christ Connection: God s plan for redemption is fulfilled through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Suggested Theme Decorating Ideas: Use any traditional Easter decorations that are appropriate for your church environment. For example, use paper or fabric to create a background of a cross and empty tomb. Add trees and other greenery as desired. Countdown countdown video (on provided DVD with lesson videos and worship) Show the countdown video as you clean-up table centers, set up classroom chairs for lesson and set it to end as large group time begins. Introduce the session (1 minute) palm branch robe [Large Group Leader enters carrying a palm branch and a robe. Lay them in front of you as you introduce the session.] Leader If Jesus walked into our room right now, how would you greet Him? Would you clap? Would you cheer? Today, we will learn about a time when the people greeted Jesus by laying down branches and their robes, which would be like you or me laying down our coats. The people laid down these items on the road. That was how people welcomed a king. They were right. Jesus was King, and He deserved to be welcomed. Timeline Map (1 minute) Timeline Map (small group visual pack copies provided for Table Time Review) Leader We are going to skip forward hundreds of years in our timeline map to Easter. It s the time we remember and celebrate Jesus death and resurrection. But several events happened the week before His death on the cross and before He left the tomb. Easter actually starts with Jesus entering Jerusalem to a big celebration. That s why today s session is called Jesus Triumphal Entry. 5
Big picture question (1 minute) Big Picture Question: How did people act when they saw Jesus? - 11x17 poster provided Leader Like at Christmas, sometimes we forget about the real meaning of Easter. Without Jesus dying and rising again, we wouldn t be able to trust Him as our Savior. All of the Bible points us to this moment when Jesus gave His life and took the punishment for our sin. Speaking of the Bible, let me see your Bible. Hold it up high! It s also time to see our big picture question for today. How did people act when they saw Jesus? Sing (5 minutes) Worship Song: Jesus Saves (on provided DVD) Leader For more than three years, Jesus went from city to city. He healed people, performed miracles, and taught about who God is. The people saw Jesus as the forever king promised in the Old Testament, but they were looking for an earthly king to make Israel a powerful nation again. We know what the Israelites didn t know. Jesus is the King who would rule forever; however, He is much more. He s not just our King. He s our Savior! Sing together Jesus Saves. Key passage (4 minutes) Key Passage Poster: Luke 24:46-47 (provided) Worship Song: Luke 24:46-47 Song (on provided DVD) Leader Jesus was about to give His life for our sins, but the people even Jesus disciples didn t truly understand that. Jesus explained it after His death when God raised Him from the dead. This is what He said. Show the slide or poster of the unit s key passage, Luke 24:46-47. Lead the kids to read the verse together. Leader This was God s plan from the very beginning. God s plan was even written in the Old Testament for the people to see. Jesus must suffer and die so people everywhere could be forgiven for their sins. Sing together Luke 24:46-47. Tell the Bible story (10 minutes) Jesus Triumphal Entry video (on provided DVD) Bibles, 1 per kid Bible Story Picture Slide or Poster Leader Let s see what happened before the events at the cross and at the tomb. Let s see how the people welcomed Jesus just days before He gave His life for them. Find Matthew 21 in your Bible. We will also answer our big picture question, How did people act when they saw Jesus? Choose to tell the Bible story in your own words using the script provided, or show the Jesus Triumphal Entry video. 6
Leader The people in Jerusalem were there to celebrate how God had rescued their relatives from slavery in Egypt hundreds of years before. For many years after that, other nations had ruled over the Israelites. God s people were waiting for another rescue mentioned throughout the Old Testament the promise of a king who would rule over them forever. The people had heard about and had even seen what Jesus had done. They saw the miracles, how He healed the sick, and heard Him talk about the kingdom of God. Then Jesus came into Jerusalem on a donkey, like the Old Testament said the King would come. The people believed He must have been the One. They cheered and laid down palm branches. They even took off their outer robes and spread them on the road. How did people act when they saw Jesus? People welcomed Jesus to Jerusalem as their King. Jesus went into the temple. He saw people being mistreated. He ran off people who were cheating others. He healed those who were not allowed to enter the temple because they had physical disabilities. All of these things were talked about in the Old Testament, too. Even the children saw Jesus as a king. They began to worship Him. Jesus then left the city for the night. Ask the following review questions: What animal did Jesus ride into the city? (donkey, Matthew 21:4-6) How did people act when they saw Jesus? People welcomed Jesus to Jerusalem as their King. (Matthew 21:9) What did Jesus say would cry out if the people didn t praise Him? (the rocks, Luke 19:40) Whom did Jesus heal so they could worship Him in the