UNIT 8 Session 1 Use Week of: Jesus Triumphal Entry 1 BIBLE PASSAGE: Matthew 21:1-17; Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19:28-44; John 12:12-19 MAIN POINT: People welcomed Jesus to Jerusalem as their King. KEY PASSAGE: Luke 24:5-6 BIG PICTURE QUESTION: Who saves us from our sin? Only Jesus saves us from sin. SMALL GROUP OPENING (10 15 MINUTES) PAGE 92 LARGE GROUP BIBLE STUDY (25 30 MINUTES) PAGE 94 SMALL GROUP ACTIVITIES (25 30 MINUTES) PAGE 100 Leader BIBLE STUDY 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. 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 would fulfill Zechariah s prophecy: Look, your King is coming to you, gentle, and mounted on a donkey. (Zech. 9:9) 88 Younger Kids Leader Guide Unit 8 Session 1 2015 LifeWay
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 overthrow Roman oppression and set up an earthly throne. Jesus sent a different message. 1 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: 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 you 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! Additional resources for each session are available at gospelproject.com. For free training and session-by-session help, visit www.ministrygrid.com/web/thegospelproject. Easter 89
The BIBLE STORY Jesus Triumphal Entry Matthew 21:1-17; Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19:28-44; John 12:12-19 It was time for the Israelites to celebrate 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. 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 spread their robes along the road, and others spread palm branches cut from the fields. The whole crowd of the disciples praised God 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, and they hoped He would save them from Rome. Some of the religious leaders said, Teacher, tell your disciples to be quiet! Jesus answered, If they did not praise 90 Younger Kids Leader Guide Unit 8 Session 1
Me, the rocks would praise Me! The next day, Jesus went to the temple complex in Jerusalem and drove out everyone buying and selling in the temple. 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. Other religious leaders saw Jesus miracles and heard the children saying, Hosanna to the Son of David! or Our king is here! They 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). One day, Jesus will return to earth on a white horse as King over everything. (Revelation 19:11) WANT TO DISCOVER GOD S WORD? GET ADVENTURE! Invite kids to check out this week s devotionals to discover that it was right for people to worship Jesus as Savior and King. The Bible says Jesus is the Son of God (Acts 8:37), and He is Lord of all (Acts 10:37). Order in bulk, subscribe quarterly, or purchase individually. For more information, check out www.lifeway.com/ devotionals. Easter 91
Small Group OPENING SESSION TITLE: Jesus Triumphal Entry BIBLE PASSAGE: Matthew 21:1-17; Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19:28-44; John 12:12-19 MAIN POINT: People welcomed Jesus to Jerusalem as their King. KEY PASSAGE: Luke 24:5-6 BIG PICTURE QUESTION: Who saves us from our sin? Only Jesus saves us from sin. Welcome time Greet each kid as he or she arrives. Use this time to collect the offering, fill out attendance sheets, and help new kids connect to your group. As kids arrive, ask them if they ve ever attended or participated in a parade in someone s honor. Talk about who was honored and why. SAY Jesus rode into town on a donkey. God s prophet Zechariah had predicted in Old Testament times that the Messiah would come to them riding on a donkey. Jesus was the King whom God had promised to send. People welcomed Jesus to Jerusalem as their King. Where Do I Live? activity page, 1 per kid pencils or markers Activity page (5 minutes) Invite kids to complete Where Do I Live? on the activity page. SAY Jesus was born in Bethlehem and grew up in Nazareth. Today we are going to learn about Jesus triumphal entry into the city of Jerusalem, where people gathered to celebrate Passover. People welcomed Jesus to Jerusalem as their King. Instead of riding in on a horse, Jesus arrived on a donkey and we ll learn why. 92 Younger Kids Leader Guide Unit 8 Session 1
