Matthew 21 v 1 – 11

Mark 11 v 1 – 11,  Luke 19 v 28 – 44,  John 12 v 12 – 19

Lesson Aim

To understand that Jesus fulfilled prophecies about his kingship.

Hook 1: Paper branches and coats

Make as many paper palm branches as possible (large sheets of newspaper could be used). Also have as many old coats available as possible.

As you tell the story it will come to life if you make a road out of the coats and hand palm branches to all of the people. Have a group of children walk around the room, while others wave palm branches and get everyone to shout ‘Hosanna to the Son of David’. Try to create the atmosphere of a crowd welcoming their coming king.

Hook 2: Prophecy

For older children

Have the words of Zechariah 9 v 9 displayed on PowerPoint. Highlight different words in turn to explain their meaning – Zion, shout, king is coming, righteous, salvation, seated, donkey.

When you have explained the meaning of this prophecy, describe how so much of Jesus’ life fulfilled different prophecies. Get the children to name any other prophecies about Jesus’ life and have someone else list them. They might initially need help on this but refer to Jesus’ birth and death.

Hook 3: Questions

What is a prophet? Hundreds of years before Jesus was born God gave special messages to different people. In today’s story we will find out how some of these words came true in the life of Jesus.

Application

Hundreds of years before Jesus was born, the prophet Zechariah described how Jesus would enter Jerusalem. All of Zechariah’s words came true when Jesus was welcomed by the people of Jerusalem as their king. Have we welcomed Jesus as the King of our lives?