I like this painting that depicts the inaugurating event of Palm Sunday, because it includes children. Look over on the upper, right-hand side. Notice the man holding a baby(!) up over his shoulders? (One can easily miss seeing!)
Show this picture to your kids and point out the taking-flight toddler.
There are other kids. Can you find them?
Notice this child in particular… (The one designated with the red arrow in the close-up shot.
Have your child pretend that they are that kid. Place yourself in the painting!
You are witnessing Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem!
What do you see?
What do you smell?
What do you hear?
There were of course, lots of people. Some happy and others not. And probably the usual noise a loud crowd makes.
(“Is he coming yet?” “I can’t see!” “Excuse me, you are stepping on my foot!”)
The Bible tells us there were loud cries of “Hosanna!” (John 12:13). Which was like saying “Save us!”
Go ahead and shout some Hosannas!
Practice for this coming Sunday at FUMC.
Do you suppose there were people at this “parade” who wondered what the Hosanna hoopla was all about?
Why do we celebrate Palm Sunday? (If you’re not sure, go ahead and click on that link to learn more.)
Why did the people greet Jesus with such enthusiasm?
How would you greet Jesus today?
Photo credits:
Christ’s Entry into Jerusalem by Hippolyte Flandrin, 1842, from FreeChristImages.org, used under license.
Palm Sunday photo copyright from my archives.
Family Faith Companion 