Two Stories

PHOTO CAPTION: Easter is almost here.



With Easter coming this Sunday, (and also because I am behind in blogging) I decided to do something different this week and make this a whole child blog. 
There are two stories this week. One to share with your child about Palm Sunday and the other story is about how Jesus’ washed His disciples feet. I hope you enjoy these stories and enjoy sharing them with you preschooler. Hopefully, since this last week has been very busy, I will still find time to blog about Easter too.

SHARE A STORY: Jesus’ Praise Parade – Matthew 21


Clip, clop, clip clop went the donkey, – 
(Pat knees with hands.)

That Jesus rode on that day.

Eagerly the children watched, – 
(Hands by eyes looking for someone.)

As Jesus came their way.

They knew that Jesus loved them. – (Give self a hug.)

He was their special friend.
 – (Sign for friend – hook index finger together.)
He said, “Let the children come to me.”

And He welcomed and blessed them. – (Use hands to beckon welcome.)

A BIG crowd had gathered, – (Stand up.)

On both sides of the road,

Spreading their coats and palm branches, – (Wave palm branches)

They praised Jesus as He rode.

It was a very special day,

Just like a big parade.

The people shouted, “Hosanna!” – (Shout, “Hosanna!”)

What a happy sound they made!

Even the children shouted, – (Say, “Hosanna! Yeah, Jesus!“)

“Hosanna!” to Jesus their friend, – (Shout, “Hosanna!”)

Joining the happy celebration,

They shouted their praise to Him.- (Say Yeah, Jesus!)

Jesus wants us to praise Him. – (Say Yeah, Jesus!) 

You can praise Him too. – (Point outwards with hand.)

Praise Him by saying, “Thank you, –

(Hand by mouth, bring down to touch other hand.)

Yeah, Jesus! I really love you.” – (Place hands on heart.)



Who loves you? God loves me. Jesus loves me. What can you do? I can praise Jesus.



PRAYER:

Dear God, 

Thank you for loving me and sending Jesus. I love you. I’m glad that you are always with me and that I can praise you. Amen

KNOW: Many people praised Jesus.
TALK ABOUT: How can I praise Jesus?
AND DO:
* Turn on some praise music and dance around the room with your preschooler. It’s fun to

PRAISE IS POWERFUL
One of may favorite verses is Psalm 8:2 “Through the praise of children and infants, you have established a stronghold against your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger.”
 I believe that even small children can express genuine praise to God and that praise is powerful. It silences the enemy.

Children express praise to God in a variety of ways – they can sing and dance to praise music and they can express praise simply by being who God created them to be. As they learn and grow, I believe that God sees and delights in their growth just like a loving parent.

PARENT PRAYER:

Dear Jesus,

Thank you for coming to earth and for loving us enough to die for our sins. Because of your forgiveness and love, I can praise you and be in relationship with you forever. It’s easy to praise you, when good things are happening and when things are going my way, but help me to remember that you came not to be king here on earth, you came to be king forever and ever on earth and in heaven. More than anything, I believe you want to be king in our hearts. I know your ways are best. You know what is best for me. Thank you for leading and guiding me everyday, even when I don’t understand what is going on in this world or my life. Even in hard times, I know you are with me. Teach me and teach my family to praise you all the time and to love and serve you with all our hearts. Come, be king in my heart. Amen

STORY: Jesus Washes Feet – Matthew 26:17-29
Jesus wanted to have a special dinner with His friends because He knew that very soon He would be going back to heaven. (Point upwards.) He wanted His friends to know how much He loved them. (Give self a hug.) When everything was ready, Jesus and His friends gathered to eat. (Pretend to eat.)

Jesus said, “I really wanted to eat this special dinner with you today.” Then Jesus took a towel and poured water into a large bowl, (Pretend to pour water into a tub or bowl.) and washed all their dirty, smelly feet. (Pretend to wash someone’s feet.) Their feet were stinky and dirty because they had walked dirty, dusty roads all day, but Jesus washed their feet anyway. He washed His friends’ feet because He loved them and wanted to help them. (Give self a hug.) He wanted them to know that they could love and help others too. Helping others is called serving.

Jesus wants you to know that He loves you too. He wants to be your forever friend. Even though you can’t see Jesus, you can talk to Him. He loves to hear what you say. God sent His Son Jesus to the world to forgive us and be our friend. Let’s say, “Thank you Jesus for being a very good friend.” and let’s remember to be good friends and help others like Jesus did.

PRAYER:
Dear God,
Thank you for sending Jesus to the world to be my friend forever. Thank you, Jesus, for loving me and being my friend. I want you to be my friend forever. Amen

KNOW: Jesus loves me and wants to be my forever friend.
TALK ABOUT: Friends. Loving, helping and serving others.
ASK: Who wants to be your forever friend? Jesus. 
How did God show His love for us? He gave us Jesus. How did Jesus show His love for His friends? Washed their feet.


AND DO: I can love and help others because Jesus loves me.



MEMORIZE: John 3:16 – (Hands open like holding a book.)
God – (Point up.)

So loved – (Give self a hug.)

The world – (Make w’s with fingers & roll hands around each other.)

That He gave – (Extend hands out like giving.)

His only Son – (Pretend to rock a baby.)