Matthew 21
Explanation and Bible story for toddlers and preschoolers (ages 3-6)
The Explanation
Listen. Jesus was going to a big city. The city was called Jerusalem.
Jesus said to two friends, "Go to the village. There you will find a donkey. And a little donkey too. Bring them to me."
The friends went. And yes! There stood the donkey. They brought the donkey to Jesus.
Jesus climbed on the little donkey. And then something wonderful happened. So many people came! They were happy. So happy!
The people took off their coats. They laid the coats on the road. Like a soft path for Jesus. Others broke branches from the trees. Green branches. They waved them in the air.
And they shouted. Louder and louder. "Hosanna! Hosanna! Hurray for Jesus!"
The whole city heard it. Everyone looked. "Who is that man on the donkey?" they asked.
The people called back, "That is Jesus!"
What Does This Mean?
Jesus is a King. But not a King on a big horse. Not a King with a golden crown. Jesus is a gentle King. He rides on a little donkey.
And do you know what is so special? The children were there too. They also shouted, "Hosanna! Hurray for Jesus!"
Some grown-ups became angry. They said, "Jesus, do you hear those children? Tell them to be quiet!"
But Jesus smiled. Jesus said, "No. Let them sing. I love it when children sing for me."
The Common Thread
Long, long ago, God made a promise. God said, "One day a King will come. A gentle King. On a little donkey."
And now He was there. Jesus. The King that God had promised.
Jesus came for the big people. Jesus came for the small people. Jesus came for everyone who was sick. In the city He made the blind see again. He made the lame walk again. Jesus is that good.
For You
You may sing for Jesus too. Just like the children back then.
You do not have to be big. You do not have to be able to do difficult things. Jesus loves it when you sing. Jesus loves it when you say, "Hurray for Jesus!"
Maybe you can do it right now. Softly, or nice and loud. Clap your hands. Or wave, like the branches waved back then.
Jesus hears you. Jesus really hears you. He is happy when you sing for Him.
Talk About It
Would you like to wave a branch for Jesus too? What would you shout?
Jesus came on a little donkey. Do you think that is a strange King, or a nice King?
Praying Together
Dear Jesus,
You are a good King. You came on a little donkey. The children sang for You. I want to sing for You too. Hurray for Jesus!
Amen.
Questions about Matthew 21
Short answers for anyone reading about this for the first time.
What is Matthew 21 about?
What does Matthew 21 say?
What does Matthew 21 teach us about God?
What can toddlers learn from Matthew 21?
Why is Matthew 21 an important Bible story?
What others discovered
I go, sir," but he didn't go. Notice how respectful it sounds. No argument, no excuse, a warm yes that costs nothing. But the father wasn't asking for agreement, he was asking for a day in the vineyard. Where have you told God yes and never actually left the house?
Looking for something for slightly older children?
We also have dedicated versions for elementary age (7-12) and teens (12 and up).
Open in the Children's Bible tool
Philippines
Nigeria
Zimbabwe
India
Zambia
South Africa
Malawi
Kenya
Indonesia
DR Congo
Ghana
Nepal
Cameroon
Mozambique
Benin