temple? (blind and lame, Matthew 21:14) When would Jesus return as their true King? (after His death and resurrection) Discussion starter video (3 minutes) Unit 7, Session 1 - Discussion Starter Video (on provided DVD) Big Picture Question: How did people act when they saw Jesus? - 11x17 poster provided Leader The people didn t understand what kind of king Jesus was, but they welcomed Jesus and praised Him. If they didn t know and still welcomed Him with praises, shouldn t we? Speaking of welcoming, watch this video. Show the discussion starter video. Leader Was she very welcoming? We should do our best to make sure we aren t treating Jesus the same way. Anytime you treat something as more important than Jesus, you are not welcoming Him as King of your life. Can you think of ways we can welcome Jesus? Are there things you can do that will show others that Jesus is the King of your life? Jesus wasn t the type of king the people in Jerusalem expected. He was much more. He came to give His life to free them not from a nation, but from sin. He is the eternal King. He rules over everything and deserves praise as the King of our lives, too. 7
The Gospel: God s Plan for Me (optional) Use Scripture and the guide provided with this session to explain to boys and girls how to become a Christian. Assign individuals to meet with kids who have more questions. If this is not possible, encourage boys and girls to ask their parents, small group leaders, or other Christian adults any questions they may have about becoming a Christian. Prayer (5 minutes) Big Picture Question: How did people act when they saw Jesus? - 11x17 poster provided Leader Let s review and see if you can remember what we ve learned today. Show the big picture question slide or poster. Leader Can anyone tell me the answer to our big picture question? How did people act when they saw Jesus? People welcomed Jesus to Jerusalem as their King. Invite each kid to choose three friends and ask them the big picture question. The friends must then answer the question. Before transitioning to small group, make any necessary announcements. Lead the kids in prayer. Pray that your kids will understand that God has a plan for their lives, and they must seek Jesus to find it. Dismiss to small groups for Table Time The Gospel: God s Plan for Me Ask kids if they have ever heard the word gospel. Clarify that the word gospel means good news. It is the message about Christ, the kingdom of God, and salvation. Use the following guide to share the gospel with kids. God rules. Explain to kids that the Bible tells us God created everything, and He is in charge of everything. Invite a volunteer to read Genesis 1:1 from the Bible. Read Revelation 4:11 or Colossians 1:16-17 aloud and explain what these verses mean. We sinned. Tell kids that since the time of Adam and Eve, everyone has chosen to disobey God. (Romans 3:23) The Bible calls this sin. Because God is holy, God cannot be around sin. Sin separates us from God and deserves God s punishment of death. (Romans 6:23) God provided. Choose a child to read John 3:16 aloud. Say that God sent His Son, Jesus, the perfect solution to our sin problem, to rescue us from the punishment we deserve. It s something we, as sinners, could never earn on our own. Jesus alone saves us. Read and explain Ephesians 2:8-9. Jesus gives. Share with kids that Jesus lived a perfect life, died on the cross for our sins, and rose again. Because Jesus gave up His life for us, we can be welcomed into God s family for eternity. This is the best gift ever! Read Romans 5:8; 2 Corinthians 5:21; or 1 Peter 3:18. 8
We respond. Tell kids that they can respond to Jesus. Read Romans 10:9-10,13. Review these aspects of our response: Believe in your heart that Jesus alone saves you through what He s already done on the cross. Repent, turning from self and sin to Jesus. Tell God and others that your faith is in Jesus. Offer to talk with any child who is interested in responding to Jesus. TABLE TIME LEADER Session Title: Jesus Triumphal Entry Bible Passage: Matthew 21:1-17; Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19:28-44; John 12:12-19 Big Picture Question: How did people act when they saw Jesus? People welcomed Jesus to Jerusalem as their King. Key Passage: Luke 24:46-47 Unit Christ Connection: God s plan for redemption is fulfilled through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Bible story review (10 minutes) Bibles, 1 per kid Timeline (small group visual pack extra copies provided for Table Time Review) Big Picture Question: How did people act when they saw Jesus? (11x17 poster provided in classroom) Tip: Divide children into small groups for table time. Each group should include an adult leader at the table. Encourage the kids to find Matthew 21 in their Bibles. Help them as needed. Say Matthew is one of four books called the Gospels. The Gospels are the first four books of the New Testament. The Gospels tell us about Jesus life on earth. Today s Bible story can actually be found in all four of the Gospels. The Gospels are Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Use the small group visual pack to show kids where today s Bible story is on the timeline. Review the Bible story provided, or summarize the story in your own words. Encourage the kids to listen to the following statements. If they believe a statement is true, they should cheer. If they believe it is false, they should remain absolutely silent. Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a camel. (false, Matthew 21:7) The people welcomed Jesus to Jerusalem. (true, Matthew 21:8-9) Jesus ran off those in the temple who were not using it correctly. (true, Matthew 21:12-13) Jesus said the trees would cry out if His disciples didn t praise Him. (false, Luke 19:39-40) Jesus healed the blind and lame. (true, Matthew 21:14) Children praised Jesus as He entered Jerusalem. (true, Matthew 21:16) The people thought Jesus came to be their judge. (false, John 12:13) Show the big picture question slide or poster. 9
