Hosanna! As we begin Holy Week with the celebration of Palm Sunday, kids might be curious about what it all means. Why the green branches? What's up with the donkey? In this children's message, children will be invited to consider the importance of end goals. Jesus had different plans and purposes than what people expected of Him, but His purpose came from God, and worked for our salvation! Palm Sunday is a time to rejoice in what He ultimately came to do.

https://ministry-to-children.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Childrens-message-Mark-11-Palm-Sunday.pdf

https://ministry-to-children.com/palm-sunday-mark-11-childrens-sermon

Law/Gospel Theme: Easter (and Holy Week leading up to it) gives us a beautiful look at the good news of Jesus. He did not come to be served or to rescue people from government; He came to serve, suffer, and give His life for our sins. Jesus came to Jerusalem not for glory, but to fulfill God’s plan and purpose. We give thanks that He was aiming for a “tough target” and hit the bullseye.

Optional Materials: A target or picture of a target, large and small versions of “pin the tail on the donkey” game, a blindfold, a cross; optional add-ons: palm branches, crown.

Bible Passage: Mark 11:1-11 (also found in John 12:12-16; Matthew 21:1-11; Luke 19:28-40)

Prayer:
(Have kids repeat each line)
Dear God,
Thank you for your marvelous plans
Thank you for sending Jesus and giving Him important purpose
Help us to trust you and remind us you are near
Thank you for forgiveness
Thank you for your love
We love you, God!
In Jesus’s name, Amen!

Bible Verses/story to Reference: Mark 11:1-11
Now when they drew near to Jerusalem, to Bethphage and Bethany, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus[a] sent two of his disciples 2 and said to them, “Go into the village in front of you, and immediately as you enter it you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever sat. Untie it and bring it. 3 If anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ say, ‘The Lord has need of it and will send it back here immediately.’” 4 And they went away and found a colt tied at a door outside in the street, and they untied it. 5 And some of those standing there said to them, “What are you doing, untying the colt?” 6 And they told them what Jesus had said, and they let them go. 7 And they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it, and he sat on it. 8 And many spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut from the fields. 9 And those who went before and those who followed were shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! 10 Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David! Hosanna in the highest!” 11 And he entered Jerusalem and went into the temple. And when he had looked around at everything, as it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the twelve.

–Mark 11:1-11 ESV