"The Passion Story-Palm Sunday"
by Augustana Lutheran Church
Saint James, Minnesota

Workshops in this lessons set:

Storytelling - Lesson not posted here. See "Pilate" Story from the book Surprising Stories from People Jesus Met.

Games - A variety of games from the book he Ultimate Book of Preteen Games.

Drama - Enact the story using the book Crazy Clothesline Characters.

Computers - "Life of Christ"

Art - pre-packaged art project, "Wooden Rainbow Crosses" from Oriental Trading Company.

Video - "The Easter Story"

Cooking - make salads and "King's Crowns" (cupcakes).

Memory verse: John 12:12-13 "The next day a large crowd was in Jerusalem for Passover. When they heard that Jesus was coming for the festival, they took the palm branches and went out to greet him. They shouted, "Hooray! God bless the one who comes in the name of the Lord! God bless the King of Israel!"

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Passion Story-Palm Sunday:
Storytelling

Objective: By sharing the story of the decisions that Pilate faced about the fate of Jesus, who claimed to be the King of the Jews, you will help the students to determine what decisions they will make about how to follow God.

The entire lesson used for this rotation was taken from "Pilate" Story from Surprising Stories from People Jesus Met Group Publishing ISBN 1-55945-716-3

Bible Basis: Matthew 27:22-24, 26b, John 18:28-19:1-7.

Closing Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, we thank you for the gift of your Son, Jesus. We need you to help guide us to make the right decisions in our lives. Watch over us always, and help us to be followers of Christ. And all God's children said…AMEN!


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Exchange Volunteer modified title of post for clarity and added summary of lessons. - Creative Carol
Exchange Volunteer added source of lesson set to title of post. - Amy C

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Passion Story-Palm Sunday: Games -Grades 1-4

Objective: To share the story of the Holy Week with a focus on the journey he made to Jerusalem for Passover, just before his arrest, trial, crucifixion and resurrection. You will conduct several games, which included how we are free in Christ, that Jesus bore our sins, and that we need to work together in the kingdom of God.

Supplies: Bible, towel, tape blindfolds, napkins, oranges, peanut butter, crackers, plastic knives, and ziploc bags. The Ultimate Book of Preteen Games published by Group Publishing ISBN 0-7644-2291-X

Begin by welcoming your students to the class. Tell them that you will be sharing the story of Jesus' entrance into Jerusalem, which we call "Palm Sunday," as we remember the price Jesus paid for our sins.

Say: One day Jesus was walking with his disciples by a small village near Jerusalem. Jesus had a plan. He said to two of his disciples, "Go near the village and find a donkey and her colt. Untie them and bring them to me. If people wonder why you are taking them, say, 'The Lord has need of them,' and they will let you take the animals."

It happened just as Jesus said it would. The disciples found the donkey and colt and brought them to Jesus. Then they put on their robes over the animals and Jesus sat on them.

Many people gathered along the road to see Jesus. Jesus slowly rode through the crowd toward Jerusalem. Some people spread their cloaks on the road in front of him. Others cut branches from palm trees and waved them to welcome Jesus.

Crowds of people shouted, "Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!" They wanted the world to know that they loved Jesus and they wanted him to be king forever. Everyone waved and cheered and shouted to Jesus. What an amazing parade!

Jesus has done so many things that are worthy of praise. From miracles of healing, teaching us how to live and serve God, as well as being a righteous person. Jesus lived and died so that we may be set free. Let's use this game to look at how we have freedom through Christ.

Play the I'M FREE game on page 45.

I'M FREE Questions:
· What did it feel like to be trapped between two people's arms?
· How did it feel to be set free?
· How did Jesus set us free?
· How can we help set others free?

Say: Just as Jesus came to bear our burdens, he wants us to live in harmony with one another, and help to bear each others burdens.
Play HUMAN ESCALATOR on page 65.

Say: Just as we need Jesus, as our way to receive forgiveness and everlasting life, we also need one another. Jesus taught us to live in fellowship with one another, and he wanted us to love our neighbor as ourselves. This next game will teach us about cooperation and our need for others.
Play TWO HANDS ARE BETTER THAN ONE on page 17.

When kids finish making the snacks, invite them to sit on the floor in a large group. While their enjoying the snack, ask the following questions.

