Bible Study – Palm Sunday and Holy Week
Share: Your highs (something that made you happy) and lows (something that made you sad) this week with others around you or write them down.
Lent is a forty-day period before Easter. It begins on Ash Wednesday. We skip Sundays when we count the forty days, because Sundays commemorate the Resurrection. Lent begins on February 22, 2023 and ends on April 8, 2023 , which is the day before Easter.
Follow are the stories that will be covered in the lesson for today Palm Sunday through Holy Week ending Saturday:
Today – Palm Sunday Jesus’ Entry into Jerusalem
Monday - Mary anoints the feet of Jesus
Tuesday - Predicting the denial of Jesus
Wednesday - Predicting the betrayal of Jesus
Thursday (Maundy) - Jesus washed the feet of his disciples – Lords Supper
Friday - The Crucifixion of Jesus
Saturday - A day of waiting/watching
Palm Sunday is the beginning of the week we call “Holy Week”. Jesus knew that this would be the last week of his life on earth. Jesus wanted a celebration so He had His friends find a donkey for Him to ride on into Jerusalem. This was Palm Sunday.
Opening Prayer: Thank you, God, that you love us forever. Amen
Please open your Bibles to Matthew 21:1-11 and read or read the scriptures below.
Matthew 21:1-11
Jesus Comes to Jerusalem as King
21 As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, 2 saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. 3 If anyone says anything to you, say that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.”
4 This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet:
5 “Say to Daughter Zion,
‘See, your king comes to you,
gentle and riding on a donkey,
and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’”[a]
6 The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. 7 They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on. 8 A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted,
“Hosanna[b] to the Son of David!”
“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”[c]
“Hosanna[d] in the highest heaven!”
10 When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?”
11 The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”
Click here for the young learner’s lesson
Videos (Click on url)
The Gospel of Matthew 21:1-11 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZdfpOlzx9o
Gospel of Matthew Summary: Part 2 – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGCF3OPWN14&t=2s
Activities:
Journal: Write what “Hosanna[b] to the Son of David!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”[c]“Hosanna[d] in the highest heaven!” means to you in your journal?
Triumphal Entry – Maze: https://sermons4kids.com/triumphal_entry_maze.htm
The Triumphal Entry - Crossword Puzzle: https://sermons4kids.com/triumphal_entry_matt_crossword.htm
The Triumphal Entry – Word Search – https://sermons4kids.com/triumphal_entry_matt_wordsearch.htm
The Triumphal Entry –Jumble: https://sermons4kids.com/triumphal_entry_matt_jumble.htm
Holy Week
Monday April 3rd – Mary anoints the feet of Jesus
Matthew 26:6-13
Jesus Anointed at Bethany
6 While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of Simon the Leper, 7 a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table.
8 When the disciples saw this, they were indignant. “Why this waste?” they asked. 9 “This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor.”
10 Aware of this, Jesus said to them, “Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me. 11 The poor you will always have with you,[a] but you will not always have me. 12 When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial.
Video:
Lenten Devotion: February 24, 2023 – Mallory - Matthew 26:6-13 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yKcut1pI79o
Activity: Place some water, cinnamon and vanilla (or any other spices you like) in a small pot and simmer on the stove. As the warm smell fills the air, remember how Mary anointed Jesus with costly perfume and think about how God is calling you to honor him this week.
Prayer: Lord, bless our family and help us to know the ways we are called to love and honor you this Holy Week. Amen
Tuesday – April 4th Predicting the denial of Jesus
Matthew 26:31-35
Jesus Predicts Peter’s Denial
31 Then Jesus told them, “This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written:
“‘I will strike the shepherd,
and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’[a]
32 But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.”
33 Peter replied, “Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will.”
34 “Truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.”
35 But Peter declared, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” And all the other disciples said the same.
Video:
Matthew 26:31-35: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=skoKZuqYXHg
Activities: On a dry erase board or chalkboard, write down some of the ways we deny Jesus. Some examples might be lying, disobeying, stealing or fighting with siblings. Talk about how God know about all the wrong things we do even before we do them. What is important is to be sorry and ask for forgiveness when we do wrong. Finally, erase the sins you wrote down to show what happens when God forgive us.
