Theme: Transport: Land
Bible Story: Jesus and the donkey
Value: Be grateful
Jesus and the donkey
Jesus, the Son of God, did many amazing things when He was on earth. He healed people who were sick, made blind people see and fed lots of hungry people.
One day, Jesus and His friends were on their way to a big city called Jerusalem. He told two of His friends, “Go to the village ahead. There, you will find a young donkey tied up. Bring it to me.” The friends did as Jesus asked. They found the donkey and brought it to Jesus.
Jesus sat on the donkey and started riding into Jerusalem. As He entered the city, a big crowd of people gathered. They were so happy to see Jesus!
They took off their coats and laid them on the road. They also picked up palm branches and waved them in the air, shouting, “Hosanna! Hosanna! Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!”
The word Hosanna means “Please save us!” The people shouted this because they knew that Jesus was special and that He was sent by God to bring them hope. They honoured Jesus by treating Him like a king. Even the children joined in, waving their branches and singing praises.
(Matthew 21:1-11)
- Opening
Have you ever seen a donkey? What does it look like? What sound does it make? In the Bible, people would ride on donkeys for transport.
Today we will learn about a special donkey and a big celebration. Let’s read the Bible story.
- Discovery
Can you remember the story that you heard yesterday?
Yes, we talked about how Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey. Let’s read the Bible story again.
What is your favourite part of the story?
How many palm branches do you see in the picture?
- Retell
Can you tell me what happened in our story yesterday? (Ask leading questions and guide the child using the picture and story.)
Why did the people put their coats and palm branches on the ground for Jesus?
Can you remember what they shouted as Jesus walked by?
What does the word Hosanna mean?
How do you feel when someone special visits you?
- Value
This week we’ve been talking about how people honoured Jesus as He rode into Jerusalem on a donkey. The people in our story knew that Jesus was a gift from God to bring hope and love to the world. They showed that they are grateful by honouring and praising Jesus. You can also show God that you are grateful by loving others, being kind and saying thank you to God for everything He does for you.
What are you grateful for today? Let’s pray and thank God.
- Activity
In our Bible story this week the people honoured God by putting their coats and palm branches on the ground in front of Jesus and singing and shouting praises to God. Let’s create our own wonderful walkway for God!
(Let the children cut out paper in the shape of palm leaves. Once they are finished, create a walkway by placing the leaves on the floor. Let the children take turns pretending that they are Jesus riding through the walkway as the others shout “Hosanna! Hosanna!”)