Rejoice, O people of Zion! Shout in triumph, O people of Jerusalem! Look, your king is coming to you. He is righteous and victorious, yet he is humble, riding on a donkey- riding on a donkey’s colt. Zechariah 9:9 NLT

Then they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their garments over it, and he sat on it. Many in the crowd spread their garments on the road ahead of him, and others spread leafy branches they had cut in the fields. Jesus was in the center of the procession, and the people all around him were shouting, “Praise God! Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the LORD! Mark 11:7-9 NLT

When Jesus was a young boy, His family would travel from their home in Nazareth to Jerusalem each year to celebrate the Jewish Passover festival 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 walked to Jerusalem and stayed in small towns along the way.

The Journey to Jerusalem

The Journey to Jerusalem

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 into 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, praises to God 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 29th. The following Sunday will be Easter!

This week talk with your parents about Palm Sunday. Draw a picture of Jesus and His disciples coming into Jerusalem and the people welcoming Him to share with a friend.

Blessings and joy as we celebrate Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday!