Week 45 · New Testament · about 3 minutes · 167 words
🌿 Branches on the Road
Jesus rides a donkey into Jerusalem while children and crowds shout hosanna.
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.
“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!””
Matthew 21:9 · Matthew 21:1–11
Say it
Practice Matthew 21:9
Tap the words in order. The blanks follow the verse from left to right.
Thewhowentinfrontofhim,andthosewhofollowed,keptshouting,“HosannatothesonofDavid!BlessedishewhocomesinthenameoftheHosannainthe
Talk about it
- Why a donkey instead of a war horse?
- What does hosanna mean?
- How can you praise Jesus this week?
Prayer
Hosanna, Jesus. Blessed are you who come in the Lord’s name. Save us, and teach us to welcome you with joy. Amen.
Parent tip
Wave a scarf or a paper branch once, then settle so the praise does not turn into a second wind at bedtime.
Week 45 · the whole night
🌿 Branches on the Road
Story, coloring page, word search, and the verse to trace.