· What was it like to prepare the snack with only one hand?
· How did your partner help you prepare the snack?
· What would have happened if your partner didn't cooperate in helping you make the snack?
God has shown us that it is important for us to live in harmony together. He loved us so much that he sent his Son to die to save us. We need to always remember what Jesus did for us, and honor Him by living our lives as he did, by serving the needs of others.

Let's pray together…Dear God, we thank you and we know you are always with us. We praise you for all that you give us. Help us to be messengers of the faith, as we live in harmony with one another, and to bring the good news of salvation to others. And all God's children said…AMEN!

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Passion Story-Palm Sunday: Drama Theme Room -Grades 5-8

Objective: To share the Easter story as you go through a drama of the anointing of Jesus, his prayer in the garden of Gethsemane, his arrest and crucifixion, the burial, the Upper Room, and the Empty Tomb.

Reference Materials: "Walk Through the Garden" taken from Crazy Clothesline Characters by Group Publishing. ISBN 0-7644-2140-9
[Exchange Volunteer notes: unfortunately this book is out of print. Unfortunately buying a used one will cost you at least $60! Try to find someone's copy to borrow. Be good and be sure to return it!]

The Story: The Easter Story, Matthew 26-28.

The Point: Jesus lives!

The materials: Bible time tunics for Mary and Jesus, large bowl, perfume in a clay jar, flashlight, juice and cups, handcuffs (could be made out of black paper or rope), hammer, masking tape, vinegar, crown of thorns, sponge, paper pieces or self-adhesive notes, ten strips of cloth, red pen for each child, sheet for tomb, real or artificial flowers, floral air freshener spray, jar with shortening, spices (such as nutmeg, allspice, or cinnamon) and spoons.

Preparation: Choose a Jesus and a Mary to lead the groups of children. The different drama scenes will be referred to, as "Rooms" as you need to change the items needed for each set (room). In Room 1, you'll only need one chair and the jar of perfume. In Room 2, you'll need a table and a flashlight. The room needs to become dark. Have the juice and cups near the door. In Room 3, you'll need a cross (one option is to have it made out of tape on one wall). There should be room for Jesus to stand beside the cross. The crown of thorns, handcuffs, vinegar, sponge, hammer and self-adhesive notes are used here. Room 4 needs to have a cave/tomb large enough for Jesus made from several chairs covered with a sheet. Have the strips of cloth near the cave. You'll need something to serve as a rock, perhaps a chair or marker board. Flowers and the air freshener are hidden out of sight. Room 5 works best if there is a window with a shade or curtain to peer out of. You will need the jar with shortening, spices, and spoons here. If you practice, prepare, and pray, God will bless your presentation.

Follow the story in the book.

Close with a word of prayer…Dear God, thank you for the gift of your Son, Jesus. Help us to know how much you love us, and to be messengers of the good news of everlasting life, thanks to our Savior, Jesus Christ. And all God's children said…AMEN!!

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Passion Story-Palm Sunday: Computers -Grades 5-8

Objective: To explore through the "Life of Christ" CD, the story of the birth of Jesus, and the story of his anointing, entrance into Jerusalem, arrest, trial, crucifixion and resurrection.

Supplies: "Life of Christ" CD, Bibles, this leader guide, pencil and paper.

Directions:
Begin by welcoming each student to class. Ask what they did in the past week, etc. Have the students take the Bibles, turn to John 12:12-13, and have one or more students volunteer to read the passage.

Tell the students that they will be using a specific part of the 'Life of Christ' program to study the story of the last days of Christ in more detail.

· Insert "Life of Christ" CD.
· Click on 1st time explorer.
· Click on 'Meet Professor Newhart'.
· Click on tutorial.
· Enter name of explorer (student).
You will want to get to the program titled, "The Road to the Cross." To do that, do the following: From the main screen (Professor Newhart's office),

· Click on the box to the right of the desk titled, "King's Oranges."
· Next, click on the title, The Road to the Cross,"
· Then click on "Lesson # 27."
· Watch the presentation. There is a pause button at the bottom right of the computer screen, so feel free to use that to stop and ask questions as you go along (this is better to do than waiting until the end and asking all the students at the same time-it gets confusing!)
· Have the students take the quiz at the end of lesson # 27, and then continue to Lesson # 28, etc. all the way through lesson 33. As with the first lesson, have them take the quiz at the end.
· If they have completed all three lessons, and still have class time left, they can explore the office of Professor Newhart, and go into different areas.

