Children’s Corner – Palm Sunday April 5th 2020

Lay Your Cloak Before Him

“A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road.” Matthew 21:8

When I was at the same age as most of you, I liked to read comic books. My favorites were the ones about superheroes – there was Superman, Batman, Spiderman, Wonder Woman, Supergirl and so on. One thing that many of these super heroes had in common was that they wore a cape. I, and my friends, used to enjoy pretending that we were Superman or Batman. We would tie a cape around our necks and run around the garden at home or the school playground with our arms outstretched, pretending that we were flying through the air. Have you ever done that?

In the day when Jesus lived, many people wore a garment called a cloak. It was a loose outer garment similar to the cape that the super heroes wore. It provided them protection against the harsh winds and blowing sand in the desert. It also provided protection from the hot desert sun. In our Bible lesson today, we will see a very unusual way the people used their cloaks.

Jesus and his disciples were walking toward Jerusalem and had stopped near a small village called Bethphage, on the Mount of Olives. Jesus sent two of his disciples to go on ahead into the village. He told them that when they got there, they would find a donkey and her colt which they were to bring back to him. Of course the disciples were a bit concerned because they imagined that these animals might belong to someone who might not appreciate having their animals taken. Jesus simply told them, “Tell them that the Lord needs them and they will send them right away.” So the disciples went into town and sure enough, there was a donkey and her colt. When they arrived back at the camp, the disciples took their cloaks and put them on the donkey to make a nice soft seat for Jesus. Jesus got on the donkey and headed toward Jerusalem.

When Jesus arrived in Jerusalem, a very large crowd gathered to welcome him. Some of them spread their cloaks on the road for Jesus to ride on, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. Why would they do that? They were treating Jesus like a king!

The Bible tells us that 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!”

The people greeted Jesus as a King that day. Today, Jesus wants to be your King — and he will be if you will allow him to come into your heart and rule over your life. Lay down your cloak to greet your King as he comes to you in love.

Please say this short prayer……..

Jesus, come into our lives and create in us a new heart. May we excitedly welcome you just as those that awaited your arrival in Jerusalem did. Thank you for being here with us. We praise you Lord! Amen.