Sometimes, even as an adult, you may not fully understand all the traditions and significant days acknowledged at church. So it stands to reason that children may feel the same.

Here’s some help for teaching and answering questions kids may have about Palm Sunday. For more activities, prayer ideas and Scriptures to share with your kids, check out A Journey Through Holy Week Resource and download our free Holy Week Family Guide.

Palm Sunday: What is it?

Palm Sunday definition (Merriam-Webster Dictionary): “the Sunday before Easter celebrated in commemoration of Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem”

All four Gospels — Matthew, Mark, Luke and John — describe Palm Sunday similarly. Jesus’ disciples brought Him a donkey, and Jesus rode into Jerusalem sitting upon it. As He entered the city, many people laid palm fronds on the ground or waved them as a sign of honor, saying, “… Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!  (Matthew 21:9)

What does “hosanna” mean?

“Hosanna” was similar to, “Save us please!” When the people said this to Jesus, they were showing they believed He was the king who could save them from the dark times they were going through.

Why did Jesus go to Jerusalem? 

Jesus carefully chose when and where He traveled as He ministered. At the time of Palm Sunday, Jerusalem was a city filled with people there to celebrate Passover, and Jerusalem was part of this prophecy in the Old Testament: Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is He. … (Zecharia 9:9)

What was “triumphal” about His entrance into Jerusalem?

Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey specifically to fulfill that prophecy in Zecharia. When the people who had searched and waited for their Messiah saw Him and honored Him as their saving king, that was triumphal (a lot like “triumphant”)!

Not everyone was pleased with Jesus’ arrival on Palm Sunday, though. Jesus’ bold entrance into Jerusalem ultimately led to His arrest and crucifixion. But it also led to His resurrection, the gift of our salvation. He is risen, indeed. Find simple ways for your crew to celebrate and reflect on His gift with our gift to you, the Holy Week Family Guide from Talk About.