Palm Sunday - Jesus is King! 3-6 Lesson

Kids' Corner 3-6 Grade Children's Church / Sunday School Lesson

Title: Palm Sunday: Jesus is King!

Verse: Luke 19:28-41 (Read entire passage) “Jesus Comes to Jerusalem as King”

Luke 19:37-41, “…When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen: “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples!” “I tell you,” he replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.” As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it.”

Objective: Kids will leave today understanding that Jesus is King forever and that we have a responsibility to honor and praise Him every day of our lives.

Spark: “Screaming toes”

Directions:

Have the group form a circle.
When the leader says “look down,” all participants are to look at their toes.
When the leader says “look up,” all participants are to look up quickly looking at one, and only one, other person in the circle.
If that other person happens to be looking back at them making eye contact, both of the people making eye contact are to scream as loud as they can.
If a person does not make eye contact with anyone else, that person is to be silent.
The leader again says “look down,” and all participants are to look at their toes. When the leader says “look up” again, all participants are to quickly look up at a different person in the circle other than the one they just looked at. If that other person happens to be looking back at them making eye contact, both of the people making eye contact are to scream as loud as they can.
Repeat as many times as you’d like - the purpose is for the kids to know and show that they can shout and be loud.

Transition: Today we are talking about a time when people used their loud voices to praise the King.

Scripture: Open your Bible to Luke 19:28-41

Read: Read the passage aloud, specifically highlighting the moment Jesus enters Jerusalem on a colt and the crowd begins to "joyfully praise God in loud voices”, stones cry out (Luke 19:37-40)

Explain:

Kingship: Jesus isn't just a teacher; He is the King who deserves honor and praise forever.

The Stones: Explain verse 40—Jesus said if the people stayed quiet, the very stones would cry out because He deserves praise.

The Tears: Mention that Jesus wept because He knew some people would stop honoring Him.

Ask:

Why did people put their coats on the road? (To show Jesus the respect and honor given to a King.)
How do we show Jesus "honor" today besides just shouting? (Obeying parents, being kind, and taking care of His house (the church), helping others, etc.)
What has God done in your life lately that gives you a reason to be joyful and praise Him?

Explain: Not only were the crowd throwing their coats on the ground but joyfully in LOUD voices they were praising God for all the miracles they had seen. God tells us if they didn’t praise Him then stones would cry out because The King deserves His praise!

Ask: Do we have anything to be joyful about today and praise God for? (Healing you when you are sick or a time He protected you.)

Explain: God is King forever and that is why everyday He deserves to be honored and praised. Jesus wept at the end of this because He knew many would not continue to honor Him and praise Him. We can choose to be different by committing to honor and praise Him always. Let’s start now!

Activity

Craft: DIY Praise Journal: "The Stones Won’t Cry Out"

To see an example of this craft please go to Kids Corner Pinterest

How-to:

1. Prepare the Pages

Stack the white printer paper together.
Fold the stack in half to create a booklet.

2. Create the Cover

Fold the construction paper in half to wrap around the white pages.
Staple twice along the folded spine.

3. Design: Decorate and Personalize

- Have students glue paper circles colored to look like stones onto the front cover.
- Write the title: "My Praise Journal - The stones won’t need to praise…I will PRAISE THE LORD!" on the front.
- On the first page, have them write the verse: Luke 19:38
Journal Prompt: The crowd praised Jesus for the "miracles they had seen". Think back over the last month—what is one "small miracle" or answered prayer you’ve seen in your life or family?
- Encourage the kids to write down at least one praise in their journal each day this week.
- Reflect specifically on "the miracles they have seen" in their own lives, just like the disciples did in the Bible.
- Remind them that by recording these moments, they are choosing to honor and praise the King every day so that the stones don't have to.

Live

Ask: How will you honor and praise the King each day? (Joyfully thank Him for all that He has done for us. Praise Him.)

Say: “Everyday WE will Honor and Praise The King!”

Prayer Focus: Thank the Lord for going to the cross and dying for our sins, for giving us our voices – that we may use them to praise Him. Thank Him that the stones won’t have to cry out because we will praise Him!

Materials / Supplies Needed:

Craft: