John 12:13

What Does John 12:13 Mean?

This was the day we now call Palm Sunday – the day Jesus rode into Jerusalem just days before His crucifixion. The crowd waved palm branches, which in that culture was a way of honoring a great king or hero. “Hosanna” is a Hebrew word that means “save us now!” They were welcoming Jesus as the promised King of Israel! Even though many in the crowd didn’t fully understand what kind of king Jesus was, they recognized that something tremendous was happening.

Hero Challenge

The crowd praised Jesus loudly and joyfully! Sometimes praise gets stuck in our heads and never comes out of our mouths. This week, practice bold praise – sing a worship song out loud, say “Thank You, Jesus!” with real enthusiasm, or write a poem or drawing that celebrates who Jesus is to you.

Did You Know?

Hundreds of years before Jesus rode into Jerusalem, the prophet Zechariah predicted this exact event – that the king would come riding on a donkey, humble and gentle (Zechariah 9:9). Jesus chose to ride a donkey instead of a war horse to show that His kingdom is built on peace and humility, not military power. The crowd’s palm branches and shouts fulfilled an ancient prophecy at that very moment!

Ages 4-6: Little Hero Question

The crowd shouted “Hosanna!” which means “Save us!” What do you love most about the way Jesus saves and helps people?

Ages 7-9: Growing Hero Question

The crowd welcomed Jesus as a king. What kind of king do you think Jesus is – and how is He different from the kings and leaders in today’s world?

Ages 10-13: Champion Question

The same crowd that shouted “Hosanna!” on Sunday would shout “Crucify Him!” a few days later. What does this teach us about basing our faith on feelings versus a committed relationship with God?