Week 45 · about 45 minutes
Branches on the Road
Matthew 21:1–11 · Memory verse Matthew 21:9
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Queues the lesson plan, this story’s coloring page (Hosanna Branches), the matching word search and answer key (Hosanna on the Road), the memory-verse tracer, and a parent slip.
Five-minute object lesson
Prop: green paper branches
Hold up green paper branches. In about five minutes, tell the class this: Jesus rides a donkey into Jerusalem while children and crowds shout hosanna. Show the prop and ask, “What does this have to do with Branches on the Road?” Let two children answer. Then read Matthew 21:9 together: “The multitudes who went in front of him, and those who followed, kept shouting, “Hosanna to the son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!”” Close by asking one child to say the lesson back in their own words, using the prop.
Story script
Jesus sent two disciples to find a donkey and her colt. A prophet had said the king would come gentle, riding on a donkey. They spread cloaks on the animal, and Jesus sat on them. It was a king’s parade without war horses.
Crowds spread cloaks and branches on the road. They shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” Hosanna is a shout that means “save us now.” Children joined the joy. In the temple, when religious leaders were angry about the children’s praise, Jesus defended it.
The same city would see sorrow later in the week. Jesus still rode in, knowing the cross was ahead and choosing the path of peace. He is the king who saves by giving himself, not by crushing people.
You can praise with the children. Hosanna is a good word for ordinary Tuesdays too: save us now, Jesus. Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.
Group game
Lay coats (jackets or paper) on the path. Wave branches and shout hosanna as a child rides a broomstick donkey slowly down the aisle.
Craft
Cut palm leaves and write hosanna on each one.
Memory verse
Matthew 21:9
“The multitudes who went in front of him, and those who followed, kept shouting, “Hosanna to the son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!””
Take-home prayer
Hosanna, Jesus. Blessed are you who come in the Lord’s name. Save us, and teach us to welcome you with joy. Amen.