Thursday: Compassion

Pray: Begin by making the sign of the cross and calling upon God’s name.

From God to us, from death to life, from me to you …
in the name of the Father, and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Dear God, please send your Holy Spirit to inspire us as we study today. Teach us all that you would have us know, and draw us ever closer to you. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Listen: Pay close attention as the Bible story is read in the form of a rhyme.

Jesus smiled and rode along
On a donkey, young and strong,
As a joyful, happy crowd
Called to him in voices loud.

Waving branches in the air,
No one seemed to have a care.
For they knew that Christ had come
And he was God’s Holy One.

But some others were not glad.
They were even rather mad
As they heard the people shout.
These men wanted Jesus out!

Engage: Talk about the Bible by having parents respond to children’s questions.

Child: What happened on Palm Sunday was like a parade! Have you ever seen a parade? Why do you think the crowds were so excited that Jesus was coming?

Child: Why do you think there were some people that day who were upset when they saw how much the crowds liked Jesus? Have you ever felt jealous when someone received praise instead of you?

Affirm: Pray for God to put his Word into action in your daily life.

Holy God, like the crowds from long ago, we are so glad to have Jesus in our lives! Help us to remain faithful, and to stay true to him no matter what challenges we face. Give us joy in praising our Lord and honoring him as our hero. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

Have each person in the family bless one another with these words.

May Jesus fill you with joy!  Amen.