The First Palm Sunday

Come and see the happy day when Jesus rode into the city on a little donkey! The streets filled with waving palm branches and glad, joyful shouts to welcome Jesus the King.

One bright morning, Jesus came near the city of Jerusalem. His friends brought Him a young donkey, soft and gentle, that had never been ridden before. They laid their coats across its back to make a cozy seat, and Jesus climbed on. Then, slow and steady, the little donkey carried Jesus down the road toward the city.

As Jesus came near, more and more people gathered along the way. They were so happy to see Him that they took off their own warm coats and spread them on the road. Soft cloak after soft cloak, they laid them down to make a path fit for a king. The little donkey walked gently right over the top, carrying Jesus along.

Then the people gathered up armfuls of green palm branches from the trees along the way. They waved them in the warm air, back and forth, back and forth. The leaves rustled and swished like a happy little song. Big people and little children waved their branches too, smiling all around.

With glad and joyful hearts, the people began to praise God for all the wonderful things they had seen Jesus do. “Hosanna! Hosanna!” they called out together. “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!” Their voices rose up loud and bright, filling the whole road with praise for Jesus.

Some of the Pharisees wanted the happy crowd to be quiet, but Jesus smiled and said, “If they were quiet, even the stones would sing!” For this was a day for praising God. The grown-ups cheered, the children laughed, and the palm branches waved like soft green flags in the breeze. Jesus was their gentle King, and they were so glad that He had come. And God was glad too, for everyone could see how very much Jesus was loved.

Thank You, God, for sending Jesus, our gentle King who rode in on a little donkey. Help me to welcome Him with a happy heart and to shout for joy, because You love me so.