Session starter (10 minutes) OPTION 1: Gather the palm leaves Before class, print and cut out the palm leaves using the palm leaves printable. Scatter the palm leaves on the floor. Encourage the kids to collect them and put the main point in order. If you have a large group, create two sets, form teams, and see which team can put the branches in order first. SAY Jesus and His disciples traveled to the city of Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover. When Jesus entered Jerusalem, people placed their robes and palm branches along the road before Jesus. They shouted out, Hosanna! Hosanna means save now! People welcomed Jesus to Jerusalem as their King. OPTION 2: March in a parade Provide flags, banners, noisemakers, balloons, and other parade items. Encourage kids to march around the classroom as if they are in a parade. You may also parade the kids through the hallway as long as they do not interrupt other classes in session. Afterward, ask the kids how it felt to be in a parade. SAY Did you enjoy being in the parade? Today we are going to hear about the time when Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey. People spread out their coats and palm branches in front of Him, and they cheered and sang too. People welcomed Jesus to Jerusalem as their King! LOW PREP Palm Leaves printable scissors parade items such as flags, banners, noisemakers, balloons, batons, kazoos, and so forth Transition to large group Easter 93
Large Group LEADER SESSION TITLE: Jesus Triumphal Entry BIBLE PASSAGE: Matthew 21:1-17; Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19:28-44; John 12:12-19 MAIN POINT: People welcomed Jesus to Jerusalem as their King. KEY PASSAGE: Luke 24:5-6 BIG PICTURE QUESTION: Who saves us from our sin? Only Jesus saves us from sin. room decorations Theme Background Slide (optional) countdown video SUGGESTED ROOM DECORATIONS: Consider using the existing theme of the petting zoo but focus on donkeys. You might display artificial straw, an animal brush, a bucket, and other supplies at the front of the room. You may also display the theme background slide. Countdown Show the countdown video as your kids arrive, and set it to end as large group time begins. leader attire Introduce the session (3 minutes) [Large Group Leader enters riding an imaginary donkey. Ride around the room and then stop in the large group area.] LEADER [to imaginary donkey] Whoa, girl! Easy now. [Pretend to dismount.] Hello, everyone! Does anyone know what kind of animal I am pretending to ride? [Allow kids to respond.] It might look like I m pretending to ride a horse, but I m pretending to ride a donkey! Which do you think a king should ride, a horse or a donkey? [Allow kids to respond.] In Bible times, a king riding a horse was a sign of strength, while a king riding a donkey 94 Younger Kids Leader Guide Unit 8 Session 1
was a sign of humility. Today we are going to hear about a time when Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey. Hundreds of years before today s Bible story, the prophet Zechariah had predicted that Israel s special king, the Messiah, would ride into Jerusalem on a donkey. People welcomed Jesus to Jerusalem as their King. Giant timeline (1 minute) LEADER [Point to the timeline.] We have been learning about God s plan to rescue His people from sin. This week and next week, we are going to study Jesus triumphal entry, His death on the cross, and His resurrection as we celebrate Easter. In today s Bible story, Jesus and His disciples were heading to Jerusalem to celebrate Passover. Can anyone tell me why the Israelites celebrated Passover? [Allow kids to respond.] That s right! Passover was a special feast to celebrate the night when God delivered His people from Egypt. [Point to the Exodus stories on the timeline.] The Israelites put lamb s blood over the doorposts on their houses. God passed over, and He kept the firstborn sons of Israel safe during the last plague. Today s Bible story is called Jesus Triumphal Entry. This Bible story happened a few days before Jesus died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sin. Giant Timeline Big picture question (1 minute) LEADER When Jesus entered Jerusalem, He knew that He was going to die on the cross and rise again on the third day. Jesus did this so He could save people Easter 95
who trust in Him from their sin and restore their relationship with God. Our big picture question is, Who saves us from our sin? Only Jesus saves us from sin. Bibles Jesus Triumphal Entry video Big Picture Question Poster Bible Story Picture Poster Main Point Poster Tell the Bible story (10 minutes) Open your Bible to Matthew 21:1-17; Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19:28-44; John 12:12-19. Tell the Bible story in your own words, or show the Bible story video Jesus Triumphal Entry. For a shorter version of the Bible story, read the bolded text of the Bible story script. LEADER The people welcomed Jesus to Jerusalem as their King, but do you think they really understood what kind of a king Jesus was going to be? During that time, the Jewish people were under control of the Roman Empire. They wanted Jesus to free them from Rome and set up His kingdom on earth. Jesus did not come to earth to set up His own government though. God had a different plan for Jesus. Jesus is God s Son. He never sinned, but He came to earth to die on the cross and rise again on the third day so we can be forgiven when we trust in Him. Who saves us from our sin? Only Jesus saves us from sin. Jesus was the Messiah spoken about by the prophet Zechariah. One day Jesus will return to earth on a white horse as King over everything. Ask the following review questions: 1. Why were Jesus and His disciples going to Jerusalem? (to celebrate Passover) 2. On what type of animal did Jesus ride into Jerusalem? (a donkey; Matt. 21:7; Mark 11:7; 96 Younger Kids Leader Guide Unit 8 Session 1
