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Jesus Is King

LESSONOVERVIEW

blessings

© 2012 David C. Cook. TruResources™ are developed in partnership with ROCKHARBOR Church and a national network of family and children’s ministry leaders.

Explore::15–20 min.

Discover:: 10–15 min.

Respond:: 5 minutes

Bless::5 minutes

Connect::15–30 minutes

he people of Israel were crying out for a king. As Jesus rode into Jerusalem the people celebrated while they shouted, “Hosanna, Hosanna!” This cry was a cry for salvation. It

was a plea to be rescued. Jesus rode into the city as a King who was coming to rescue His people. He came not as a political savior, but as the One who redeems us from our sin.

Palm Sunday: Triumphal EntryMatthew 21:1–11; Mark 11:1–11; Luke 19:28–38

Ponder Point:

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Inspire

Recently my daughter and my four-year-old granddaughter were driving through the Texas hill country when my granddaughter yelled out, “Mom, Mom, look! It’s a reindeer … No, no, not a reindeer, ummmm … It’s that thing, that thing that Jesus rode on and everyone laid their coats down!” My daughter replied, “You mean a donkey?” My granddaughter then said, “Yes, yes, a donkey.”

As Jesus entered Jerusalem on a donkey, the people shouted “Hosanna,” which means “save now.” They wanted Jesus to save them politically, economically, and militarily. It’s no wonder that as the week progressed and they realized what kind of a king Jesus came to be, they turned against Him.

I must admit that there are times when I am not so different from the people of Jesus’ day. When things don’t go the way I feel they should, I’m disappointed in my King and there’s a tendency in my heart to call it quits. The definition of a king is “a male ruler of a kingdom.” The truth is, at times I want Jesus to be the ruler of my kingdom! I want Him to follow my agenda and make things happen in my life the way I want.

When the Jewish people realized that the agenda Jesus had was not political, national, or material, but was instead eternal, their cry changed from “Hosanna” to “Crucify Him.” I may not be yelling, “Crucify Him,” but do I make time for my King each day? Do I pray for His kingdom to come, for His will to be done? I am often uncomfortable relinquishing the control of my life to Jesus. I lose perspective and forget that my king is King Jesus. He loves me and will work all things together for good.

Jesus Christ came to die for my sins. If His salvation were a solitary act, it would be more than enough to merit my loyalty, affection, and devotion for all eternity. If He never does another thing for me, if He never gives another blessing to me, He has already done enough for me to recognize and honor Him as my King!

Debbie GuinnTruBlessings Team

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Equip

Jesus is King. This phrase seems to shout from the pages of the gospels. The triumphal entry is recorded in all four of the gospels—its presence punctuates the significance of the event. Matthew 21:10–11 tells us, “The whole city was stirred and asked, ‘Who is this?’” The Greek word translated “moved” is seio, from which we get our word “seismic.” In other words, Matthew writes that the whole city was “quaking” when Jesus made His entry. The population of the city of Jerusalem would most likely have been three times its normal size due to the visitors who had come to celebrate Passover. In addition, there were 10 times the usual number of Roman soldiers to guard against any potential uprising from the Zealots. So, it was with soldiers watching, people bustling, and the city almost bursting at the seams that Jesus made His way toward Jerusalem.

The gospel of Mark tells us that as Jesus entered, “Many in the crowd spread their garments on the road ahead of him, and others spread leafy branches they had cut in the fields. Jesus was in the center of the procession, and the people all around him were shouting, ‘Praise God! Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessings on the coming Kingdom of our ancestor David! Praise God in highest heaven!’” (Mark 11:8–10 NLT). The Jewish people had hope that Jesus would be the one to overthrow the foreign rule of Rome, but Jesus was coming with an entirely different kingdom in mind.

“But as he came closer to Jerusalem and saw the city ahead, he began to weep. ‘How I wish today that you of all people would understand the way to peace. But now it is too late, and peace is hidden from your eyes. Before long your enemies will build ramparts against your walls and encircle you and close in on you from every side. They will crush you into the ground, and your children with you. Your enemies will not leave a single stone in place, because you did not accept your opportunity for salvation’” (Luke 19:41–44 NLT). As the crowds rejoiced, our King wept. His heart was broken by what He saw! As Jesus rode into the city, the crowds didn’t understand what this King had come to do.

