Children’s Sermon

Matthew 21:1-11

Like an Ordinary Man

Pictures of Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

In the United States we have lots of parades. Your town or city may celebrate Independence Day on the fourth of July with a parade. Or perhaps you have seen a parade on television; a Thanksgiving Day Parade, a Christmas Parade, or a parade before a big football game. (Individualize these examples with parades that are common in your community or country.)

What comes to your mind when you think of a parade? Yes, people line the streets clapping and cheering. There is usually a marching band and music fills the air. You may see decorated floats, military men and women in uniforms, bag pipes, gleaming fire trucks, balloons, clowns, and horses clip-clopping by. Mostly a parade has the feeling of celebration.

Have you ever noticed, at the beginning of a parade, there is often a fancy car that carries a person who is being honored? That person may be the mayor of the city, a celebrity, someone who has done wonderful things for others or is in some way well-known.

When Jesus returned to Jerusalem it was almost like a parade was taking place. The Bible story tells us that “A very great multitude spread their clothes on the road. Others cut branches from the trees, and spread them on the road. (21:8)

The people in the crowd shouted, “Hosanna to the son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! (21:9). There was much excitement as the people honored Jesus.

There is a lesson for us in this story. Let’s think about what it might be. Although Jesus could have ridden at the front of the parade on the finest horse or in a fancy carriage, he chose to ride on a donkey. The story teaches us that Jesus did not want to be honored as a special person, but to be thought of as an ordinary man. He wanted everyone to know that he had come to help and serve others.

There we find the lesson. The story reminds us to be humble and remember that our purpose is also to do what we can to help and serve others. Let’s celebrate that!

Scripture quotations from the World English Bible