Palm Sunday - Jesus is King! Pre-K - 2 Lesson

Kids' Corner Pre-K - 2 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 learn that Jesus is King forever! Everyday we will honor and praise Jesus because He is the King.

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 aloud the entire passage. Focus on verses 38-40, “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.””

Explain:

Jesus is King forever. So we will always:
- Honor Him
- Praise Him

Ask:

Why did they throw their coats on the ground? (They threw their coats on the ground to show Jesus respect.)
How do we honor God and show Him respect? (We show the Lord honor every time we obey what He says, when we are kind to others, when we care for His house (church) and help clean etc.)
How can you honor/obey God? (following directions from our parents, teachers - obeying, being thankful for our toys, food, family, etc)

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? (I was sick and Jesus made me feel better, I lost my toy and after praying I found it, etc)

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. Will we honor Him and praise Him always? Yes? Let's start right now!

Transition: Line kids up. Say: “The stones won’t cry out… we will praise you!” Give opportunity for each child to share a praise to God for what He has done for us.

Activity

Craft: “I Will Praise Jesus!” Mega Phone Construction Paper Craft

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

Explain: Kids will understand that the stones won’t need to shout because they will use their voices to praise Jesus.

Game 1: Jesus and Disciples

Objective: This is a Simon Says-style game where players say “Jesus says”

Rules: Players only follow commands that start with "Jesus says." If “Jesus” gives a command without saying "Jesus says" first, players must stay still. Anyone who moves when they shouldn't is out.

Game 2: Protect the King

Objective: Fast moving game where the guard protects the king from getting hit with soft balls.

Rules:

"Ready, Aim..." - Children stand in a circle, the king and guard are in the middle. The children in the circle will aim to throw a soft ball at the king while the guard attempts to block the king from getting hit. (If this is too easy for your group, you can add an extra ball.)
"Save the King!" - The Guard uses their hands, feet, or body to block the balls.
For younger kids who may have a hard time keeping the circle, you can have them play sitting while the king and guard stand.

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, for 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: