The Triumphal Entry of Jesus the King
(Matthew 21:1-11)
Jesus and his disciples were walking toward Jerusalem. Many people were already there, getting ready for a special holiday called Passover. Everyone was excited. But Jesus knew something big was about to happen. As they got close to a village called Bethphage, near the Mount of Olives, Jesus stopped.
He said to two of his disciples, "Go into the village ahead of you. Right away you will find a donkey tied up, with her colt beside her. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, just say, 'The Lord needs them,' and he will let you go."
This happened to make a very old promise from God come true. Hundreds of years before, a prophet named Zechariah had written, "Say to the daughter of Zion, 'See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.'" God's words were coming true right at that moment.
The two disciples did exactly what Jesus told them. They found the donkey and the colt. They brought them to Jesus. Then they laid their cloaks on the donkeys to make a soft seat for Jesus. Jesus sat on the young donkey and began riding toward Jerusalem.
As Jesus rode along, a huge crowd gathered. Many people spread their own cloaks on the road in front of him. Others cut branches from palm trees and spread them on the road like a carpet. The people shouted with joy, "Hosanna to the Son of David. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest heaven."
The word "Hosanna" means "Save us, please." The people were calling Jesus their king. They called him the Son of David, which was a special title for the promised Savior. When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred up. People asked, "Who is this?" The crowds answered, "This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee."
Jesus came not on a war horse like a conquering soldier, but on a gentle donkey. He came to bring peace. He came as a humble king. This was the beginning of the most important week in all of history.
A Curious Question
Why do you think Jesus chose to ride a young donkey instead of a beautiful horse or a golden chariot like other kings?
Old Testament Connection
This story is a perfect picture of how God's promises always come true. More than 500 years before Jesus was born, the prophet Zechariah wrote these exact words: "Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion. Shout, Daughter Jerusalem. See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey" (Zechariah 9:9). This was a messianic prophecy that pointed straight to Jesus. God planned every detail of the Savior's arrival centuries in advance. The people's shout "Hosanna" comes from Psalm 118, a song about God's saving love. Everything fit together perfectly because God is the author of history.
Discussion Questions
1. Why did the crowd spread their cloaks and palm branches on the road for Jesus? What did that show about how they felt about him?
2. The people called Jesus the "Son of David." What does that name tell us about who Jesus really is?
3. Jesus came riding a donkey instead of a war horse. What does that teach us about the kind of king Jesus wants to be for us?
So What? What Can I Do?
1. When do you find it hard to let Jesus be the king of your life? What parts do you try to keep for yourself?
2. The crowd praised Jesus with branches and shouts. What are some simple, everyday ways you can praise Jesus at home or school without anyone making a big deal about it?
3. Jesus came as a humble, gentle king. Who is someone in your life who needs you to show them gentleness and humility this week?
Memorize God's Word
Zechariah 9:9 - "See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey."
• See, your king comes to you point both hands toward your own chest, then sweep one hand outward as if showing someone special arriving.
• gentle fold both hands gently over your heart and smile softly.
• and riding on a donkey pretend to hold reins and bounce up and down slightly as if riding a small donkey.
Praying with Kids
Dear Father, thank you for sending Jesus as our humble and gentle King. Help us to praise him not just with our words but with the way we live every day. Give us brave hearts to let Jesus be the true king of our lives. Amen.
Craft or Activity
Palm Branch Praise Wreath
Materials:
How to Make the Palm Branch Praise Wreath:
- Cut the center out of a paper plate so only the outer ring remains. This is your wreath base.
- Trace and cut out 8 to 10 leaf shapes from green construction paper to look like palm branches.
- Glue the palm leaves around the paper plate ring so they overlap slightly.
- Write the word "Hosanna" on a small piece of paper and glue it in the center of the wreath.
- On the back of the wreath, write one thing you want to praise Jesus for this week.
- Hang your wreath somewhere you will see it every day as a reminder to praise Jesus as your King.
Effective Teaching Techniques
Active Listening: Before reading the story, ask kids to listen for the special word "Hosanna." Every time they hear it, they raise their hands. This keeps them engaged.
Donkey Sounds: When you get to the part about Jesus riding the donkey, invite the kids to make a gentle "hee-haw" sound. It adds fun and helps them remember the humble animal.
Younger Children Variation: For the craft, pre-cut the paper plate centers and leaf shapes so little hands can focus on gluing and writing praise words.