When class time has ended, you may close with prayer. Close with a prayer like this…Dear Heavenly Father, we thank you for the gift of your Son, Jesus. Thank you for the unselfish love that Jesus gave to us when he died on the cross. Help us to strengthen our faith in you daily, and share the good news with others. And all God's people said…AMEN!

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Passion Story-Palm Sunday: Art Room -Grades 5-8

Objective: You will create "Wooden Rainbow Crosses" as you share the story of the Holy Week with a focus on the journey he made to Jerusalem for Passover, just before his arrest, trial, crucifixion and resurrection.

Supplies: Bible, pre-packaged art project, "Wooden Rainbow Crosses" from Oriental Trading. (http://www.orientaltrading.com)

Begin by welcoming your students to the class. Tell them that you will be sharing the story of Jesus' entrance into Jerusalem, which we call "Palm Sunday," as we remember the price Jesus paid for our sins.

Say: One day Jesus was walking with his disciples by a small village near Jerusalem. Jesus had a plan. He said to two of his disciples, "Go near the village and find a donkey and her colt. Untie them and bring them to me. If people wonder why you are taking them, say, 'The Lord has need of them,' and they will let you take the animals."

It happened just as Jesus said it would. The disciples found the donkey and colt and brought them to Jesus. Then they put on their robes over the animals and Jesus sat on them.

Many people gathered along the road to see Jesus. Jesus slowly rode through the crowd toward Jerusalem. Some people spread their cloaks on the road in front of him. Others cut branches from palm trees and waved them to welcome Jesus.

Crowds of people shouted, "Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!" They wanted the world to know that they loved Jesus and they wanted him to be king forever. Everyone waved and cheered and shouted to Jesus. What an amazing parade!

Jesus has done so many things that are worthy of praise. From miracles of healing, teaching us how to live and serve God, as well as being a righteous person. Jesus lived and died so that we may be set free. Let's create "Wooden Rainbow Crosses" to remember how we have freedom through Christ.

Follow the directions on the craft kit sheet for "Wooden Rainbow Crosses." When the students have completed their project, Say: God has shown us that it is important for us to live in harmony together. He loved us so much that he sent his Son to die to save us. We need to always remember what Jesus did for us, and honor Him by living our lives as he did, by serving the needs of others.

Let's pray together…Dear God, we thank you and we know you are always with us. We praise you for all that you give us. Help us to be messengers of the faith, as we live in harmony with one another, and to bring the good news of salvation to others. And all God's children said…AMEN!

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Passion Story-Palm Sunday: Movies - Grades 1-4

Objective: To share the story of Jesus' entrance into Jerusalem, his arrest, trial, crucifixion and resurrection by viewing the video, "The Easter Story."
[Exchange Volunteer notes: I had contacted the author of this lesson to find out more about exactly what video was used. Here is their response: "I cannot find what video that was. We are a little behind in getting our lessons on the web page and that one was from March of 2002. The only video we have in our possession that very possibly could have been used is "The Beginners Bible, The Story of Easter" by Time/Life Kids ISBN 0-7835-8489-X. It is also very possible, however, that we did borrow a video from either a neighboring church, our resource center, or from the public library. I do apologize for not being able to give more information."]

Directions: Begin the class time by welcoming your students.

Say: this month we are studying the Passion Story-with a focus on Palm Sunday. Today we will be watching a video called, "The Easter Story" as we learn more about the events that led up to the crucifixion of Jesus.

Begin the video. After the video ends, ask the following questions…

· Why did Jesus travel to Jerusalem? (Ultimately to fulfill scriptures-to be crucified & rise again)
· What festival was going on at the time? (Passover)
· Why were the Roman leaders so insistent on having Jesus killed? (They were jealous of his popularity with the people-and they were afraid of a revolt against the Roman Empire)
· Why didn't Jesus try to save himself? (He knew that his death would give us salvation, and he wanted to fulfill the will of his Father)
· How did the disciples feel after Jesus was crucified? (They were obviously sad, and also feared for their own lives, as believers in Christ)
· What did you learn from this video that you did not know before? (answers will vary)
Close with a word of prayer…Dear God, we thank you for the gift of your Son, Jesus. We praise you Jesus, for the unselfish love that you gave to us when you died for our sin, and we ask that you be with us as we share the good news of salvation with others. And all God's children said…AMEN!!

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Passion Story-Palm Sunday: Cooking - Grades 1-4

Objective: To share the story of the Holy Week with a focus on the journey he made to Jerusalem for Passover, just before his arrest, trial, crucifixion and resurrection. You will make salads and "King's Crowns" (cupcakes) as you discuss the story.

