Jesus the Humble King

Welcome the children and explain that today you are exploring Matthew 21:1-11, when Jesus entered Jerusalem.

Read the passage aloud. Highlight that Jesus sent disciples to find a donkey and that the crowds shouted praises.

Now when they drew near to Jerusalem and came to Bethphage, to the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, Go into the village in front of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Untie them and bring them to me. (Matthew 21:1-2)

Say to the daughter of Zion, Behold, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden. (Matthew 21:5)

## Question 1: What animal did Jesus ride into the city? Leader Notes: Expected answer: A donkey or a colt (a young donkey). Redirect: If a child guesses a horse or elephant, smile and say — The Bible tells us Jesus rode a donkey. A donkey shows He is a gentle, humble King, not a war animal. Time: 2 minutes.

## Question 2: What did the crowds shout as Jesus passed by? Read this together:

And the crowds that went before him and that followed him were shouting, Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest! (Matthew 21:9)

Leader Notes: Expected answer: Hosanna, or Hosanna to the Son of David, or blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Redirect: If kids say they just yelled hooray, guide them back — The Bible gives us the exact words. They shouted Hosanna because they believed Jesus was the promised King. Time: 2 minutes.

## Question 3: Did the people understand why Jesus really came? Read this last part:

And the crowd said, This is the prophet Jesus from Nazareth of Galilee. (Matthew 21:11)

Leader Notes: Expected answer: Not really. They wanted Jesus to fight the Romans and be a powerful king on earth, but Jesus came to die for sins and give forgiveness. Redirect: If a child says yes or talks about superheroes, say — The crowd was excited, but they missed the most important thing. Our biggest need is not being saved from bad guys or governments. It is being saved from sin, and only Jesus can do that by dying on the cross. Time: 3 minutes.

## Activity: Act Out the Parade Leader Notes: Have the kids form a parade. Let some wave pretend palm branches or lay jackets on the floor. One child can walk slowly as Jesus on a donkey while the others shout Hosanna. Afterward ask — What kind of King is Jesus? Expected answer: A humble King, a forgiving King, or the King who saves us from sin. Redirect: If kids get wild or start pretend fighting, say — Let us show the gentle, joyful way the people welcomed Jesus, not a battle scene. Time: 5 minutes.

Close in prayer. Thank Jesus for being the humble King who forgives our sins.