Palm Sunday
Matthew 21
April 13, 2025
Sunday Recap
•
Sunday Recap •
Hey Fams!
All four Gospels offer a glimpse into the joy that overtook the crowds of Jerusalem as King Jesus made His way through the city gates. The events that would take place in the city just one week later would starkly contrast to the high-spirited festivities of Jesus’ triumphal entry. In His sovereignty, Christ knew He would face crucifixion at the hands of His own people; yet He willingly approached the cross for our salvation.
What was the significance of the people’s shouts for the King and His coming kingdom? What do we learn about Christ’s heart for the lost?
Crowds poured into Jerusalem to celebrate Passover, and many of them participated in creating a grand entrance for Jesus. They waved palm branches, a symbol of pride for the Jews, and called out for their new King to usher in a new reign for God’s people. They had heard reports of how He raised Lazarus from the dead and were eager to see His next miracle. Yet, they misunderstood the purpose of His entry into the holy city—it was not to overthrow their oppressors but to offer salvation to all who would turn to Him in faith. They sought a mighty conqueror in Jesus, not knowing that the Father would instead send a Suffering Servant to be sacrificed on their behalf. They wanted an earthly king to reign amid their difficult circumstances, not a Messiah who would be publicly humiliated on a cross. Despite what His people desired, God knew what His people needed and sent His Son to save them.
As Jesus approached the city, He wept for it—knowing the fate that would soon befall Him and the great price He would pay to establish peace between God and man. We later see His heart for the lost as He pleaded for the Father to forgive the people’s sins. What God’s people didn’t know then is the story we get to proclaim now: Christ died for sinners! Lead the children in your care to see that Jesus is greater than our earthly rulers and worldly desires. He is the sovereign Savior and Lord who has already paid the price for our greatest need: salvation!
Next Week: BEST DAY EVER!!
Jesus Saves Us from Our Enemies (Matthew 27-28; Mark 15-16; Luke 23-24; John 19-20)
This Week's Main Ideas
•
This Week's Main Ideas •
-
BABIES-TODDLERS
God sent Jesus to be our King. When we believe in Him, He will save us from our sins.
PRESCHOOL-K
The people welcomed Jesus as King, but Jesus knew the people would not welcome Him as their Savior. Trusting in Jesus means welcoming Him as Savior and Lord. If we know and love Him, He will forgive our sin and give us life with Him forever.
1ST-5TH GRADE
The people welcomed Jesus as King, but they did not recognize Him as their Savior. Jesus calls all people to trust in Him as Savior and Lord. When we do, we will be saved from sin and death.
-
Q: What is repentance?
A: Repentance is turning away from sin and turning to Jesus.
-
If my people, who bear my name, humble themselves, pray and seek my face, and turn from their evil ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.
2 Chronicles 7:14
Family Discipleship Activities
•
Family Discipleship Activities •
-
Read Matthew 21 from the Bible.
-
Jesus came into Jerusalem with cheers and celebration! The people had heard the great miracles of Jesus, and they believed in His power. The people displayed their worship of Jesus by waving palm branches and laying them out on the road as Jesus rode into the city on a donkey.
The people shouted, “Hosanna!” Do you know what that word means? It means “Save us!” The people were shouting “Hosanna” because they believed Jesus was coming to be their king and to rule over them with goodness and mercy. They were probably expecting Jesus to be the kind of king they were used to—one who wears a crown and sits on a throne—but Jesus is the King of kings. He was the King who had come to save all who believe in Him!
John 3:16 says, “For God loved the world in this way: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” This is the true reason why Jesus came—to bring salvation and eternal life for everyone who believes in Him. Jesus is the King who has come to save!
The people welcomed Jesus as King, but they did not recognize Him as their Savior. Jesus calls all people to trust in Him as Savior and Lord. When we do, we will be saved from sin and death.
Pray: Jesus, You are the King who has come to save! Help us follow and obey You as King. We wait with excitement for the day when You will return to rule over everything forever and ever! Amen.
-
If my people, who bear my name, humble themselves, pray and seek my face, and turn from their evil ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.
2 Chronicles 7:14
-
Mornings
Begin each day with a prayer of praise. Just like the people in the streets, say “Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna!” What are some ways you can honor Jesus as King today?
Evenings
Ask God for His peace to rule over any difficult situation your family is facing. How was Jesus so calm when He knew this would be His final week before His crucifixion? How can we have confidence and peace through knowing Jesus as King?
-
For Fun
Choose some rocks from your yard or a nearby stream. Use acrylic paints to decorate the rocks with words of praise or the word “Hosanna.” Place the rocks in your yard or around the neighborhood. Jesus told the Pharisees that if the people did not praise Him then the rocks would cry out and praise Him (Luke 19:40). Talk as a family about how these rocks can remind us to worship Jesus as King!
To Serve
When Jesus rode into Jerusalem, some of the people threw their cloaks on the ground in front of him, which was a way to worship Him as King. Donate unused coats or clothes to individuals or organizations who have need. Consider starting a collection with others in your church to provide winter coats for those in need. This can also be a way to worship Jesus as King!