For Kids · 4 min with a grown-up
Jesus rides into the big city like a king — but a different kind of king than anyone expected.
Today's Story
It was almost time for the special Passover celebration, and Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, the big city. But He didn't come marching in on a war-horse like a mighty general. Instead, Jesus asked His disciples to bring Him a young donkey, and He rode in gently — just as God's prophets had promised long ago that the true King would come.
As Jesus rode in, huge crowds gathered. They were so excited! People pulled off their coats and laid them on the road like a royal carpet. Others cut palm branches and waved them, or spread them on the ground.
And everyone shouted for joy: “Hosanna! Blessed is the One who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” “Hosanna” means “Save us, please!” They were welcoming Jesus as their King and Rescuer.
The whole city was stirred up. “Who is this?” people asked. “It's Jesus!” the crowds answered. Jesus came as a humble, gentle King — riding on a donkey, full of peace and love.
A Big Word
Memory Verse
Talk About It
- Jesus came as a King, but on a humble donkey instead of a war-horse. What does that tell us about what kind of King Jesus is?
- The crowds waved palm branches and shouted “Hosanna!” How can we celebrate and praise Jesus today?
- “Hosanna” means “Save us, please!” Why do we need Jesus to be our Rescuer-King?