a Palm Sunday lesson plan

It is HOLY WEEK. Oh how I love this week! There are now so many ideas as to how to make it more holy in our own homes. I have personally gathered so many over the years that I hope have helped infuse Jesus into the hearts of our family. Today I want to share a Palm Sunday lesson plan from my sister.

But first let’s watch a video. Because this video makes me tear up to watch as I ponder what that Holy Week symbolizes: new beginnings. That no matter where we are, or who we are, or what we do, God loves us. And is always there. Always.

Palm Sunday Lesson Plan

This particular Holy Day, Palm Sunday, is perhaps one of the favorites for Lucy and me. So I just wanted to share part of my sister Saydi’s Easter document she put together with a couple friends that has helped us celebrate it. (I can take no credit…that sister of mine is incredible).

Start by reading these scriptures:

Matthew 21: 1-11; Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19:28-44; John 12:12-36

Ideas for Discussion:

Discuss the symbolism of palm branches (see Dorothy D. Warner, “Exploring: Palms for the Lord,” Friend, March 1996 for a reference).

I love this one: Discuss what your family might do to show your joy if Jesus were to come to your home today.

Discuss the meaning of the word “Hosanna” (see Bible Dictionary).

Discuss the expectations Jesus’ followers had for him as their King, compared to the way the week ended—with his suffering and death. As our savior, Jesus’ role is to meet our needs not our expectations. How has the Atonement been more or different than what you expected it to be?

Share a personal example of a time you were like these disciples who expected Jesus to be their political savior, but in fact his mission was as their Redeemer from sin and death. How has your understanding of Jesus’ role in as the Savior changed over the past several years?

Activity Ideas:

Make Palm Branches using cardboard (for spines) and green paper. Act out the triumphal entry. Characters include: Narrator (reading from Mark 11: 1-11), Disciples) sent in search, Christ, Donkey colt, Donkey’s owner(s), disciples shouting “hosanna.”

Watch the LDS Bible video of the triumphal entry.

Choose a resurrection Hymn or a sacrament hymn to learn during the week (there is so much beauty in the lyrics of music!). Talk about the lyrics and sing it each day together.

Sending out all my love

May these ideas help to help infuse Jesus and what happened during Holy Week into your own family.

Sending out some Holy Week love today. I feel so grateful to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ and what it means in my life, personally for me. So overwhelmed with gratitude.

Other Holy Week helps

• My church has some pretty beautiful ideas to help celebrate this week as well.
• How to Make Holy Week more Holy
• How to Hold a “Stations of the Cross” Walk