No Greater Love: A King Who Loves Us

Have you ever watched a parade? Maybe there were people cheering, waving flags, and shouting with excitement. Palm Sunday was kind of like that!

The Bible tells us in Matthew 21:1–11 that Jesus rode into the city of Jerusalem on a donkey. Big crowds gathered around Him. They spread their cloaks on the road and waved palm branches in the air. They shouted, “Hosanna!” That means, “Save us now!”

But here’s something surprising:
Jesus didn’t ride in on a big war horse like other kings. He rode on a donkey.

Why?
Because Jesus is a different kind of King.

Long before this day happened, God had made a promise. In Zechariah 9:9, the Bible said the King would come “gentle and riding on a donkey.” Jesus was showing everyone that He is the promised King—and that He is gentle.

Jesus didn’t come to boss people around. He didn’t come to make Himself rich or famous. He came because He loves us.

The people shouted happy words on Sunday. But later that same week, many of them would turn against Him. Even though Jesus knew that would happen, He still rode into Jerusalem.

Why would He do that?
Because of love.

Jesus knew He was going to die on the cross. He knew it would hurt. He knew people would be unfair and mean. But He came anyway. He came to save sinners like us.

The Bible says in John 15:13, “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.”

That’s what Jesus was getting ready to do.

Palm Sunday reminds us that our King loves us. He is strong—but He is also gentle. He is powerful—but He is also kind. And He chose to come to us, even when it meant going to the cross.

So what does Jesus’s love mean for you? Learn more at keysforkids.org/goodnews.

Think About It:

• Why do you think Jesus rode a donkey instead of a horse?
• How does it make you feel to know Jesus chose to come and save you?

Pray:

Jesus, thank You for being our gentle King. Thank You for loving us so much that You came to save us. Help us trust You and follow You. Amen.