- Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6
The Triumphal Entry
Matthew 21:1-11
Jesus as the Humble King
Jesus comes in peace, showing us how to trust and follow Him with joy.
It was a sunny day, and crowds lined the road to Jerusalem, buzzing with excitement. Jesus
rode in on a little donkey—not a big horse like a warrior king. People shouted, “Hosanna!
Blessed is the King!” They waved palm branches and threw their coats on the ground like a
carpet for Him. The disciples smiled, amazed at the welcome. Jesus looked at the crowd with
love, knowing this was the start of a big week. He wasn’t here to fight; He was here to bring
peace between us and God.
“Say to Daughter Zion, ‘See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, and on a
colt, the foal of a donkey.’” – Matthew 21:5
– Jesus rode a donkey into Jerusalem.
– People cheered and waved palm branches.
– This was the start of Easter week!
Jesus shows us that being a king isn’t about power or fighting—it’s about love and peace. We
can cheer for Him by trusting Him every day.
1. Palm Branch Craft: Cut green paper into leaf shapes and write “Hosanna!” on them.
2. Donkey Parade: March around with paper leaves, shouting “Hosanna!”
3. Coat Pathway: Lay blankets or jackets on the floor and pretend to welcome Jesus.
1. Why do you think Jesus picked a donkey?
2. How would you welcome Jesus if He came to your town?
3. What’s one way to show Jesus you love Him?
Kings rode donkeys in Bible times to show they came in peace, not war!
Jesus Clears the Temple
Matthew 21:12-13
Jesus as the Protector of Prayer
Jesus wants us to keep God’s house a place of love and prayer, not selfishness.
The next day, Jesus walked into the big temple in Jerusalem. It was supposed to be a place to
pray and talk to God, but people were buying and selling things like it was a market! They were
loud and greedy, pushing others around. Jesus got upset. He flipped over their tables and said,
“My house should be a house of prayer, not a place for robbers!” The people stopped, surprised.
Jesus cared so much about God’s house that He made it right again, so everyone could pray.
“My house will be called a house of prayer.” – Matthew 21:13
– Jesus went to the temple and saw people acting selfishly.
– He flipped tables to stop the bad stuff.
– He wanted the temple to be a place for prayer.
Jesus shows us that places where we talk to God are special. ascended into heaven and took a
seat at the right hand of God. He cares about keeping our hearts clean and focused on God,
too!
1. Prayer Corner: Make a little “prayer spot” with a blanket and a candle (not lit).
2. Table Flip Game: Stack blocks and gently knock them over, then rebuild them nicely.
3. Quiet Time: Sit quietly for a minute and say a short prayer.
1. Why was Jesus upset at the temple?
2. What’s a place where you like to talk to God?
3. How can we make our hearts a “house of prayer”?
The temple was huge—almost as big as 35 football fields put together!
Jesus Teaches in the Temple
Matthew 22:34-40
Jesus as the Wise Teacher
Jesus teaches us to love God and others with all we’ve got.
On Tuesday, Jesus was back at the temple, teaching big crowds. Some smart leaders tried to
trick Him with tough questions, like “What’s the greatest rule?” Jesus smiled and said, “Love the
Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind. And love your neighbor as yourself.”
Everyone listened closely. Jesus made it simple: love God, love people. His words were like a
treasure map to living God’s way, and the people couldn’t stop thinking about it.
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” –
Matthew 22:37
– Jesus taught at the temple.
– He said to love God and others the most.
– His teaching was simple but powerful.
Loving God and others is the best way to live. Jesus shows us how to make every day special
by putting love first.
1. Heart Craft: Draw a big heart and write ways to love God and people inside it.
2. Love Chain: Make a paper chain with “love” actions (like “hug” or “help”) on each link.
3. Treasure Hunt: Hide a “love note” for kids to find with a kind message.
1. What’s one way you can love God today?
2. Who’s someone you can show love to?
3. Why do you think Jesus said love is the greatest?
People walked miles to hear Jesus teach—some even brought their kids along!
A Quiet Day
Luke 22:1-6 (Context for the Week)
Jesus as the Planner
Jesus prepares for what’s ahead, trusting God even when it’s hard.
Wednesday was quieter. Jesus stayed with His friends in a little town called Bethany. He knew
tough days were coming—He’d soon give His life for us. While He rested, some leaders were
making bad plans to stop Him. Judas, one of His own disciples, even agreed to betray Him for
money. But Jesus didn’t panic. He spent time praying and getting ready, trusting God’s big plan
to save the world.
“Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” – Luke
22:42 (from later in the week, but fits here)
– Jesus rested in Bethany with friends.
– Bad plans were being made against Him.
– Jesus trusted God anyway
Even when things get hard, Jesus shows us how to trust God. He didn’t give up, and neither
should we!
1. Trust Fall: Gently lean back into a friend’s arms (safely!).
2. Prayer Rock: Paint a rock and use it to remember to pray.
3. Quiet Time: Sit still and think of something you can trust God with.
1. Why do you think Jesus took time to rest?
2. What’s something hard you can trust God with?
3. How does Jesus help us when we’re worried?
Bethany was a cozy village just two miles from Jerusalem—perfect for a quiet break!