Say Let s take another look at our big picture question. How did people act when they saw Jesus? People welcomed Jesus to Jerusalem as their King. The people cheered as Jesus entered Jerusalem. They thought He was coming to be a king. He wasn t just coming as their King. He was coming as the King of the world and the Messiah to save people of all nations. LARGE GROUP REVIEW AND ACTIVITIES Key passage activity (5 minutes) Building a Tree Instructions Key Passage Poster: Luke 24:46-47 (provided) Palm Branch Cards (with verse segments on them) 20 cards/set; 1 set/classroom Palm Tree Trunk Masking Tape Make sure the key passage, Luke 24:46-47, is visible for each child, either as the printed poster or written on a dry erase board. Read the verse together. Say When we trust Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we welcome the same King the people welcomed in Jerusalem. How did people act when they saw Jesus? People welcomed Jesus to Jerusalem as their King. However, we see Jesus as the true King He is: much more than the earthly king the people were expecting. Before the session, tape the palm tree trunk to a wall in your classroom. Provide each child with a palm branch card (or two, depending on your class size). Place a piece of masking tape on the back side of each card. Slowly read the verse, and invite each child to come up when she hears the words on her card. Each kid will press her card on the tree trunk to create a key passage palm tree. Activity choice (10 minutes) Option 1: Praise Time Invite the kids to spread out. Instruct them to listen closely as you give commands about a way they can celebrate or praise God. The last kid to follow the instructions must sit down. After a few turns, allow the kids seated to rejoin the game. Here are a few possible commands: clap, yell, jump, raise your hands in the air, say Hosanna, spin around, and so forth. Speed up commands as the game continues. After playing a few rounds, allow kids to share other ways they can each praise God (obeying Him, praying, singing, and so forth). Say The people praised Jesus as He came into Jerusalem. How did people act when they saw Jesus? People welcomed Jesus to Jerusalem as their King. We can welcome Jesus, too, by our love, obedience, and worship of Him. 10
Option 2: Palm Branch large craft sticks or dowels, 1 per kid green construction paper, 1 per kid scissors glue Allow kids to make their own palm branches. Provide each child with glue, scissors, a large craft stick or small dowel, and a green sheet of construction paper. Encourage the kids to cut the paper in strips widthwise. Invite them to write on each strip something they can praise God for. Demonstrate how to glue the ends of the strips onto the large craft stick or dowel. Say One of the ways the people of Jerusalem welcomed Jesus was by waving palm branches. How did people act when they saw Jesus? People welcomed Jesus to Jerusalem as their King. We welcome Jesus when we put our trust in Him as our Savior and King. Prayer and Clean-Up (5 minutes) Say Here s one last review of our big picture question. How did people act when they saw Jesus? People welcomed Jesus to Jerusalem as their King. If time remains, take prayer requests. End the session with prayer, thanking God for sending His Son to be our Savior and King. Pray for each child by name, asking God to help each one serve and follow Him. Clean-up room. 11
Instructions: Guide Jesus through the maze of palm branches celebrating His entrance into Jerusalem. UNIT 7 Session 1 Younger Kids Activity Pages 2012 LifeWay Christian Resources. LifeWay Easter
Jesus Triumphal Entry Matthew 21:1-17; Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19:28-44; John 12:12-19 2012 LifeWay Christian Resources. LifeWay
Family Journal Page Easter Decorate a path through your house. Hang streamers, banners, balloons, and other decorations along the path. During the week, everyone should call out Hosanna or another praise for Jesus each time they walk down the path. Review the big picture question. List below some ways your family can welcome Jesus. Jesus Triumphal Entry Matthew 21:1-17; Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19:28-44; John 12:12-19 Preschool Key Passage: Luke 24:46 Big Picture Question: How did people act when they saw Jesus? People welcomed Jesus as their King. Christ Connection: The people were happy to see Jesus. They knew He was their King. Jesus came riding on a donkey, just as the prophet Zechariah said He would. (Zechariah 9:9) Kids Key Passage: Luke 24:46-47 Big Picture Question: How did people act when they saw Jesus? People welcomed Jesus to Jerusalem as their King. Christ Connection: 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). Unit 7 Session 1 2012 LifeWay Christian Resources. OK to print
And [Jesus] said to them, Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations. Luke 24:46-47 OK TO PRINT Easter