Grade Kids Bible Study Guide Unit 7, Session 1: Jesus ... people welcoming Jesus into Jerusalem...

1st-3rd Grade Kids Bible Study Guide Unit 7, Session 1: Jesus’ Triumphal Entry

2012 LifeWay Christian Resources

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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)



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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!



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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







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



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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



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LESSON Session Title: Jesus’ Triumphal Entry







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.”



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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.



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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.



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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.



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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 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.



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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.



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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.

EasterUNIT 7 • Session 1 • Younger Kids Activity Pages© 2012 LifeWay Christian Resources.

Instructions: Guide Jesus through the maze of palm branches celebrating His entrance into Jerusalem.

LifeWay

© 2012 LifeWay Christian Resources.

Jesus’ Triumphal EntryMatthew 21:1-17; Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19:28-44; John 12:12-19

LifeWay

Family Journal Page

®

Unit 7 • Session 1© 2012 LifeWay Christian Resources.

OK tO print

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.

EasterJesus’ Triumphal EntryMatthew 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)

KidsKey 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).

®

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 PRINTEaster

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