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Support

Truly, there is no one like Jesus, for no one else would weep compassionately for people He knew would not only reject Him, but crucify Him. He displays that same compassionate love for us.

This week, take time to consider the conscious or unconscious decisions you make in regard to Jesus being your King. Are there areas of your life where you set limits or hold back from relinquishing your will to His will? Even if it feels a bit uncomfortable, talk with Jesus about the difficulties you experience in this area. Openly share with Him your feelings and listen for what He may have to say.

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Lesson OverviewExperience Time Summary Supplies/Prepare

Explore::Small Group

15–20 min.

Exploration stations create space for children to engage in hands-on activities as they begin their time of worship.

Option 1: Where Are the Jewels?• 15-qt. clear plastic bin • 5-lb. bag of rice• jumbo self-adhesive jewels (available at

www.orientaltrading.com)

Option 2: I Can Match!• matching crown game template (see Resource

Folder)• white card stock • scissors• resealable bag

Discover::Large Group

10–15 min.

Facilitate interactive games, songs, and storytelling, allowing children to participate in discovering God’s Word.

Welcome • Bible• Opening Theme Song• Hamilton puppet• Hamilton’s log• crown for Hamilton

The Big God Story• Bible

Respond::Large Group

5 min. Create space for children to celebrate God together in worship through music.

Song of Celebration• “The People Shout, Hosannah!” from Jana Alayra’s

Jump into The Light

Bless::Small Group

5 min. Bless the children that they may experience God fully.

• Bible (for the blessing)• snack

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Lesson Overview

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Experience Time Summary Supplies/Prepare

Connect::Small Group

15–30 min.

Games, songs, manipulatives, sensory and art activities are used to help children reinforce what they experienced in large group.

Option 1: Jesus Is King• Decorate Your Own Crowns (available at

www.discountschoolsupply.com) or crown template (see Resource Folder)

• markers• self-adhesive jewels (from Explore)

Option 2: Where Is the Crown?• decorated crown (from Connect) or a plastic crown

(available at www.orientaltrading.com or a party store)

Option 3: Pass the Crown• decorated crown (from Connect) or a plastic crown

(available at www.orientaltrading.com or a party store)

• Story Spots• music

Hamilton’s Box of Fun*• box or basket to hold objects• musical instruments (mini orchestra can be found at

www.gymboree.com)• small balls (not bouncy balls or other small objects

children could choke on; consider Feel & Roll Bumpy Balls from www.lakeshorelearning.com)

• silk scarves or other items for dress-up• wooden blocks• chunky cars and/or trucks• Jesus Is King coloring page (see Resource Folder)

*Hamilton’s Box of Fun is a permanent option for Connect

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Option 1: Where Are the Jewels? 2’sSuppLieS• 15-qt. clear plastic bin • 5-lb. bag of rice• jumbo self-adhesive jewels (available at www.orientaltrading.com)

pRepAReFill the plastic bin with rice and jewels. Mix the jewels with the rice so they are well hidden.

Set upPlace the bin on the table or floor. Make sure children are able to see and reach inside.

enGAGeInvite the children to the Explore Station. Friends, who wears a crown? Allow children to respond; interact with their answers. Sometimes there are jewels on crowns. inside this box there are jewels hidden in the rice. Let’s go on a treasure hunt together and find the jewels. When the children find the jewels, set them aside to be used in a later activity.

Option 2: I Can Match! 3’sSuppLieS• matching crown game template (see Resource Folder)• white card stock • scissors• resealable bag

pRepARePrint and cut the cards out of card stock. Place in a resealable bag and set aside.

Set upPlace the cards on the table faceup.

enGAGeInvite children to the Explore Station. Who wears a crown? Allow children to respond. that’s right—a king, queen, prince, or princess. Who is our King? Jesus is our King. What do you see on the table? that’s right. there are pictures of crowns on the table. Can you find all of the crowns that match?

Children move into a large group setting and participate in discovering God’s Word through storytelling, worship, and interactive experiences.

Transition Song: Choose a fun song to cue children to find their Story Spots.