Supplies: Bible, romaine lettuce leaves, a teaspoon, plastic forks, ziploc bags, paper towels, sugar, croutons, cherry tomatoes (optional), cupcakes, frosting, plastic knives, M & M's.

Begin by welcoming your students to the class. Tell them that you will be sharing the story of Jesus' entrance into Jerusalem, which we call "Palm Sunday," as we remember the price Jesus paid for our sins.

Say: One day Jesus was walking with his disciples by a small village near Jerusalem. Jesus had a plan. He said to two of his disciples, "Go near the village and find a donkey and her colt. Untie them and bring them to me. If people wonder why you are taking them, say, 'The Lord has need of them,' and they will let you take the animals."

It happened just as Jesus said it would. The disciples found the donkey and colt and brought them to Jesus. Then they put on their robes over the animals and Jesus sat on them.

Many people gathered along the road to see Jesus. Jesus slowly rode through the crowd toward Jerusalem. Some people spread their cloaks on the road in front of him. Others cut branches from palm trees and waved them to welcome Jesus.

Crowds of people shouted, "Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!" They wanted the world to know that they loved Jesus and they wanted him to be king forever. Everyone waved and cheered and shouted to Jesus. What an amazing parade!

Jesus has done so many things that are worthy of praise. From miracles of healing, teaching us how to live and serve God, as well as being a righteous person. He is truly the light of the world. Let's now make a tasty salad, and show how we can honor Jesus.

Set out the romaine lettuce, paper towels, teaspoons, croutons, sugar, vinegar, plastic forks, cherry tomatoes (optional) and ziploc bags. You'll also need an extra leaf for each child.
Say: Let's imagine that we're living in the city of Jerusalem during Jesus' time. Jesus is coming today for the Passover feast, and we're all so excited! Let's run to the city gates to wait for Jesus. (Go to the other side of the room.)

Say: Look! There in the distance, we can see Jesus coming! He's riding on a donkey. Oh, how can we show Jesus he's important to us? How can we honor him? We can wave palm tree fronds! They're a symbol of victory. (Give each child a romaine lettuce leaf to wave.) Let's wave our pretend palms and say, "Hosanna! Hosanna! Praise God!" (Lead children in waving their pretend palm leaves.) Then say: Jesus has entered Jerusalem like a king! In fact, Jesus is the king of kings, and we want to honor and praise him.

Let's make our own salads; then we'll discover ways to honor God.

Using fresh lettuce leaves, assemble the salad. Toss the lettuce leaves kids waved outside for rabbits to munch.

When everyone has made a salad, read aloud John 12:13. Then ask: · Why did the people of Jerusalem honor Jesus? · How can we honor Jesus in our lives today?
Say: The people of Jerusalem honored Jesus on that first Palm Sunday by waving palm fronds and placing them in the road as Jesus entered the city. We can honor Jesus in our lives today by going to church, worshipping him, and being kind to others. Let's look for new ways to honor Jesus every day.

After the kids have eaten their salads, ask: What kinds of occasions do we celebrate?
Say: Jesus and his disciples were getting ready to celebrate the Jewish holiday called Passover. Two of Jesus' friends went to get a donkey. Jesus had told them where to find it. Jesus told them to tell the owner that the Lord needed it. Jesus' friends put their coats on the donkey's back. Then Jesus got on the donkey and rode toward the city of Jerusalem.

Give each child a cupcake. Have them frost it.

Say: Some people put their coats on the ground in front of the donkey Jesus was riding. (Have the children each add a "jewel" to their cupcakes, by using M & M's.) They waved their branches they had cut from palm trees. They laid them on the road in front of Jesus' donkey. (Have children add another "jewel"). They began to praise God with joy. They shouted, "Hosanna! And "Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!" (Have children add two more "jewels"). The people followed Jesus into Jerusalem. They praised God for all the wonderful things they had seen Jesus do. (Have children add another "jewel"). The people were celebrating Jesus as king. See the crown you've made during their celebration?
Ask: · What can we do to celebrate Jesus as king? Allow the students to eat their cupcakes and serve a cup of apple juice.

Close with a word of prayer…Dear God, thank you for sending Jesus as our king. We want to say, "Hosanna," and "Bless the king who comes in the name of our Lord."" And all God's children said…AMEN!

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