“The next day a great multitude that had come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, took branches of palm trees and went out to meet Him, and cried out:  “Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! The King of Israel!” ” John 12:12-13 NKJV

When Jesus was a young boy His family would travel from their home in Nazareth to Jerusalem each year to celebrate Jewish Passover at the Holy Temple. This holiday helped the people remember how much God had done for them by freeing their ancestors from slavery in Egypt and bringing them to the Promised Land, Israel.

This time Jesus was a grown man and had His twelve disciples with Him. Hundreds of people were coming into Jerusalem to celebrate Passover. In Jesus’ time, most people walked everywhere. He and His disciples were walking to Jerusalem and stayed in small towns along the way.

Jesus and His disciples walked through Jericho the town,
Jesus looked up to discover a man in a tree! “Come down.”
Zacchaeus was a rich tax collector and not very well liked.
He had climbed a tall sycamore tree to see Jesus, God’s light.
Jesus told Zacchaeus, “We are staying at your home to rest.”
Zacchaeus was thrilled and his family greatly blessed!

Then Jesus went to Bethany and stayed at the house of friends.
With Lazarus and sisters, Martha and Mary, a night He spends.
Martha cooks dinner and Lazarus talks with Him while they eat.
Mary honors Jesus with fragrant oil poured upon his feet.
Jesus and His disciples are still Jerusalem bound,
Taking a small donkey colt for Jesus to ride to town.

The people crowd around the old Jerusalem street,
Laying down their clothes on the road, Jesus to greet.
Fresh cut palm leaves cover the path as well.
The people sing, “Hosanna” and begin to yell.
Welcome, glory and honor to Israel’s King!
In the whole of Jerusalem, God’s praises ring!

This special greeting for Jesus when He arrived in Jerusalem is what we call Palm Sunday, which we will celebrate this coming Sunday, the 25th. The following Sunday will be Easter!

This week draw a picture of Jesus and His disciples coming into Jerusalem or write a sentence about the “parade” as they came into town.

Afterwards ask your parents to share your picture or parade sentence as a reply to this blog so everyone can understand Palm Sunday.