Children’s Sermon

Mark 11:1-11

Palm Sunday

By Dr. Dan Wuori

Today is a special day – the first special day of a very special week. We call this Holy Week.

Holy Week is both sad and happy. At Christmas we celebrate the day that Jesus was born, but during Holy Week we celebrate the days leading up to Jesus’ death – and then on Easter, his “resurrection” or return from the dead.

The story of Jesus’ death is a hard one to hear – but it’s important to remember that the very reason that Jesus was sent to Earth was to die. It was all part of God’s plan. Jesus died for us – and for the forgiveness of our sins.

Today is Palm Sunday – which is the day we hear the story of Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem.

In the days of Jesus’ life it was a custom to cover the ground when someone very important arrived. This was a sign of great respect. Instead of letting someone important walk on the dirty ground people would take their jackets or other items and place them on the ground to make a sort of carpeting.
In the Gospel of Mark it describes the people taking the leafy branches from palm trees and laying them in Jesus path. That’s why we call today, Palm Sunday.

This is a hard week, as we prepare for the story of Jesus death on Good Friday. But good news is on the way as we celebrate Easter.

Let’s pray.

Dear God,

This week we remember the story of the suffering and death of your son Jesus and wait in joyful anticipation of his resurrection at Easter. Help us to be faithful followers during the week ahead.

Amen.

Copyright 2009, Dr. Dan Wuori. Used by permission.