YEA Lesson Library
A Royal Ride
About This Lesson
This lesson teaches about Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem before His crucifixion and encourages the student to honor God.
Scriptures
Zechariah 9:9
Matthew 21:5
Mark 11:1-11
Luke 19:29-38
Luke 19:38
Luke 23:2-3
John 12:14-15
Romans 2:13-14
1 Timothy 1:17
1 Timothy 6:9-15
Revelation 17:14
Words to Know
LONDON - capital city of England
CARRIAGE - four-wheeled, horse-drawn vehicle
HONOR - to show respect
ROYAL - kingly
The Lesson
Patty and Bobby sat glued to the TV. They weren’t watching cartoons. They weren’t watching an adventure story. They were watching the History Channel! There was a parade on the streets of London. Hundreds of horses rode side by side. The horses were very beautiful. They had shiny black saddles with silver trim. The riders wore bright red uniforms. They sat proudly atop their horses. It was an awesome sight!
Bobby said, “I wish I could ride a horse like that.” He had been on pony rides at the fair. He had even been on Grandpa’s big horse at the farm. But, he had never seen anything like these horses. He thought he would look good in a bright red uniform.
Patty liked the fancy carriage in the parade. It was pulled by beautiful white horses. The carriage was decorated with silver and gold. The driver wore a red uniform and hat. And, inside the carriage was the Queen! A real queen, not just a fairy tale queen. It would be so much fun to ride in such a carriage! But, this parade was to honor the Royal Family.
Our lesson today is about another parade. It was also to honor someone in a royal family. This parade was to honor God’s Son, Jesus. There were no fancy uniforms. There were no beautiful horses or shiny saddles.
Jesus and His disciples were almost to Jerusalem. He knew that soon He would be put to death. Jesus is God’s only Son. He was with God when He made everything. All the world and everything in it belongs to Him. Why would anyone want to kill Him? He never did anything bad. Jesus did not deserve to die. He came to pay for the bad things everyone does. He came to die for our sins.
Jesus sent two disciples into a small town. He said they would find a young donkey tied up. They were to bring the donkey to Jesus. They were to say the Lord needed the donkey if anyone asked. Why would God’s Son need a young donkey?
The disciples did what Jesus told them. They brought Him the donkey. They put their coats on the donkey’s back for a saddle. Jesus rode on the little donkey to Jerusalem. He was the King of all kings. He rode a donkey to show that He came to bring peace.
People lined up along the road to watch. It was like waiting for a parade. They saw Jesus coming. They knew who He was. They knew He was God’s Son. He deserved to ride in a fancy carriage. He deserved the best horse with the shiniest saddle. But, He rode a little donkey!
Some people waved branches as Jesus passed by. Others put branches in the road for the donkey to walk on. Some people even laid their coats in the road. They shouted, “Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!”
Soon everyone in Jerusalem knew who Jesus was. Many believed in Him and honored Him. Jesus deserves our honor. What can you do to show Him that you honor Him?
Student Prayer
Heavenly Father, I want to honor you and your Son, Jesus. You are more important than any other king. Help me to obey your commands and live pleasing to you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Daily Devotions
Sunday: Luke 23:2-3
Monday: Matthew 21:5
Tuesday: 1 Timothy 1:17
Wednesday: Romans 2:13-14
Thursday: Zechariah 9:9
Friday: John 12:14-15
Saturday: Revelation 17:14
Objectives
At the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
1. Identify the kind of animal Jesus rode into Jerusalem.
2. Give three facts they learned about Jesus.
3. Tell why Jesus came to earth.
4. Name some ways that they can honor Jesus.
5. Recite their memory verse.
Topics & Themes
Creator
Disciples
Donkey
Honor God
Honor Your Father and
Mother
Honoring Others
Hosanna
Jerusalem
Jesus, Death of
Jesus, God the Son
Jesus, Savior
Jesus - Without Sin
King of kings
Peace
Triumphal Entry
Materials Needed
Bible, YEA Students’ and Teacher’s books, hole punch, markers, cardboard or card stock, geometric shapes listed in Activity, scissors, narrow ribbon, colored construction paper, songbook, CD or tape, music player, memory verse and attendance charts, stars or stickers, blackboard & chalk or newsprint pad
Preparation
Since the theme of this book is “Wonderful Words of Life,” begin each lesson by explaining the meaning of the “Words to Know.” Use a blackboard or newsprint pad to write the words and a short definition. Then use the word in a simple sentence to help cement the meaning in their minds. Each lesson in this unit contains a key word. This word should be emphasized, as it plays an important role in understanding the lesson. Today’s key word is honor.
One of the great characteristics of primaries is their imagination. Many of them have imaginary friends and playmates. Some children have imaginary pets. Capitalize on this wonderful characteristic when teaching this age group. Have them imagine that they are Jesus’ disciples. As you ask the questions, refer to the children as disciples. Having them close their eyes as you describe the setting for today’s lesson may help them picture the scene.
Before you come to class, cut out six geometric shapes (circle, oval, square, triangle, diamond, octagon) out of cardboard or card stock to be used as patterns. You will also need enough 24" lengths of narrow ribbon for each child to have one.
How to Teach This Lesson
Honor - We are instructed in scripture to show honor to many people. We are to honor God forever, in 1 Timothy 1:17. John tells us to honor Christ in the same manner that we honor the Father, in John 5:23. Children are commanded to honor their parents, in Ephesians 6:2, and are rewarded if they do. Timothy shows us our responsibility for honoring the aged and widows. But, what are some practical ways that we can show honor to those who are worthy of honor.
Honor defined - The word “honor” means: something done or given to show respect. In other words, we can demonstrate honor by things we do or what we say.
