Unit 26 • Session 1 Jesus’ Triumphal Entry lesson Oct 4.pdfEven the children will praise Me.” Then Jesus left and went to spend the night in the town of Bethany. Christ Connection:

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Use Week of:

Unit 26 • Session 1

BIBLE PASSAGE: Matthew 21; Mark 11;

Luke 19; John 12

STORY POINT: People welcomed Jesus as their King.

KEY PASSAGE: Philippians 2:8

BIG PICTURE QUESTION: What did Jesus do to save us? Jesus died

on the cross and rose from the dead.

Jesus’ Triumphal Entry

INTRODUCE THE STORY(15–20 MINUTES)

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TEACH THE STORY(10–15 MINUTES)

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EXPERIENCE THE STORY (20–25 MINUTES)

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56 Preschool Leader GuideUnit 26 • Session 1

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LEADER Bible StudyLeading into the last week of Jesus’ ministry before His death and resurrection, Jesus entered Jerusalem as the King of kings. Many of God’s people traveled to Jerusalem for Passover. Jesus and His disciples traveled to Jerusalem as well. Near Bethphage (BETH fayj) and Bethany near the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples ahead into a 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 would fulfill Zechariah’s prophecy: “Look, your King is coming to you … humble and riding on a donkey” (Zech. 9:9).

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 overthrow Roman oppression and set up an earthly throne. Jesus sent a different message.

The next day, Jesus entered the temple and turned over the tables of the money changers and those selling doves. Jesus referred to Isaiah 56:7, 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. Jesus’ actions declared, “I am not just your King; I am also your God.” (See Isa. 35:4-6.)

Finally, the priests and the scribes heard the children in the temple worshiping Jesus as their King. “Do You hear what these children are saying?” they asked. Jesus replied, quoting Psalm 8:2. Jesus gladly received their praise because He was worthy of their praise. Jesus is the Son of God who came to overthrow sin and set up an eternal throne.

Help children connect the dots between God’s promises of a Messiah and Jesus’ coming. Help them see why Jesus came: to save the world from sin!

5757To the Cross

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Jesus’ Triumphal EntryMatthew 21; Mark 11; Luke 19; John 12

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 also traveled to Jerusalem. He sent two of them ahead to a village. Jesus

said, “Go into the village ahead of you. There you will find a donkey and

her colt tied up. Untie them and bring them to Me. If anyone says

anything to you, you should say that the Lord needs them.”

The disciples did what Jesus said. They put their robes on the donkey and the colt, and Jesus sat on them. As Jesus came to Jerusalem, a large crowd gathered. The crowd laid their robes on the

road. They cut palm branches from trees and laid those on the

road, too. The crowds walked ahead of Jesus, and those who

followed Him shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David! He who comes in the

name of the Lord is the blessed One—the King of Israel! Hosanna in the highest heaven!” The word

hosanna means “Save now!”The religious teachers didn’t like it. They asked Jesus to tell His

disciples to be quiet. “If they didn’t praise Me,” Jesus said, “the rocks

Bible Storytelling Tips

• Throw a parade: Tape parallel lines a few feet apart on the floor. Invite preschoolers to sit on the tape lines facing one another. Tell the Bible story as you walk between the lines. Prompt children to cheer and clap at appropriate moments of the Bible story.

• Wave palm branches: Distribute palm leaves, either ones the children have made or that have been purchased. Prompt children to wave them at appropriate moments in the Bible story.

The BIBLE Story



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Jesus’ Triumphal EntryMatthew 21; Mark 11; Luke 19; John 12

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 also traveled to Jerusalem. He sent two of them ahead to a village. Jesus

said, “Go into the village ahead of you. There you will find a donkey and

her colt tied up. Untie them and bring them to Me. If anyone says

anything to you, you should say that the Lord needs them.”

