Matthew 21:1 to 21:11 Jesus is the gentle King who came to bring peace, and we can praise him with joyful hearts. Discover why Jesus chose to ride a gentle young donkey instead of a war horse. See how crowds welcomed Jesus by waving palm branches and laying coats on the road. Learn to sing praises to King Jesus every day with joyful hearts. Long before Jesus arrived, God's prophets promised that the true King would come to Jerusalem gentle and riding on a young donkey, bringing peace rather than war. A Gentle Donkey for the King As Jesus and his friends came close to the city of [Jerusalem](/bible/explorer/place/jerusalem), Jesus sent two disciples to find a mother donkey and her young colt. Earthly kings often rode tall war horses with swords and armor to show their military might. But Jesus chose a gentle young donkey that no one had ever ridden before. This showed that Jesus is a King of love, kindness, and heavenly peace. Palm Branches and Coats on the Road A huge crowd of people gathered along the road when they heard Jesus was arriving. They were so excited to welcome him! People took off their coats and laid them on the dusty road like a soft royal carpet. Others cut fresh green palm branches from nearby trees and laid them down as well, waving branches high in the air as Jesus rode past. Hosanna to the Son of David! Children, parents, and travelers all began to shout with great joy: 'Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!' The word Hosanna means 'Save us now!' The whole city buzzed with excitement as people asked, 'Who is this?' The crowds answered, 'This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth!' Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest! Matthew 21:9 What kind of animal did Jesus ride when entering Jerusalem? A gentle young donkey A golden chariot A tall war horse A large elephant A gentle young donkey Matthew 21:5 shows Jesus rode a humble donkey, fulfilling the ancient prophecy of Zechariah 9:9. What did the excited crowds lay down on the road for Jesus? Their coats and green palm branches Heavy iron swords Expensive gold coins Stones and thorns Their coats and green palm branches People honored Jesus as King by spreading their coats and waving palm branches along the path. What joyful word did the people shout to praise King Jesus? Hosanna! Goodbye! Be quiet! Run away! Hosanna! Hosanna means 'Save us now!' and was a cry of praise welcoming God's promised King. Make a paper palm leaf this week and wave it while singing a song of praise to King Jesus with your family. Dear King Jesus, you are the gentle King of peace. Thank you for coming to love and save us. I want to praise you with all my heart today and every day. Hosanna in the highest! Amen. Why was riding a gentle donkey a sign of peace instead of war? What is your favorite way to praise King Jesus when you feel happy? Early readers learn that Jesus is the humble King of peace who deserves our loudest songs of praise. Hand out green paper palm branches to every child. Have them practice waving them and shouting 'Hosanna!' to experience the excitement of the Jerusalem crowd. Why did people put their coats on the dirt road? In ancient times, laying down coats was a special way to honor royal kings, treating them with the highest honor and respect. 5 min Palm Wave Hook, 15 min Story Time, 10 min Memory Verse Drill, 10 min Discussion, 5 min Prayer