CHILDREN – Palm Sunday B

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Today is a special day – the first special day of a very special week. We call this Holy Week.

Holy Week is both sad and happy. At Christmas we celebrate the day that Jesus was born, but during Holy Week we celebrate the days leading up to Jesus’ death – and then on Easter, his “resurrection” or return from the dead.

The story of Jesus’ death is a hard one to hear – but it’s important to remember that the very reason that Jesus was sent to Earth was to die. It was all part of God’s plan. Jesus died for us – and for the forgiveness of our sins.

Today is Palm Sunday – which is the day we hear the story of Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem.

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SOURCE: Sermon Writer

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How many of you have been to a ranch? Have you been to a rodeo? (Allow the children to respond.) A person who grows up on a ranch knows that young horses have to be carefully taught to allow a rider to saddle it, put a bridle in its mouth and climb up on its back. You can’t just walk out and get a young colt to stand still, saddle it up and then climb up on its back and ride away. That horse would buck you off! And a young donkey or mule is even more stubborn. Without training, a young donkey won’t even move. He’ll stiffen his legs and flatten his ears. He’s showing you that he will not be obedient.

But, look what happened in the Holy Bible: Jesus and his followers were walking toward Jerusalem. When they got near the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples into the village to find a young donkey that no one had ridden. Jesus said, “Untie him and bring him.” (vs. 2) Jesus went on to tell the disciples if anyone questioned what they were doing that they were to say, “The Lord needs him.” (vs. 2)

Now, remember what happens when someone tries to ride an unbroken horse? (Allow the children to respond.) That’s right. That horse will begin to buck and throw the rider off onto the ground.And what about a donkey or mule; how will they react if they have never been ridden before? (Wait for children to answer.) Yes, they will stiffen their legs, and refuse to move.

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