The disciples did what Jesus said. They put their robes on the donkey and the colt, and Jesus sat on them. As Jesus came to Jerusalem, a large crowd gathered. The crowd laid their robes on the

road. They cut palm branches from trees and laid those on the

road, too. The crowds walked ahead of Jesus, and those who

followed Him shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David! He who comes in the

name of the Lord is the blessed One—the King of Israel! Hosanna in the highest heaven!” The word

hosanna means “Save now!”The religious teachers didn’t like it. They asked Jesus to tell His

disciples to be quiet. “If they didn’t praise Me,” Jesus said, “the rocks

Bible Storytelling Tips

• Throw a parade: Tape parallel lines a few feet apart on the floor. Invite preschoolers to sit on the tape lines facing one another. Tell the Bible story as you walk between the lines. Prompt children to cheer and clap at appropriate moments of the Bible story.

• Wave palm branches: Distribute palm leaves, either ones the children have made or that have been purchased. Prompt children to wave them at appropriate moments in the Bible story.

would cry out!”When Jesus went into Jerusalem, people asked, “Who is

this?” The crowds replied, “This is the prophet Jesus from Nazareth in Galilee!” They were only half right. Jesus wasn’t just a prophet of God—He is God’s Son!

Jesus went to the temple, and people who could not see and people who could not walk came to Him. Jesus healed them.

The priests and the scribes at the temple heard children shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” The priests and scribes asked Jesus, “Do You hear what these children are saying?” The children were saying, “The king is here! The king is here!”

Jesus said, “Yes. Even the children will praise Me.” Then Jesus left and went to spend the night in the town of Bethany.

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) One day, Jesus will come back, riding on a white horse as King over everything. (Revelation 19:11)

5959To the Cross

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INTRODUCE the Story

SESSION TITLE: Jesus’ Triumphal EntryBIBLE PASSAGE: Matthew 21; Mark 11; Luke 19; John 12STORY POINT: People welcomed Jesus as their King.KEY PASSAGE: Philippians 2:8BIG PICTURE QUESTION: What did Jesus do to save us? Jesus died on the

cross and rose from the dead.

Welcome timePlay a theme song in the background as you greet preschoolers and follow your church’s security procedures. Set an offering basket near the door to collect at an appropriate time. Post an allergy alert, if necessary. Set out a few favorite theme-related toys, such as puzzles and blocks.

Activity pageInvite preschoolers to look for the items shown in the key in the picture below. Suggest they count how many of each item they see and write the number in the box below the item on the key. SAY • Good job counting the items in the crowd. In

today's Bible story, a large crowd of people traveled to Jerusalem to celebrate Passover. Passover was a special celebration when God's people remembered how God had saved them from being slaves in Egypt. Jesus and His disciples traveled to Jerusalem too. Listen to the Bible story to hear what happened when they arrived.

Jump upInvite preschoolers to gather in a circle around you. Demonstrate how to crouch down and close your eyes.

• “Jesus Saves” song• offering basket • Allergy Alert• favorite toys related

to the Bible story theme

• “Search the Crowd” activity page, 1 per child

• crayons or markers


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Explain that when you say, “Jump up!” the children should open their eyes, jump up, and shout, “The King is here!” Repeat several times, varying how long the children crouch each time. Allow children to take turns standing in the middle and directing the others to jump up. SAY • In today’s Bible story, a large crowd of people

gathered in Jerusalem and welcomed Jesus as their King as He rode in on a donkey. The children shouted, “The king is here! The king is here!”

Make palm branchesShow children how to each rip three or four 1-foot pieces of streamer off a roll of green crepe paper. After each child has their streamers, show them how to twist up one end of each piece. Help each child tape the twisted ends of his streamers to a craft stick. Write a child’s name on his craft stick.SAY • Let’s wave our streamers in the air as if we are

celebrating. In today’s Bible story, a large crowd of people had come to Jerusalem to celebrate Passover. They saw Jesus riding a donkey, and they were so excited. They cut branches from palm trees and waved them and laid them on the road as Jesus passed by.