Luke 19:35; John 12:14) 3. What did the people say when Jesus rode into the city? (Hosanna; Matt. 21:9; Mark 11:9; John 12:13) 4. What did Jesus say would praise Him if His disciples did not? (the rocks, Luke 19:40) 5. What did Jesus do at the temple? (He drove out everyone buying and selling in the temple, Matt. 21:12) 6. Who saves us from our sin? Only Jesus saves us from sin. The Gospel: God s Plan for Me (optional) LEADER Why did Jesus have to die on the cross? The Bible says the wages of sin or what we must pay because we sin is death. (Romans 6:23) When Jesus died on the cross, He paid the penalty that should have been ours so that we could be forgiven and receive His righteousness instead. If you turn away from sin and trust in Jesus as your Savior, you will be saved! 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. Encourage boys and girls to ask their parents, small group leaders, or other Christian adults any questions they may have about becoming a Christian. Tip: Provide I m a Christian Now for new Christians to take home and complete with their families. Key passage (5 minutes) Show the key passage poster. Lead the kids to read together Luke 24:5-6. Explain that resurrected means that someone who was dead was brought back to life by God s power. LEADER Even though Jesus never sinned, it was God s plan for Jesus to die so that He could pay the penalty for sin that we deserve. We know that God accepted Key Passage Slide or Poster Resurrected song Easter 97
Jesus sacrifice for our sins because God raised Jesus to life again! Guide kids to come up with simple hand motions for the key passage song and sing it together. Unit 8, Session 1 discussion starter video Discussion starter video (4 minutes) LEADER Have you ever been gone for a while like on a vacation and expected people to be excited to see you when you returned? Check out this video. Show the Unit 8, Session 1 discussion starter video. LEADER That must have been pretty disappointing! What did the people do right and what could they have done better as they celebrated Jesus entrance into Jerusalem? [Invite responses.] People welcomed Jesus to Jerusalem as their King. What are some ways we can celebrate Jesus every day? Alive Forever song Sing (4 minutes) LEADER Hosanna means save now. Only Jesus can save us from our sins. Let s praise Him as we sing! Sing together Alive Forever. Pray (2 minutes) Invite kids to pray before dismissing to small groups. LEADER Dear God, thank You for sending Jesus as the true King to save us from our sin. You promised to send a righteous King, and You always keep Your promises. Help us to celebrate Jesus every day. Amen. Dismiss to small groups 98 Younger Kids Leader Guide Unit 8 Session 1
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 3:19. 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. Easter 99
Small Group LEADER SESSION TITLE: Jesus Triumphal Entry BIBLE PASSAGE: Matthew 21:1-17; Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19:28-44; John 12:12-19 MAIN POINT: People welcomed Jesus to Jerusalem as their King. KEY PASSAGE: Luke 24:5-6 BIG PICTURE QUESTION: Who saves us from our sin? Only Jesus saves us from sin. Key Passage Poster index cards markers Bibles, 1 per kid Main Point Poster jackets palm branches or pieces of construction paper Key passage activity (5 minutes) Write the words of the key passage and Scripture reference on separate index cards. Hide the cards in the room. Challenge kids to find the cards and arrange them in order. For a larger group, make two or more sets, using different colored index cards per set. Form teams and assign each team a card color. Guide teams to race to find their cards and place them in order. SAY People welcomed Jesus to Jerusalem as their King, but only a few days later, the people wanted to crucify Jesus. On the third day, women went to Jesus tomb. They had forgotten that Jesus said He would die but He would also come back to life. An angel met the women and told them Jesus was not in His tomb He is alive! Jesus is still alive today. Bible story review & Bible skills (10 minutes) Help kids open their Bibles to today s Bible passage. Assign a few kids parts of the passage to read as other kids act out the story. Children may wave their jackets, palm branches, or pieces of construction paper in the air as one child rides on an imaginary donkey. 100 Younger Kids Leader Guide Unit 8 Session 1