Walking with Jesus - Begin by telling the children to close their eyes and imagine that they are one of Jesus’ disciples. They were walking with Jesus along the dusty road on their way to Jerusalem. Ask: How did they (the disciples) show honor to Jesus when He told them to go get the donkey? How did the people along the road honor Jesus? Do you remember what the people said that showed honor for Jesus?
Love makes it easier to honor - Explain that when you love someone, like God, Jesus or your parents, it is not hard to honor them. You want to please them. You want to make them happy. Ask: Can you think of some ways that you can honor your mom and dad? You may have to “prime the pump” by suggesting that they could help Mom set the table, or they can tell Dad how much they love him. Allow the children to come up with as many ideas as they can on their own.
How we honor God - Now ask: Is there anything you can do to honor God? This may take a little more thought on the part of the children. Have them close their eyes once again. This time they should imagine that they are sitting in a room with their Heavenly Father – the creator of the whole world. Ask: How would you feel? Would you be afraid? Would you be ashamed of some of the things you have done? Suggest that obeying God’s commands will show Him that you love Him and honor Him. Other answers might include: attending Sabbath services, reading the Bible, memorizing verses and telling others about Him.
Honoring people - Tell the children that there are many other people whom we should honor or respect. Ask: Can you think of someone in our church that you should honor? Whose job is it to protect us – do they deserve honor? (Police or firemen) Who has the most important job in our country? Do you think we should honor him? List these people on your black- board or newsprint pad. Once again, emphasize that they can honor people by what they do as well as what they say.
Review Questions
1. When Jesus came into Jerusalem, what was He riding?
2. Can you think of three things about Jesus that make Him extra special?
3. Why did Jesus come to this earth?
4. What does it mean to honor someone?
5. How did the people show honor to Jesus?
6. What can you do to honor Jesus?
Teacher-Directed Activity
Memory Verse Mobile
Give each child two different colored sheets of construction paper, and a piece of narrow ribbon 24" long. Cut the following patterns, circle, square, triangle, oval, octagon, diamond, out of card stock or cardboard for the children to trace around. Tell them to trace one of each shape on their paper, then cut them out (they can share the patterns). Each child should end up with six different shapes. Now have the children copy the memory verse onto their shapes, dividing them as indicated:
“Blessed is – the king – who comes – in the name – of the Lord” – Luke 19:38.
Using a hole punch, punch a hole in the top of each piece. Thread the ribbon through each piece in order, leaving a small space between each, and making a knot to hold it in place. This can be hung in the child’s room to remind them of who Jesus is and that they should honor Him.
REACH Activity
Special Materials: small box, plaster of Paris, tempera paint, paint brushes, clay, coffee can lids
1. Have kids create a model or diorama of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. Use a sturdy foundation to set up the pieces. Use clay if possible, to add dimension. Add details to the city with any materials you have available.
More Information: Diorama: To construct a diorama, find a medium-sized box. Mix some plaster of Paris to make the hills and valleys. Put twigs from trees or pieces of cedar (for trees and bushes) into the plaster while it is still wet. After the plaster dries (1-2 days, depending on how much plaster you used), paint your set with tempera paint. Remember to paint the caravan route. Make a paper tent, color the tent, and add it to the diorama. Make a tiny cistern by gluing pebbles together to make the well.
2. Children can draw a picture of themselves doing something that would honor Jesus.
3. Kids should begin to create a timeline of events. Start with Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem in YEA Lesson One. Continue to add to the timeline with each successive lesson.
4. Have students write a poem with the title, “Blessed is the King.” Then they can pick four to six things from the YEA lesson to help them remember why Jesus should be honored.
5. Let kids make a word search using words from the lesson, then give the word search to a friend to solve.
6. Children can write a song about the disciples following Jesus’ request to find a donkey. Use the tune, “Mary Had a Little Lamb.”
7. Let kids design a magnetic sign using the YEA lesson’s memory verse.
8. Ask: Have you ever attended a parade? What kind of feelings did you have when you were there? How would you have felt watching Jesus ride into Jerusalem?
9. Sing “Come Bless the Lord” on page 85 of Kids Classics Collection.
10. Let kids write an acrostic poem for A R-O-Y-A-L R-I-D-E using facts from the YEA lesson to tell about Jesus’ ride into Jerusalem.
11. Have children role play Jesus’ royal ride.
12. Hand print (adult supervision required): Mix some plaster of Paris. Spread it into a large lid (such as a coffee can lid). Let it set for one minute. Then kids can push their hand into the plaster of Paris to make their hand print. Set it aside to dry. Once it is dry, let them paint their hand one color and the surrounding plaster another color. When the paint is dry, they can use a permanent marker to write “I will honor God with my actions.”
13. Tell kids to write a newscast, pretending they are a newscaster telling about Jesus’ ride into Jerusalem. Ask: What would you say? How would you say it to sound like the evening news? Let them do the newscast for their family.
14. Draw: Divide a paper in half. On one side kids can draw Jesus riding the donkey into Jerusalem in peace, as a servant. On the other half, they should draw Jesus coming into Jerusalem on a horse with a sword. Have them write Luke 19:38 under the servant side, and write Revelation 19:11-16 on the other side.
15. Sing “Wonderful Words of Life” on page 43 of the CEM Hymnal.
16. Sing “O Worship the King” on page 19 of the CEM Hymnal.
17. Ask: From “A Royal Ride,” what wonderful words did you learn about honoring God? Children should write these words in their Bible notebooks.
Song
“Hallelu, Hallelu” is on page 77 of the Kids Classics Collection.
Closing Prayer
Ask one of the children if they would like to lead in prayer that will honor Jesus. Remind them that obeying is one of the best ways we can show our love and respect.
Printable Pages