Transition to teach the storyTo gain the attention of all the preschoolers to move them to Bible study, show the countdown video, turn the lights off and on, or clap a simple rhythm for the children to copy. Invite preschoolers to shout several times, “Hip, hip, hooray!” as they skip to Bible study.

• green crepe paper streamers

• tape• large craft sticks• marker

• countdown video (optional)

6161To the Cross

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TEACH the Story



Introduce the Bible storyPlace a bookmark at Mark 11 in your Bible. Invite a preschooler to open it. Reverently display the open Bible.SAY • The Bible is the most important book there is because

it is the only book with God's words in it. All God's words are true. Today's Bible story comes from all four Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

Point to the Bible story picture on the giant timeline. Remind children that all the stories in the Bible fit together to tell an even bigger story. The Bible tells us the big story of how God rescues sinners through His Son, Jesus.

Watch or tell the Bible storyShow the video or tell the Bible story using the provided storytelling tips. Use the bolded version of the Bible story for young preschoolers.SAY • Jesus came riding on a donkey into Jerusalem,

just as the prophet Zechariah said He would. The people welcomed Jesus as their King. They laid palm branches and robes on the road for Him. The religious leaders were angry. They did not believe Jesus was King and did not want the people worshiping Him. One day, Jesus will come back, riding on a white horse as King over everything.

• Bible • bookmark• Giant Timeline

• Story Point Poster• “Jesus’ Triumphal

Entry” video (optional)

• Bible Story Picture Poster


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Practice the key passage Place the key passage marker at Philippians 2:8. Invite a child to open your Bible to the key passage. Read the key passage aloud. Create motions for preschoolers to use as they say the key passage. Use the key passage song video for inspiration.SAY • Our key passage tells us that Jesus humbled Himself.

He lowered Himself. Jesus made Himself low and left His throne in heaven and came to earth to take the punishment we deserve for our sin.

Sing the key passage song, “Philippians 2:8,” and the theme song, “Jesus Saves.”

Learn the big picture questionSAY • The people expected Jesus to be a king who would

save them by setting up an earthly kingdom, but Jesus did something better to save people. What did Jesus do to save us? Jesus died on the cross and rose from the dead.

Missions momentChallenge preschoolers to run in place as fast as

they can. Comment on their speed.SAY • The next few weeks we will learn about a missionary

who ran very fast. Some people said he was the fastest runner in the whole country of Scotland! His name was Eric Liddell, and he served Jesus. He told people stories of Jesus like the one we heard today.

Show the missions video. Close in prayer, asking God to help children use their gifts to tell others about Jesus.

Pray and transition to experience the story

• Bible • Key Passage Marker • Key Passage Poster• “Philippians 2:8” song• “Jesus Saves” song

• Big Picture Question Poster

• “Eric Liddell’s Gift” video

6363To the Cross

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EXPERIENCE The Story



Build a temple with blocksInvite preschoolers to work together to build a temple with blocks. Consider showing preschoolers illustrations of the temple and the walls around it from a study Bible as they build. SAY • When Jesus arrived in Jerusalem, He went to the

temple area. People who could not see and people who could not walk came to Him. Jesus healed them. The priests and the scribes at the temple heard children shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” People welcomed Jesus as their King. When Jesus comes back, He will ride on a white horse as King over everything.

Crawl on coatsSpread out six coats in a row on the floor about a foot apart. Form a line at the first coat. Show preschoolers how to crawl from coat to coat, one at a time. Lead preschoolers to say the story point, one word per coat, as each child crawls. Repeat as time allows with each child.SAY • People welcomed Jesus as their King. They were

happy to see Him and praised Him by laying their robes on the road in front of Him. They knew He was their King. Jesus came riding on a donkey, just as

• blocks• people figures

(optional)• study Bible (optional)

• coats or jackets, 6


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the prophet Zechariah said He would. One day, Jesus will come back, riding on a white horse as King over everything.