For a smaller group of kids, read the Bible while all the kids act it out. Invite kids to play a Guess Who game. Share that you will describe someone from the story and they should guess who it is. 1. Jesus sent us into a village. (two disciples; Matt. 21:1; Mark 11:1; Luke 19:29) 2. We put our robes on the donkey. (the disciples; Matt. 21:7; Mark 11:7; Luke 19:35) 3. We placed robes and palm branches along the road. (the people, Matt. 21:8; Mark 11:8; Luke 19:36; John 12:13) 4. We wanted the disciples to be quiet. (the religious leaders, Luke 19:39) 5. We were run out of the temple. (the buyers and sellers, Matt. 21:12) 6. Jesus healed us. (the blind and lame, Mat. 21:14) 7. We were upset by what we saw in the temple. (the religious leaders, Matt. 21:15) SAY When Jesus rode into Jerusalem as King, He knew that He was heading for the cross. Jesus fulfilled God s plan to save people from their sin. Who saves us from our sins? Only Jesus saves us from sin. Option: Retell or review the Bible story using the bolded text of the Bible story script. Activity choice (10 minutes) OPTION 1: Palm relay Play a relay game with paper sheets representing palm branches and coats. Form even teams and guide kids to line up on one end of the room. Give each team two sheets of paper. Explain that each team should send one kid at a time across the room and back before the next kid can go. Kids travel across the room LOW PREP paper sheets palm branches (optional) kids coats (optional) Easter 101
by stepping on one sheet of paper while picking up the other and putting it in front of them. The first team to have all of its members to complete the relay wins. SAY When Jesus rode into Jerusalem, the people welcomed Him as their King. They laid down their robes and palm branches along the road for Jesus donkey to step on. They believed that Jesus had come to rescue them from the Romans, but Jesus humbly came to earth to rescue people from sin. Only a few days after the people welcomed Jesus to Jerusalem as their King, Jesus died on the cross and rose again to rescue us from our sin when we trust in Him. One day, Jesus will return as a King, riding on a white horse. smooth, hand-sized rocks markers water and towels (optional) Note: Rebuke means to show disapproval or to criticize harshly. OPTION 2: The rocks cry out Before class, gather smooth, hand-sized rocks. It may be helpful to rinse the rocks with water and dry them before the activity. During class, give each kid a rock and markers. Invite the kids to draw faces on the rocks. As kids draw on the rocks, read Luke 19:37-40. Talk about what the word rebuke means, and ask kids why the Pharisees did not want the disciples to praise Jesus. SAY People welcomed Jesus to Jerusalem as their King, and that made the Pharisees angry. The Pharisees were religious leaders who believed that in order for God to be happy with them, they had to follow all of God s laws and some other laws they made for themselves, too. They didn t like Jesus. He taught that no one can keep God s laws perfectly except for Him and that salvation is based only on trusting in 102 Younger Kids Leader Guide Unit 8 Session 1
Jesus, not what a person can do for God. Jesus the only One who has never sinned died on the cross and rose again so we could be forgiven of our sin when we trust in Him. Who saves us from sin? Only Jesus saves us from sin. Journal and prayer (5 minutes) Distribute each child s journal and instruct the kids to draw a line splitting their journal page in half. Invite kids to draw or write on one side about how Jesus entered Jerusalem, and on the other side how Jesus will return as a victorious King on a white horse. You may read Revelation 19:11 to help kids visualize Jesus return. As kids draw, talk about what their lives would look like if they treated Jesus as King of their lives each day (be kind to siblings, tell their friends and family about Jesus, read their Bible, and so forth). SAY Jesus rode into Jerusalem as a King, but He did not do what the people expected Him to do. Jesus did something even better: He died on the cross to rescue His people from sin. God raised Jesus from the dead on the third day. One day, Jesus will return and He will reign as King forever. Make sure each child secures this week s sheet in the journal, and then collect them. Keep the journals in the classroom so they will be available every week or as often as you wish to use them. If time remains, take prayer requests or allow kids to complete the coloring page provided with this session. Pray, thanking God for sending Jesus to earth to save us from sin by dying on the cross and rising again. Pray that God will show kids their need to trust in Jesus. pencils Journal Page Bible Story Coloring Page, 1 per kid crayons or markers Tip: Give parents this week s Big Picture Cards for Families to allow families to interact with the biblical content at home. Easter 103