Mark 11:1-11 · Mark 14:12-26
The Triumphal Entry Bible lesson for kids
A complete The Triumphal Entry lesson plan for Sunday school or homeschool — one version for each age band, from preschool to preteen. Pick the section that matches your kids and teach.
Preschool & Kindergarten
Ages 4–6
Objective
Children will know that Jesus is a humble King who came to save and give himself for us.
Opening question
How would you welcome a good king?
Tell the story
Read Mark 11:1-11 and Mark 14:12-26 together. Jesus sent two disciples to get a young donkey, and everything happened just as he said. Jesus rode into Jerusalem while people spread garments and branches on the road and shouted, “Hosanna!” Later, Jesus shared bread and a cup with his disciples to show that he would give himself for many.
Hands-on activities
Donkey Road Parade
Materials: A towel or small blanket, Paper, Crayons
- Place the towel on the floor as a road.
- Draw simple branches on paper.
- Wave the paper branches while walking beside the road.
- Take turns pretending to be the donkey, the disciples, and the welcoming crowd.
- Call, “Hosanna!” and explain that it means “save us” or “help us, we pray.”
- Sit quietly and say, “Jesus is our humble King.”
Color the Humble King
Materials: Our free printable coloring page, Crayons or washable markers
- Give each child our free printable coloring page.
- Find Jesus, the donkey, and the welcoming crowd.
- Color the donkey while saying, “Jesus came humbly.”
- Color the branches while saying, “The people welcomed Jesus.”
- Draw a small heart near Jesus to remember his love and sacrifice.
- Display the finished pages together.
Talk about it
- What animal did Jesus ride?
- What did the people do when Jesus entered Jerusalem?
- How did Jesus show love at the supper?
Closing prayer
Jesus, help us welcome you as our humble King and remember your love.
Early Elementary
Ages 6–9
Objective
Children will explain how Jesus showed humble kingship and connected the Last Supper with his coming sacrifice.
Opening question
What might surprise you about a king riding a young donkey?
Tell the story
Read Mark 11:1-11 and Mark 14:12-26 together. Jesus knew where his disciples would find a young donkey, and he entered Jerusalem riding it while people spread garments and branches before him. The crowd cried, “Hosanna!” and welcomed the kingdom connected with David, but Jesus arrived without a war horse or army. Days later, he blessed and broke bread, shared the cup, and taught his disciples that he would pour out his life for many.
Hands-on activities
Follow the King Story Path
Materials: Six sheets of paper, Pencil, Tape, A towel
- Write donkey, garments, branches, crowd, temple, and supper on separate papers.
- Tape the papers around the room as a path.
- Read Mark 11:1-11 together.
- Walk the path and act out each word when you reach it.
- Place the towel on the donkey station as the disciples placed garments on the animal.
- Move to the supper station and summarize Mark 14:22-24.
- Repeat the path and name one thing each scene teaches about Jesus.
Two Signs of Jesus
Materials: Our free printable coloring page, Crayons, Pencil
- Look closely at our free printable coloring page.
- Color the scene using peaceful colors.
- Circle the donkey and explain that Jesus came as a humble King.
- Draw bread and a cup in an empty space on the page.
- Write, “Jesus is King” beside the donkey.
- Write, “Jesus gave himself for many” beside the bread and cup.
- Share the page with a partner.
Talk about it
- Why do you think Jesus chose to ride a young donkey instead of entering with an army?
- What did the crowd mean when it shouted, “Hosanna!”?
- How can we stay faithful to Jesus when other people are not cheering for him?
Closing prayer
Jesus, help us trust you as King and follow your humble, sacrificial way.
Upper Elementary & Preteen
Ages 9–12
Objective
Children will connect Jesus’ humble entry and Last Supper to courageous, steady faith in everyday relationships.
Opening question
What kind of leader deserves your loyalty when following that leader becomes unpopular?
Tell the story
Read Mark 11:1-11 and Mark 14:12-26 together. Jesus deliberately entered Jerusalem on a young donkey, and the crowd welcomed him with garments, branches, and cries for salvation. He went to the temple, looked around, and returned to Bethany with the Twelve when evening came. At the Passover meal, Jesus spoke honestly about betrayal, gave the disciples bread and the cup, and explained his coming sacrifice and the new covenant.
Hands-on activities
Kingdom Choice Cards
Materials: Scrap paper, Pencils, Two bowls or cups
- Label one container Worldly Power and the other Jesus’ Way.
- Write everyday choices on paper, such as taking credit, serving quietly, joining gossip, defending someone, getting revenge, or forgiving.
- Fold and mix the choice cards.
- Draw one card at a time.
- Place it beside the container that best matches the choice.
- Explain each decision using the themes of kingship, humility, and sacrifice.
- Choose one action from Jesus’ Way to practice this week.
Symbols and Commitments Page
Materials: Our free printable coloring page, Colored pencils or crayons, Pencil
- Study our free printable coloring page before coloring.
- Mark details that show celebration, humility, and kingship.
- Color the scene while considering why Jesus entered without military power.
- Add small drawings of bread and a cup in the margin.
- Write one sentence connecting the donkey with humility.
- Write one sentence connecting the bread and cup with sacrifice.
- Finish this statement on the back: “I will follow Jesus when it costs me by…”
- Share only what you feel comfortable sharing.
Talk about it
- How does Jesus challenge common ideas about power and leadership?
- Why might public excitement be easier than steady faithfulness?
- What could humble courage look like at school, online, or among friends?
Closing prayer
Jesus, give us courage to follow your humble way and remember your sacrifice.