b'1501UnnddeerrssttaannddIItt!!UThe Sunday before Easter is called Passion Sunday, or Palm Sunday. On that day we remember when Jesus entered Jerusalem as a king. At church we receive palm branches. The people in this Bible story from Matthew used palm branches to welcome Jesus. They realized that Jesus was the promised savior, called the Messiah. So they praised him when he rode into Jerusalem. They greeted JesusSTORY Matthew 21as the son of King David, as their king.The people had prayed for a king who would lead them in a fight for their freedom. They thought Jesus would be that kind of king. But Jesus did not come to lead a battle. He did not ride on a horse like a warrior. He rode a lowly donkey. He saved us not by fighting but by giving up his life.Live It!MakeyourownPraiseGodbookmark.Cut a heavy sheet of paper in the shape of a bookmark. Decorate it with a palm branch like the one shown here. Write Praise be to God! on it and keep it in your Bible. Whenever you see it, remember to praise God for sending his Son, Jesus.Tell It!1 2 3 4Using the pictures above, retell this story in your own words.smp.org800-533-8095 | 52026 Elem Catalog_FN.indd 5 2/3/26 1:53PM'