Explore:: 15–20 min.

Exploration stations create space for children to engage in hands-on activities as they begin their time of worship.

Host and Small Group Leaders

eXpLORe | DISCOVER | RESPOND | BLESS | CONNECT

Small GroupS E C T I O N

STORy SPOTS“Story Spot” refers to an item used to mark the place where each child sits. Consider using carpet squares, small circle-shaped rugs, or large, sturdy place mats. When children hear the transition song, cue them to choose a Story Spot, place it in the large group gathering space, and sit down. At the close of your time together in The Big God Story, encourage children to return their Story Spots to their original location.

“They loved finding the jewels and then decorating the crowns. Digging around in the rice seemed to keep their attention for a long time, which was a nice time to talk to them about the lesson.” —First Baptist Church of

Hemet

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Welcome• Bible• Opening Theme Song• Hamilton puppet• Hamilton’s log• crown for Hamilton

Hi, kids! Welcome! i am so excited to be here with you today. Let’s all celebrate God by singing and dancing together! (Play the Opening Theme Song from TruBlessings worship and lead kids in dance and celebration.)

(Divide the kids into two groups before having them sit down. Leave room for an aisle in the center that will act as a road.) Let’s all sit down on our Story Spots. Boys and girls, today we are going to pretend that this space in between you and your friends is a road. Okay, i think it’s time to ask Hamilton the Hedgehog to join us for the Big God Story. On the count of three, let’s call him together. Are you ready? One, two, three. Hamilton, where are you? (Encourage kids to call for Hamilton.) Let’s try one more time. Hamilton, where are you?

Hi, Hamilton! i’m so glad you’ve joined us. What is it you are wearing on your head? (Hamilton is wearing a crown. He wiggles his head a bit as if answering your question.) Friends, what does Hamilton have on his head? (Children will answer: “A crown.”) that’s right! Hamilton, i like your crown. You look very important. Boys and girls, the last time we were together we heard about a very special King. What is His name? (Allow children time to answer.) Jesus!

Friends, it’s time for us to dig, dig, dig right into God’s Word! Let’s all stand up and sing our Bible Song together.

Discover:: 10–15 min.Host, Worship Leader, & Storyteller

Children move into a large group setting and participate in discovering God’s Word through storytelling, worship, and interactive experiences.

EXPLORE | DiSCOVeR | RESPOND | BLESS | CONNECT

Large GroupS E C T I O N

AS yOU BEGIN STORyTELLINGAs you begin the storytelling section of Discover, have a volunteer available to be Hamilton the Hedgehog using the puppet you provide. Or, you may choose to act as the storyteller and the puppeteer. Encourage Hamilton to come out of his log. Consider having a facade that is part of your stage/teaching area. This facade can act as a puppet stage to conceal puppeteers. However, if this is not an option, if children see the volunteer with the puppet on his/her hand, encourage the volunteer to interact with Hamilton and the children. Their participation will help kids to see the puppeteer and puppet as separate characters.

Ponder Point:Jesus Is King

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Bible Song (sung to the tune of “Mary Had a Little Lamb”) Now it’s time to hear God’s WordHear God’s WordHear God’s WordNow it’s time to hear God’s WordSo let’s look in the Bible

As the song ends, have children return to their Story Spots. Hamilton can model this for children by sitting quietly as he listens to The Big God Story. A volunteer can return him to his log with his little face peeking out, or she may choose to sit quietly with him throughout the storytelling section.

The Big God Storypalm Sunday: triumphal entryMatthew 21:1–11; Mark 11:1–11; Luke 19:28–38

i think we are just about ready to hear another part of the Big God Story. But before we go any further, let’s all pray together and ask God to teach us. Lead the kids in a Prayer of Release as you prepare to hear God’s Word.

One day Jesus was walking with two of His friends. they were walking to a town where people were very excited to see Jesus. What did Jesus ask His friends to bring Him? Yes, a donkey.

When people asked Jesus’ friends why they were taking the donkey they answered, “the Lord needs it.” And so the men brought the donkey to Jesus. they placed a coat on its back. Jesus got on the donkey and rode into town.

the people in the town were so excited to see Jesus. Do you remember what they laid on the ground in front of Him? (Allow children time to remember and answer.) they laid their coats and palm branches on the ground in front of Jesus.

