Slices
Prepare
Consider who Jesus is for you. Praise him with the words from today’s passage: ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest heaven!’
Bible passage
Jesus comes to Jerusalem as king
21 As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, 2 saying to them, ‘Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. 3 If anyone says anything to you, say that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.’
4 This took place to fulfil what was spoken through the prophet:
5 ‘Say to Daughter Zion,
“See, your king comes to you,
gentle and riding on a donkey,
and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.”’
6 The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. 7 They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on. 8 A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted,
‘Hosanna to the Son of David!’
‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!’
‘Hosanna in the highest heaven!’
10 When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, ‘Who is this?’
11 The crowds answered, ‘This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.’
Explore
I wonder if you’ve ever joined a procession. Processions celebrating a sporting success, athletes waving from an open-top bus, or a procession in protest of national or global crises, often in solidarity with the most vulnerable. Crowds walk peacefully, young and old share a common cause, banners fly high and slogans prompt chanting and song. Sadly, even peaceful and well-motivated celebrations and demonstrations can provoke others to aggression and violence.
Today’s passage describes another procession: a celebratory procession that is both provocative and controversial. It is entirely possible that Pilate, who came to Jerusalem from time to time, often at key periods, pompously paraded through Jerusalem at the beginning of Passover, stamping Rome’s authority on the thousands of Jews gathering to worship. In stark contrast, a triumphal counter-procession is unfolding elsewhere in the city, offering an alternative and subversive view of power, a King riding humbly on a donkey. A procession fulfilling the prophetic vision of commanding ‘peace to the nations’ (Zechariah 9:10), not one of brutality and oppression.
And the question bubbles up, ‘Who is this?’ Within a week, Jesus, once hailed as the Messiah, will process through the same streets, staggering under the weight of a wooden cross. I wonder where you would be in the crowd and how you would answer the question, ‘Who is this?’
Respond
‘Jesus, my Lord and Saviour, thank you for walking the path of the cross for me. Amen.’
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: Jeremiah 23,24; John 9
Pray for Scripture Union
Please pray that a desire to seek God spreads further afield, beyond the young people at the Christian Union to those in the wider community. Ask God to inspire the local churches to be ready to help them explore faith, respond and grow. (This week's prayers relate to this article.)
A child has started following Jesus. Help them keep growing.
A child's decision to trust Jesus is a moment to celebrate, but it's also the beginning of a lifelong journey of discipleship. Journey to the Sacred Kingdom helps children aged 5–8 discover what it means to know God through his Word, grow in faith and walk with Jesus every day.
Following the adventures of Rock and River, children explore key Bible stories, discover who the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are and begin developing everyday faith habits through engaging reflections, colourful comics and interactive activities.
Give the young believers in your care a strong biblical foundation from the very beginning.
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Introduce children to foundational biblical truths in a way they can understand, helping them build confidence in knowing God and following Jesus.
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Support children as they develop habits of prayer, Bible reading and trusting God, laying foundations for a lifelong relationship with Christ.
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Perfect for parents, grandparents, children's leaders and churches seeking a biblically rooted follow-up resource after holiday clubs, children's ministry, family events, baptism or other moments when a child begins their journey with Jesus.
