Family Devotional for Palm Sunday: The Unexpected King (John 12:12–19)
Read John 12:12–19
You could also read "The Servant King" from The Jesus Storybook Bible (pages 286–293), or
"Story 40: Jesus Rides Into Jerusalem" from The Beginner's Gospel Story Bible (pages 236–241).
Sojourn Kids Video
Sojourn Students Video
Devotional
Today, we're reading about how Jesus rode into Jerusalem. This event is often referred to as the triumphal entry. Jesus came to Jerusalem in order to establish his kingdom. Most of his earthly followers believed that the kingdom would be an earthly kingdom, one with power and riches that would be won through war and conquest. Jesus, however, had bigger plans than that! In fact, Jesus made a statement about their expectations. When Jesus returned to Jerusalem, he did not ride on a horse, like a general or king who is ready for battle. Instead, he rode on a donkey! Why would he do that? Jesus's friends and followers expected a royal parade! Instead, Jesus chose a symbol of peace and humility. Jesus came to establish a kingdom of peace—a heavenly kingdom, an eternal kingdom.
As Jesus entered the city, crowds of people began to cheer and sing for him. They chanted: "Hosanna! Jesus is our king!" They welcomed him like royalty. The Pharisees in the crowd did not agree. In fact, the Pharisees were bold enough to demand that Jesus rebuke the crowd. But Jesus didn’t rebuke the crowds. Instead, he told the Pharisees, "If they are quiet, the rocks will cry out!" Jesus is our king! He's the best kind of king! He's the only king who offers eternal peace. Have you accepted Jesus as your king?
Think about it!
Use some questions to review the story with your family.
These questions are built just for STUDENTS.
What expectations do we place on Christ today? Do we think of him as a cosmic genie who will grant our every desire, or do we see him as the king who is worthy of our worship?
As Jesus entered the city, the crowd praised him. What are some ways you can praise Jesus in your everyday life?
How is Jesus perceived by our society today? Is the view most hold the same as what Jesus presented in Scripture?
Remember It!
Take a few minutes to review our catechism question, memory passage. You can sing the memory passage song and dance along to the second worship song about new life in Jesus.
Memory Passage:The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." Lamentations 3:22–23
Big Picture/Catechism Question:
Does God keep his promises? Yes! God is faithful even when we are not.
Review and Pray!
Here are some great ideas to review this lesson in your own family.
These activities are built just for KIDS.
Act out the story. Head outside and cut some fresh flowers. Then lay them and blankets down on the ground and shout, "Hosanna!"
Cut some rocks out of brown and gray construction paper. Then, write some things you can praise Jesus for and tape them to a window or refrigerator so that you see these praises all week!
At the end of your devotional, take time to pray. Pray that we will have hearts that love and worship Christ every day!