Understanding the Significance of Palm Sunday Lesson Plan

wooden cross and leaves


Palm Sunday is a special Christian event that happens the Sunday before Easter Sunday. It marks the start of Holy Week, which is the week leading up to Easter. On this day, we remember when Jesus went to Jerusalem and the people there welcomed him with open arms and saw him as their savior. According to the Bible, Jesus rode into the city on a donkey and the people put down their clothes and palm branches on the road to show him honor. That's where the event gets its name, Palm Sunday. Some churches have a ceremony where people walk with palm branches, which represents Jesus' arrival in Jerusalem. This day is important for Christians to think about the events that led to Jesus' death and resurrection.

Objective:

  • By the end of the lesson, the students will have a better understanding of the events of Palm Sunday and the significance of it in the Christian faith. They will also be able to participate in a group and individual activity to help them remember and reflect on the story.

Lesson Plan:

1. Begin the lesson by introducing the topic of Palm Sunday and its significance in the Christian calendar. Explain that it is the day that marks the beginning of Holy Week and commemorates Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem.
2. Then read the story of Palm Sunday from the Bible, specifically from the book of Mark, chapter 11, verses 1-11, or Matthew 21:1-11, or Luke 19:28-44.
3. Have a class discussion about the story and ask questions to help the students understand the events and what they mean.

Who is Jesus? 

Jesus is the son of God and the central figure of Christianity. He is believed to be the savior and the Messiah by Christians.

Why did the people lay their clothes and palm branches on the road?

The people laid their clothes and palm branches on the road as a sign of respect and honor for Jesus. They recognized him as the king and savior and wanted to show him honor as he entered Jerusalem.

What was the significance of Jesus riding into Jerusalem on a donkey?

The significance of Jesus riding into Jerusalem on a donkey is that it fulfilled the prophecy in the book of Zechariah that the Messiah would come to Jerusalem riding on a donkey. It also symbolized that Jesus was coming in peace and humility, rather than in a war-like manner as a conqueror would.

4. Provide additional information and context about Palm Sunday, such as its significance in the Christian faith and how it is celebrated.

Group Activity:

  • Have the students work in small groups to create a presentation or skit that reenacts the story of Palm Sunday. Provide materials such as construction paper, markers, and props.
  • Allow each group to present their skit to the class.

Individual Activity:

  • Provide each student with a worksheet that includes questions about the events of Palm Sunday. Have them answer the questions in their own words and write a short reflection on what they learned.
  • Collect the worksheets and review them with the class.

Prayer:

Dear God,

Thank you for the story of Palm Sunday. Thank you for sending Jesus to us, and for the people who welcomed him with open arms. Thank you for the love and kindness that Jesus showed us.

Help us to remember the story of Palm Sunday and the events that led to Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection. Help us to understand the significance of this day and the love you have for us.

We pray for your guidance, wisdom, and protection during this Holy Week.

Amen.

Conclusion:

  • Summarize the story of Palm Sunday and its significance in the Christian faith.
  • Remind the students that Palm Sunday is the beginning of Holy Week and encourage them to continue to reflect on the events that led to Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection throughout the week.


Note: The activities provided here are just a sample, you can adjust them based on the class size, student's level, school's curriculum and your own teaching style.

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