This Sunday we celebrate what has been known for centuries as “Palm Sunday.” Jesus entered Jerusalem from the East, down the side of the Mount of Olives, heading for His death only a few days later. It is the beginning of the most action-packed, climactic week in the history of the world.

There are parallel accounts of this event in all four Gospels: Matt. 21:1-11; Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19:28-40; and John 12:9-19. In the main services the adults will look at the story of it found in John 12:9-19.

When we meet as the jr. high group in the Mt. Hood Room, we’ll look at Mark 11:1-11:

¹As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples, ²saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and just as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. ³If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ tell him, ‘The Lord needs it and will send it back here shortly.’ ”

⁴They went and found a colt outside in the street, tied at a doorway. As they untied it, ⁵some people standing there asked, “What are you doing, untying that colt?” ⁶They answered as Jesus had told them to, and the people let them go. ⁷When they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks over it, he sat on it. ⁸Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches they had cut in the fields. ⁹Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted,
“Hosanna!”
“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”
¹⁰“Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!”
“Hosanna in the highest!”

¹¹Jesus entered Jerusalem and went to the temple. He looked around at everything, but since it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the Twelve.

A few things to think about:

1. What does “Hosanna” mean? It is a Hebrew word that means “Save!” or “Save us now!”
2. How did Jesus know the donkey would be in that specific spot? He’s God; He can do stuff like that. Also, it’s all part of His master plan…
   
3. What is a “colt”? A colt is what you call a donkey (or horse) that has never been ridden. This is significant, because it fulfills the centuries-old (at least 400 years before) prophecy that the Messiah would come riding like a King on a donkey. Specifically, a colt, which has never had a person ride on its back. Read Zechariah 9:9:

“Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion!
Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem!
See, your king comes to you,
righteous and having salvation,
gentle and riding on a donkey,
on a colt, the foal of a donkey.

The people honored Jesus, because He was worth praising. It was like the most excited crowd from a sporting event you’ve ever seen!