Simply exploring more in each of the DIY resurrection eggs.

Egg one: Palm Branch – Messages

Verse – Matthew 21 v 8-9

A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted,

Ideas for activities –

Use branches outside to do semaphore  or make a pathway along the driveway with branches as a symbol of welcome.

Give your child/children a special piece of your clothing to wear for a short time.

Reflection –

When people waved palm branches and threw down their cloaks they were sending a message, just like the welcome message we waved out in semaphore or the red carpet that is rolled out for honoured people at special events.

Their message said – triumph, peace and victory. People recognised that Jesus was the great leader who would win the victory for them. They didn’t understand that this victory would look like Jesus dying on the cross and being raised to life but they did recognise him as the one who would bring them victory and peace.

Some of them put down their clothes for him to walk over. In Jesus time a person might only have one cloak (like a jacket) to wear so when they put this down it showed how very precious he was to that person. When we shared a piece of clothing it said to you – you are precious to me and I trust you with something precious. By throwing down their garments for Jesus to walk on people were showing how much honour and love they had for Jesus.

Here you could also talk about Korowai – the Maori cloak that is a symbol of mana, prestige and honour. People showed that Jesus was worthy of these qualities too. They honoured Jesus.

Prayer – 

Jesus as I think about Easter help me to welcome you with honour into my life. Thank you that you came to bring victory over sin and peace. Amen.

May we all come with fresh eyes to the story we know so well, may we let the truths soak deep down and take root, and may these truths breathe life into our daily comings and goings.

Resurrection Eggs One