The Triumphal Entry — Bible story for kids

Jesus and his disciples were traveling toward Jerusalem. When they came near Bethphage, by the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples ahead.

“You will find a young donkey tied near a doorway,” he told them. “No one has ever ridden it. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks why, say, ‘The Lord needs it and will send it back soon.’”

The disciples went into the village. Everything was just as Jesus had said. A young donkey was tied beside a doorway. As they untied it, some people asked what they were doing. The disciples answered as Jesus had instructed, and the people let them go.

They brought the donkey to Jesus. The disciples spread their cloaks over its back and helped Jesus sit on it. Then the little procession began to descend the Mount of Olives toward Jerusalem.

A great crowd came to meet him. Some people carried palm branches. Others spread their cloaks and leafy branches across the road. They welcomed Jesus like a king, but he did not ride a proud warhorse. He came gently, riding a young donkey.

People walked ahead of him and behind him. Their joyful voices rang out: “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”

Soon Jerusalem came into view across the valley. The city’s walls and temple stood before them. Yet while the crowd cheered, Jesus wept. He knew that many people did not understand the way of peace. “If only you had known the things that make for peace,” he said.

Jesus entered Jerusalem and went into the temple. He looked carefully at everything around him. By then it was late, so he left the city with the Twelve, including Peter, and went to Bethany.

A few days later, the disciples prepared the Passover meal. Jesus sent two of them into the city. Just as he had promised, they found a large upstairs room ready for them. There they prepared the meal.

That evening, Jesus came with the Twelve. While they ate, he told them that one of them would betray him. The disciples became sad. One after another, they asked if he meant them.

Then Jesus took bread. He gave thanks, broke it, and gave it to his disciples. He told them to take it, for it represented his body. Next he took a cup, gave thanks, and passed it to them. They all drank from it. Jesus said the cup represented his blood, poured out for many as the blood of a new covenant.

Peter and the other disciples did not yet understand all that was about to happen. The cheering crowd would not stay beside Jesus through the difficult days ahead. But Jesus knew. He was giving himself to rescue others and bring true peace.

After singing a hymn together, Jesus and his disciples went out toward the Mount of Olives.