The Last Supper
Luke 22:14-20
Jesus as the Loving Friend
Jesus gives us a way to remember His love forever.
On Thursday night, Jesus ate a special meal with His disciples. He took bread, broke it, and
said, “This is my body, given for you. Do this to remember me.” Then He took a cup of wine and
said, “This is my blood, poured out for you.” The disciples didn’t fully understand, but Jesus was
showing them He’d soon die to save them—and us! He also washed their feet, showing love
until the end. It was a night full of friendship and promises.
“Do this in remembrance of me.” – Luke 22:19
– Jesus shared bread and wine with His friends.
– He said it was about His love for us.
– He washed their feet to show care.
Jesus gave us a way to remember He’s always with us. Every time we share bread and juice at
church, it’s like a hug from Him!
1. Bread Breaking: Share a piece of bread and say something you’re thankful for.
2. Foot Washing Play: Use a damp cloth to “wash” a doll’s feet.
3. Memory Cup: Decorate a paper cup to remind you of Jesus’ love.
1. Why do you think Jesus shared a meal?
2. How does it feel to know Jesus loves you?
3. What’s a way you can remember Jesus?
In Jesus’ time, washing feet was a job for servants—He did it to show big love!
The Cross
Luke 23:33-46
Jesus as the Savior
Jesus gave His life to take away our sins and bring us to God.
Friday was a dark day. Soldiers nailed Jesus to a cross between two criminals. People mocked
Him, but Jesus prayed, “Father, forgive them.” Even though He hurt, He thought of us. Around
noon, the sky went dark, like the world was sad. After a few hours, Jesus said, “It is finished,”
and gave His life. He died so we could be forgiven and live with God forever. His love was
stronger than anything.
“Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” – Luke 23:46
– Jesus was put on a cross.
– He forgave people even then.
– He died to save us.
Jesus took our mistakes on the cross so we could be close to God. His love is the biggest gift
ever!
1. Cross Craft: Make a cross with sticks or paper and hang it up.
2. Forgiveness Game: Toss a ball and say “I forgive you” to a friend.
3. Dark to Light: Turn off lights, then turn them on to show hope.
1. Why do you think Jesus forgave the people?
2. How does Jesus’ love make you feel?
3. What’s a mistake you’re glad Jesus forgives?
The cross was super heavy—over 100 pounds—and Jesus carried it for us!
The Silent Tomb
Matthew 27:57-61
Jesus as the Resting Hope
Even in quiet times, God is working for good.
Saturday was silent. Jesus’ body was wrapped in cloth and laid in a tomb, a cave with a big
stone rolled in front. His friends were sad and confused, hiding away. Guards watched the tomb
to make sure nothing happened. It seemed like everything was over. But God was already
planning something amazing. Even though it was quiet, hope was growing—just like a seed
under the ground before it sprouts.
“He was placed in a tomb cut out of the rock, and a stone was rolled against the entrance.” –
Matthew 27:60 (paraphrased)
– Jesus was put in a tomb.
– His friends were sad and waited.
– God was getting ready for a surprise.
Sometimes things feel quiet or sad, but God is still working. Jesus’ story wasn’t over—and ours
isn’t either!
1. Tomb Craft: Make a cave with a paper plate and a “stone” to roll away.
2. Seed Planting: Plant a seed and watch it grow over time.
3. Waiting Game: Hide a treat and wait a minute before finding it.
1. How do you think Jesus’ friends felt that day?
2. What’s something you’re waiting for?
3. How can we trust God when it’s quiet?
Tombs were carved out of rock and could fit a whole family—Jesus got one all to Himself!
The Empty Tomb
Luke 24:1-12
Jesus as the Risen Savior
Jesus came back to life to show God’s love and give us hope forever.
Early Sunday morning, when the sky was turning pink, some women went to Jesus’ tomb. They
brought spices to care for His body, but the big stone was rolled away! They looked
inside—Jesus was gone! Two bright angels appeared and said, “He is not here; He has risen!”
The women ran to tell the disciples, their hearts racing with joy. Jesus was alive! It was the
happiest surprise ever, and it meant God’s love won.
“He is not here; he has risen, just as he said.” – Luke 24:6
– The tomb was empty on Easter morning.
– Angels said Jesus was alive.
– Everyone was so happy!
Jesus rising means He’s stronger than death. He gives us hope and a forever friend in God!
1. Empty Tomb Craft: Use a paper plate as a tomb and roll a paper stone away.
2. Celebration Dance: Dance to a fun song about Jesus being alive.
3. Surprise Hunt: Hide an empty box—when kids open it, shout “He’s risen!”
1. How would you feel seeing an empty tomb?
2. What’s the best part of Jesus being alive?
3. How can we celebrate Easter every day?
The stone was so big it took several strong people to move it—but God did it easy!
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