Prayer: Jesus, we want to love you well, but we are weak. Give us strength we need to be faithful. Amen.
Wednesday April 5th – Predicting the betrayal of Jesus at the Lords Supper
Matthew 26: 20-22
20 When evening came, Jesus was reclining at the table with the Twelve. 21 And while they were eating, he said, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me.”
22 They were very sad and began to say to him one after the other, “Surely you don’t mean me, Lord?”
Jesus revealed a betrayer in the midst of the disciples. This revelation was met with denial, tinged with self-doubt. Who was the one disciple named in this passage? Judas tried to cast doubt from himself. How did Jesus respond to his question? Jesus knows our thoughts and motives. Are our thoughts and motives pure and focused on Jesus?
Video:
Discover Jesus – Jesus Christ’s Last Supper with His 12 Disciples – Matthew 26:17-30 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aIWCRfH-rFw
Activity: Judas betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. Hide 30 silver coins (nickels, dimes and quarters around your house and try to find them throughout the day. Each time you find one, let it be a reminder to be loyal to Jesus and trust in his mercy.
Prayer: Lord, we give you thanks for the gift of your mercy. We ask for forgiveness for all of our sins and trust that you will forgive us. Amen.
Thursday April 6th (Maundy Thursday) – Jesus washed the feet of the disciples at the Last Supper
John 13: 12-14
12 When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. 13 “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet.
When Jesus washes the feet of the disciples, not only is he serving, but He is showing what sacrificial love looks like. He was about to be crucified on a cross and make the ultimate sacrifice with His life. The disciples did not understand what was about to happen but Jesus was trying to set an example for them.
Video:
Jesus Washes His Disciples’ Feet - John 13:1-17 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aNl2tRa4gM8
Jesus teaches His disciples an important lesson. They should not try to have power over others or over one another. Instead, just like Jesus, they should show love to one another by serving other people.
Activity: Think of some act of service you can do for others as a family. You might volunteer at a charity, clean up trash in a public park or visit a nursing home. Give thanks to Jesus for his good example of loving service to others.
Prayer: Dear God, we want to serve you by serving the people you place in our lives. Help us to know the ways we are called to serve. Amen
Friday April 7th (Good Friday) – The Crucifixion of Jesus
Matthew 27:15-56
The Crowd Chooses Barabbas
15 Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to release for the crowd any one prisoner whom they wanted. 16 And they had then a notorious prisoner called Barabbas. 17 So when they had gathered, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release for you: Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?” 18 For he knew that it was out of envy that they had delivered him up. 19 Besides, while he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent word to him, “Have nothing to do with that righteous man, for I have suffered much because of him today in a dream.” 20 Now the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and destroy Jesus. 21 The governor again said to them, “Which of the two do you want me to release for you?” And they said, “Barabbas.” 22 Pilate said to them, “Then what shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” They all said, “Let him be crucified!” 23 And he said, “Why? What evil has he done?” But they shouted all the more, “Let him be crucified!”
Jesus Is Mocked
27 Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the governor's headquarters,[c] and they gathered the whole battalion[d] before him. 28 And they stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, 29 and twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on his head and put a reed in his right hand. And kneeling before him, they mocked him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” 30 And they spit on him and took the reed and struck him on the head. 31 And when they had mocked him, they stripped him of the robe and put his own clothes on him and led him away to crucify him.
The Crucifixion
32 As they went out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name. They compelled this man to carry his cross. 33 And when they came to a place called Golgotha (which means Place of a Skull), 34 they offered him wine to drink, mixed with gall, but when he tasted it, he would not drink it. 35 And when they had crucified him, they divided his garments among them by casting lots. 36 Then they sat down and kept watch over him there. 37 And over his head they put the charge against him, which read, “This is Jesus, the King of the Jews.” 38 Then two robbers were crucified with him, one on the right and one on the left. 39 And those who passed by derided him, wagging their heads 40 and saying, “You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save yourself! If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross.” 41 So also the chief priests, with the scribes and elders, mocked him, saying, 42 “He saved others; he cannot save himself. He is the King of Israel; let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him. 43 He trusts in God; let God deliver him now, if he desires him. For he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’” 44 And the robbers who were crucified with him also reviled him in the same way.