As Jesus rode passed the people, they began to shout praises to Him. “Hosanna, Hosanna!” they shouted. Let’s shout it together. “Hosanna!” Wow, great job! this word was telling God that they needed a king who could save them. Who is the King who can save all people? (Kids will answer.) Jesus! that’s right. Jesus is our King! that makes me so excited that i want to shout, “Hosanna!” again. Let’s all shout it one more time. “Hosanna!” Let’s also shout, “Jesus is King!” (Wait for kids to repeat.)

EXPLORE | DiSCOVeR | RESPOND | BLESS | CONNECT

N O T E S :

PRAyER OF RELEASEA Prayer of Release is a prayer asking God to remove any distractions that would get in the way of hearing from and responding to Him. As we pray, we dedicate this time to the Lord and ask to be filled with knowledge and understanding from Him, giving God His rightful role as teacher.

We can begin to model this posture of prayer with the children in our care. To lead two- to three-year-old children, pray a simple prayer thanking God for His presence and asking Him to teach you as you gather together. For example: “Thank You, God, for being with us. We ask that You would teach us today.”

The Big God Story is written for a two- to three-

year-old audience and can be told in its entirety for an older audience, but may need to be shortened if the class is on the

younger side.

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this is such an important part of the Big God Story. Let’s do it again, but this time, i need your help. (Choose children to be Jesus, two friends, and the donkey. The remaining children will be townspeople. Everyone will be on their feet at various points throughout the story. Help the children act out the story below with actions.)

Jesus and His friends were walking into town. (Have the children portraying Jesus and His two friends pretend like they’re walking.) He asked them to bring Him a donkey. (Have one of the children ask for a donkey.) the friends found the donkey and brought it to Jesus. (Two friends bring the donkey to Jesus.) they laid a coat on the donkey. (Have them pretend to lay a coat on the donkey.) then Jesus rode the donkey into town. now, since we don’t have a real donkey, we are going to just pretend and walk next to one another. (Have the child playing Jesus and the child playing the donkey walk next to each other. The donkey can crawl on his hands and knees if he chooses.) the people were so excited that Jesus was coming. they laid their coats and palm branches in the road. (Townspeople pretend to lay coats and palm branches on the ground.) then the people shouted “Hosanna!” (Have children shout “Hosanna.”)

Wow, you did a great job helping me tell the Big God Story. Let’s celebrate together that Jesus is the King!

Have the children say good-bye to Hamilton as he goes back into his log home and thank him for coming to be a part of the Big God Story.

EXPLORE | DiSCOVeR | RESPOND | BLESS | CONNECT

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Song of Celebrationthe people shouted “Hosanna!” when Jesus came into town. Were they excited? Yes, they were very excited. We are going to sing a song that talks about the people shouting “Hosanna.” Jesus is the Son of God and He is King!

Lead kids in a celebratory worship song. Suggested song: “The People Shout, Hosannah” from Jana Alayra’s Jump into the Light.

Respond:: 5 min.

Children have the opportunity to respond to God as they celebrate Him within the faith community.

Worship Leader

Large GroupS E C T I O N

EXPLORE | DISCOVER | ReSpOnD | BLESS | CONNECT

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A blessing can be a prayer of commission, a portion of Scripture, or words of encouragement and guidance. A blessing can be offered in order to ask God’s Spirit to overflow from the child’s life in such a way that blesses others. It can also be prayed over a child for the purpose of declaring God’s protection, joy, or wisdom.

Gather the children around you to bless them. Pray this prayer of blessing over them:

Children, may you always know that that Jesus is King every day and every night.

Open a Bible and read Psalm 10:16a:

The Lord is King for ever and ever.Snack: If you can, provide a snack that incorporates part of the lesson. For example, you can make leaf cookies. As the kids eat, sit down with them and engage them in conversation. Make sure to consider any food allergies or check with parents ahead of time.

Bless:: 5 min.

This time is set aside for leaders to spend a few moments blessing the children in their small groups.

