📖

Jesus Rides a Donkey

Palm Sunday Parade

Day 136of 180
Week 28of 36
15Minutes
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Learning Objectives

1

Understand that Jesus is a special king who came to love people

2

Recognize the story of Jesus entering Jerusalem

3

Experience joy in learning about Jesus' special day

Matthew 21:1-7

When they drew near to Jerusalem and came to Bethphage, to the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, 'Go into the village that is opposite you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Untie them and bring them to me.'

Matthew 21:1-7 (WEB)

Shows Jesus' careful planning and divine purpose

📦 Materials Needed

  • Toy donkey or donkey picture
  • Palm branches (or green paper leaves)
  • BibleMouse Resource Guide: Grade PK4 Bible
  • World English Bible

Lesson Plan

1Opening (3 min)

Welcome to today's BibleMouse adventure! Last time we talked about giving special gifts to Jesus. Today, we'll learn about a super exciting day when Jesus came to Jerusalem!

💭 Review Question: Can you remember what special gifts the wise men brought to baby Jesus?
2Teaching (5 min)

Jesus was coming to a city called Jerusalem. He didn't ride a big horse like other kings. Instead, He chose a small, gentle donkey!

📌 Key Talking Points:
  • Jesus is a special king who loves people
  • He chose a humble donkey to ride
  • People were very excited to see Him
💬 Discussion Questions:
  • What do you think it was like to see Jesus?
  • How do you think the donkey felt?
3Activity: Donkey Parade (6 min)
storytelling

Children will act out the Palm Sunday story using a toy donkey and pretend palm branches

📝 Instructions:
  1. Choose a child to be Jesus
  2. Give other children palm branches
  3. Walk around the room, waving branches and saying 'Hosanna!'
  4. Let each child take a turn riding the 'donkey'
🔄 Variations:

Simpler: Just wave branches and walk

Challenge: Add simple dialogue about Jesus being king

4Closing (3 min)

Jesus came to show God's love in a special way. He wasn't like other kings - He was kind and loved everyone!

📝 Review Questions:
  • What animal did Jesus ride?
  • Were people happy to see Jesus?
🙏 Prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank You for loving us so much. Help us love others like You do.

Coming up: Tomorrow we'll learn about the special coats people put on the ground for Jesus!

John 3:16

For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son.

John 3:16 (WEB)

🎯 Activity: Hug-and-Say: Each time child says a word, give them a gentle hug

Teaching Notes

📚 Background:

Palm Sunday marks Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, one week before His crucifixion

💡 Teaching Tips:
  • Use gentle, enthusiastic tone
  • Encourage child's imagination
  • Be prepared for lots of movement!
🤔 Common Struggles:

Sitting still during storytelling, understanding complex biblical concepts

👀 Signs of Understanding:

Excitement about the story, attempts to participate

Extension Activities

  • Color a Palm Sunday scene from BibleMouse Printables Library
  • Sing 'Hosanna' from BibleMouse Song Collection

Ready for Tomorrow?

Great job completing today's lesson!

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