The Death of Jesus
45 Now from the sixth hour[e] there was darkness over all the land[f] until the ninth hour.[g] 46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” that is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” 47 And some of the bystanders, hearing it, said, “This man is calling Elijah.” 48 And one of them at once ran and took a sponge, filled it with sour wine, and put it on a reed and gave it to him to drink. 49 But the others said, “Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to save him.” 50 And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and yielded up his spirit.
51 And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split. 52 The tombs also were opened. And many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised, 53 and coming out of the tombs after his resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many. 54 When the centurion and those who were with him, keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and what took place, they were filled with awe and said, “Truly this was the Son[h] of God!”
55 There were also many women there, looking on from a distance, who had followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering to him, 56 among whom were Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James and Joseph and the mother of the sons of Zebedee.
Video:
Crucifixion and Death of Jesus Christ – Animated Bible Stories - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNq5tWl3OGk
Discover Jesus – Jesus Christ’s Crucifixion at Golgotha Place of the Skull – Matthew 27:27-56 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_7cCx1119u0
Activity: During the hours of 12-3 p.m. today, think about Jesus as He hung on the cross, suffering out of love for each of us. As much as possible, keep quiet during this time. Keep phones and the television turned off; avoid conversations and frivolous activities. Spend some time in quiet prayer and reflection.
Prayer: Dear Jesus, we see you suffer and we are sorry for our sins that have caused your suffering. We trust in your mercy. Help us to learn about how much You love us. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.
Saturday April 8th – A day of waiting/watching
Matthew 27:57-66
Jesus Is Buried
57 When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who also was a disciple of Jesus. 58 He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate ordered it to be given to him. 59 And Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen shroud 60 and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had cut in the rock. And he rolled a great stone to the entrance of the tomb and went away. 61 Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were there, sitting opposite the tomb.
The Guard at the Tomb
62 The next day, the one after Preparation Day, the chief priests and the Pharisees went to Pilate. 63 “Sir,” they said, “we remember that while he was still alive that deceiver said, ‘After three days I will rise again.’ 64 So give the order for the tomb to be made secure until the third day. Otherwise, his disciples may come and steal the body and tell the people that he has been raised from the dead. This last deception will be worse than the first.”
65 “Take a guard,” Pilate answered. “Go, make the tomb as secure as you know how.” 66 So they went and made the tomb secure by putting a seal on the stone and posting the guard.
All is quiet today. Jesus body has been place in the tomb, and a great stone has been rolled over to block its entrance. Jesus' friends are sad and scared and many of them are hiding.
Sometimes, when all seems quiet on the outside, God is working miracles that are hidden from view. Today is a day of quiet waiting, we know that Jesus will soon rise from the dead. Son there will be celebration and rejoicing that Jesus has triumphed over death and sin forever.
When we wait for something wonderful, it is easy to grow impatient or lose hope that it will ever come, but Holy Saturday reminds us that we cannot always see when God is at work. Sometimes we need to hope and trust that God is good and that He is accomplishing good things in us and in the world today. Be till and trust in the good things to come.
Tomorrow is Easter - a beautiful celebrations that reminds us that God always keeps His promises and that we can truly trust in Him.
Throughout this Lenten season, we have grown in our understanding of the ways that God calls on us to trust Him, even when we sin, even when we are sand and even when all seems lost. This Easter, let's give thanks for Jesus' glorious triumph over death and the new life He calls us to live.
Video:
DISCOVER JESUS – Jesus Christ’s Burial in a Tomb (Matthew 27:57-66 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K_cuQCEHV8U&t=14s
Activities: Make a batch of Resurrection Rolls to remind you of the empty tomb on Easter morning. You can find many simple recipes for this activity online: https://bit.ly/RollsRecipes
Pray: Lord, we cannot always see when you are working in our lives. Give us hope to trust in you, even when we cannot see. Amen.
