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As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, 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. If anyone says anything to you, say that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.” This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet: “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.’” The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 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!” When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?” The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.” Matthew 21:1-11

The Greatest Victory Parade

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

What do a July 4th parade, a Thanksgiving parade, a Christmas parade, and even a Super Bowl victory parade all have in common? They celebrate something!

A long time ago, on a Sunday, there was a very different kind of parade for Jesus. It didn’t have marching bands or big floats, but people were shouting praises and making a special procession for him. They laid palm branches and coats on the road in front of Jesus to honor him. But why?

The Bible tells us in Matthew 21:4-5, “This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet: ‘Say to Daughter Zion, see, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey.’” The people shouted praises because they recognized Jesus as their King!

But what kind of king was he?

Jesus rode into Jerusalem as a gentle king. He didn’t come to take power or force people to follow him. Later that week, he wore a crown of thorns, not gold. He came to pay for the sins of the world, not to demand anything from us.

Jesus is a very different kind of king. He loves you even when you don’t always listen. He rules all things for your good, even when you think you know better. Sometimes we try to make up our own rules—that’s called sin, and sin must be punished.

Here’s why we can praise Jesus just like the people in that parade: Jesus is a king who came to serve, not to be served.

• As your King, he serves you through his Word and sacraments.


• As your King, he watches over you and protects you.


• As your King, he rules over everything for your good.


• And most importantly, he paid the price so you can be with him forever in heaven.

Next time you see a parade, think of Jesus. Think of the greatest victory parade when he rode into Jerusalem as your King—and then went to the cross to win the victory over sin, death, and the devil.

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank you for being our humble King. Forgive us for the times we don’t want to follow you. Help us listen to you and trust that you are always caring for us and protecting us. Thank you for winning the victory over sin and death! Help us praise you with our words and actions every day. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

• What did Jesus ride into Jerusalem? Why did he ride that way?


• Jesus is your King. What does he do for you as your King? (Protects, cares, serves, guides, forgives—anything you can think of!)

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Make a list of all the things Jesus does for you as your King.


• How can you show your gratitude to Jesus? (Pray, obey, tell others, love people, share God’s Word.)

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Why is it comforting to know that Jesus is your King?


• Why does Jesus want you to follow him? (Because he loves you and wants what’s best for you!)

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