Small Group Leaders

Small GroupS E C T I O N

EXPLORE | DISCOVER | RESPOND | BLeSS | CONNECT

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Option 1: Jesus Is King SuppLieS• Decorate Your Own Crowns (available at www.discountschoolsupply.com) or crown

template (see Resource Folder)• markers• self-adhesive jewels (from Explore)

pRepARePrint the crown template on card stock (1 per child) and cut out.

enGAGetoday we learned that Jesus is King. even though Jesus did not wear a crown in this part of the Big God Story, we are going to decorate one to help us remember that Jesus is our King. Volunteers will need to assist the children in peeling the paper from the jewels.

Option 2: Where Is the Crown?SuppLieS• decorated crown (from Connect) or a plastic crown (available at

www.orientaltrading.com or a party store)

Set upHide the crown somewhere in the room.

enGAGeSomewhere in this room i have hidden a crown. We are all going to work together to try to find the crown. Whoever finds it will get to hide it again while everyone else closes his eyes. Are you ready to find the crown? Let’s start looking.

Option 3: Pass the Crown SuppLieS• decorated crown (from Connect) or a plastic crown (available at

www.orientaltrading.com or a party store) • Story Spots• music

Set upPlace Story Spots in a circle.

Connect:: 15–30 min.

Games, songs, manipulatives, sensory and art activities are used to help children reinforce what they experience in large group.

Small Group Leaders

Small GroupS E C T I O N

EXPLORE | DISCOVER | RESPOND | BLESS | COnneCt

N O T E S :

ME AT TWO AND THREE …“Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood.”

–Fred Rogers

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EXPLORE | DISCOVER | RESPOND | BLESS | COnneCt

enGAGeHave each child sit on a Story Spot. When Jesus came riding into town on a donkey, He didn’t look like a fancy king. Jesus didn’t wear a fancy robe or a fancy crown. Jesus is a very special King because He is God and He is always with us. We are going to play a game where we pass the crown around. When the music stops, whoever is holding the crown will shout “Jesus is King!”

Ongoing Connect Option

Hamilton’s Box of FunInvite the kids to your circle time area and sing together:

Hamilton’s Box (sung to the tune of “Oh Where, Oh Where Has My Little Dog Gone?”)

Where, oh where is Hamilton’s Box? Oh where, oh where can it be? It’s full of fun toys that we sure like a lotOh where, oh where can it be?

Pick one or two kids to help find the box or basket. Once it’s found, you can place it in the middle of your circle time area and invite the kids to come and explore what is inside. Ask: Come on over, everyone! What fun things can we explore today? Let’s take turns playing with things and even play together.

When it’s time to put the toys away, cue the kids with a Cleanup Song. (Choose a fun song that your children will recognize as the Cleanup Song each week, possibly with a circus theme or other recognizable sound that is different than from music.)

Hamilton’s Box of FunThis is a fun resource to encourage the kids to interact with each other by sharing toys and using their imagination with different objects. This activity can be utilized at the beginning or end of the service, if time permits.

SuppLieS• box or basket to hold objects• musical instruments (mini orchestra can be found at www.gymboree.com)• small balls (not bouncy balls or other small objects children could choke on; consider

Feel & Roll Bumpy Balls from www.lakeshorelearning.com)• silk scarves or other items for dress-up• wooden blocks• chunky cars and/or trucks• Jesus Is King coloring page (see Resource Folder)

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N O T E S :

EXPLORE | DISCOVER | RESPOND | BLESS | COnneCt

HomeFront Monthly: Every four weeks we highlight one of the 10 environments. For each new environment, parents should receive HomeFront Monthly. This resource gives families ideas for how to create fun, spiritually forming times in their homes—setting aside a sacred space for family in the midst of their active, everyday lives!

HomeFront Weekly: Be sure to send home the HomeFront Weekly for next week’s lesson! This preteaching tool for parents encourages families to spend time in God’s Word together before children arrive at church. TruBlessings will spend two weeks on the same part of The Big God Story and Ponder Point and each Weekly covers four weeks’ worth of lessons. It is designed to trifold with an editable field that allows you to fill in the dates for the weeks that will be covered.

Set upPut a variety of fun objects/toys in box. Hide box or basket somewhere in the room. Clean objects each week after use.

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