Day 1: The Triumphal Entry

Take a Break

New Testament (pick one)
Matthew 21:1-17 | Mark 11:1-11 | Luke 19:28-44 | John 12:12-19

Make It Personal
Adoration is the somewhat spontaneous hunger our hearts have to worship, honor, magnify, and bless. It’s what happens to us when our favorite team wins the championship, when we get to sing along with our favorite band live at their show, or when we find ourselves in front of the ocean at sunset. It’s also what you would have observed people doing when Jesus walked through the gates of Jerusalem at the beginning of Passion Week.

For our purposes today, adoration has two components:

Thanksgiving → Worshiping God for what He has done
Praise → Worshiping God for who He is and how He has revealed Himself

The people welcoming Jesus into Jerusalem that day had a number of different reasons to adore the very sight of him. Some saw the long awaited king of the Jews. Others, a possibility of being healed or helped. Then, of course, there were those who weren’t happy to see him at all. What about you? Do you have anything to celebrate today? What are you thankful for? Can you find a few reasons that God is worthy of praise?

Make It Stick
Weather permitting, grab some comfortable shoes and go for a walk. Imagine what it would have been like to walk into the city of Jerusalem with Jesus, being greeted by large, endearing crowds. What would you have seen? Felt? Thought? While you’re out, share the things you are thankful for with your Heavenly Father. Tell Him why He is so worthy of praise.

For Families:
As your family is out walking, help your kid(s) pick some leaves and/or flowers to use as palm branches. Explain to them why, as followers of Jesus, we have so much to be excited about this week.

For Students:
If you have a student (6th-12th Grade) begin a conversation by asking if they could tag along with one celebrity (singer, athlete, actor/actress) who would it be and why? How would it feel being with them as people flocked around them, took pictures, asked for autographs, etc. Now reread the NT passage with them and ask those same questions, only this time thinking of Jesus instead of celebs.

FYI: We are encouraging your student(s) to take a walk (on FaceTime or Instagram Live) with their friends and discuss these questions. This is a great way for students to engage their friends and also for you to help disciple your student(s).