Praise Jesus with music Set out several different types of rhythm instruments. Play music. Invite preschoolers to select an instrument and sing and play along with the music they hear. SAY • Crowds walked ahead of Jesus, and those who

followed Him shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” The children were saying, “The king is here! The king is here!” They were praising Jesus, like we are praising Him with our music. The word hosanna means “Save now!” What did Jesus do to save us? Jesus died on the cross and rose from the dead.

Create a two-sided donkey/horsePrint a “Donkey & Horse” printable for each preschooler on heavyweight paper. Lead preschoolers to fold the page in half along the black line. Encourage children to color each side of their picture. Show them how to stand their donkey and horses up on the table.SAY • Jesus sent two of His disciples ahead to a village to

find a donkey. Jesus sat on the donkey and rode into Jerusalem. The people were happy to see Jesus. They waved palm branches and laid their robes on the road in front of Him. The people welcomed Jesus as their King. Jesus came riding on a donkey, just as the prophet Zechariah said He would. One day, Jesus will come back, riding on a white horse as King over everything.

• “Jesus Saves” song (optional)

• “Philippians 2:8” song (optional)

• rhythm instruments (shakers, maracas, drum, wrist bells,)

• “Donkey & Horse” printable, 1 per child

• heavyweight paper• crayons or markers

6565To the Cross

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Travel with Eric LiddellWrite S, C, and F on separate sheets of

construction paper in a large letters. Put each letter in a different spot in the room. Explain to preschoolers that each letter stands for a country that was special to missionary Eric Liddell. S is for Scotland. C is for China. F is for France. Invite preschoolers to move to each letter when you say the country name. Switch up the order as you play.SAY • Scotland is where Eric’s family was from and where

he went to school. China is where Eric was born because his parents were missionaries there. When he grew up, Eric became a missionary to China. France is where Eric won a gold medal in the Olympics. Wherever Eric went, he told people about Jesus. He wanted people to welcome Jesus as their King. We can tell people about Jesus, too, wherever we go. Let’s pray and thank God for Eric Liddell. Let's ask God to help us share the good news of Jesus with others.

• construction paper• marker • tape


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Snack and reviewPlay the countdown video to signal the end of activities. Wash hands and gather preschoolers for snack time. Pray, thanking God for the snack.

Serve popcorn for snack. Talk about how people often eat popcorn at parades and sporting events. Comment that when Jesus rode into Jerusalem, the people acted how we act at a parade. People welcomed Jesus as their King.

Show the Bible story picture as you ask the following questions. Retell parts of the Bible story as needed.

1. What did Jesus send His two friends into the village to get for Him? (a donkey)

2. How did the people show that they were happy to see Jesus? (laid their robes on the road, cut palm branches to lay on the road, and shouted “Hosanna!”)

3. Who was not happy that the people were praising Jesus? (religious leaders)

4. What did Jesus do at the temple? (made people selling things leave, healed people who could not see or walk)

5. What will Jesus ride when He returns? (a white horse)6. What did Jesus do to save us? Jesus died on the


Transition When preschoolers finish their snack, they may color the Bible story coloring page, play a simple game to practice the key passage or big picture question, or sing along to the key passage or theme song.

If parents are picking up their children at this time, tell them something that their child enjoyed doing or did well during the session. Distribute the preschool big picture cards for families.

• countdown video (optional)

• Allergy Alert• paper cups and

napkins • snack food• Bible Story Picture

Poster• Big Picture Question

Poster• popcorn (optional)

Tip: Supervise closely to be sure preschoolers eat popcorn slowly to avoid choking.

• Bible Story Coloring Page

• crayons • Key Passage Poster• Big Picture Question

Poster• “Philippians 2:8” song• “Jesus Saves” song• Big Picture Cards

for Families: Babies, Toddlers, and Preschoolers

6767To the Cross

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Documents

Unit 26 • Session 1 Jesus’ Triumphal Entry lesson Oct 4.pdfEven the children will praise Me.” Then Jesus left and went to spend the night in the town of Bethany. Christ Connection: