Sunday School @ Home – April 5, 2020

Palm Sunday:  Jesus Enters Jerusalem

Bible Passage (for parents)
Jesus Enters Jerusalem (Matthew 21:1-11)

Jesus’ special entrance into Jerusalem is now a celebration that we call Palm Sunday. Palm Sunday is the beginning of Holy Week – exactly one week before Easter Sunday.  Today is Palm Sunday!

Palms were a symbol of grace and victory in Bible times. By waving the palms and placing them on the ground before Jesus, the people were welcoming him as a king.

Watch the story together (you may need to click on “copy link” in the upper right corner depending on your browser):

 

Discuss

  • Why do you think we call this day Palm Sunday?
  • What kind of animal did Jesus ride on into Jerusalem?
  • How do you think a King would arrive in a town?
  • Why do you think Jesus choose a donkey?

 

Song

 

Game

The people who had coats laid them down on the road when Jesus made his entrance.  In this game, you must try and hang three coats up on a coat rack or hook by tossing the coats from four feet away. You will only have 60 seconds to complete this game.  Try again and see if you can do it faster!

 

Craft

Print out the palm leaf coloring sheet (available here) and color it green.  Write the word “Hosanna” somewhere on the page.  Consider posting this palm leaf coloring sheet in your front window so that others can see it.

 

Snack

Wash and prepare celery stalks, leaving the leaves of the stalks intact. Provide different kinds of fillings for the stalks such as flavored cream cheeses. or peanut butter (if no one in your home has an allergy to it).  Top with raisins, chocolate chips, or whatever else you might like.

 

Discuss

The people misunderstood.  Jesus was a different kind of king than they were expecting.  The people wanted a great military hero, but Jesus came in peace, humility and love.

  • What do you think of the way the people celebrated Jesus?
  • What can you do to celebrate Jesus?

 

Closing Prayer

We thank you, O God, for your Son, Jesus, who entered into Jerusalem on a donkey to show that he came to bring peace and love. Help us celebrate Jesus this week and show your love to others as we prepare for Easter next Sunday.  Amen.

 

Pastor Dan Fugate, Assistant to the Bishop for Discipleship, put this lesson together for Sunday School @ Home.  There will be a new one for each Sunday (as well as for Holy Week) while we are unable to gather together physically in our congregation’s building.  Contact him at [email protected].