Palm Sunday, April 13

“With All Thy Heart” (Matthew 22:37)

When Jesus Christ entered Jerusalem on the last week of His life, a crowd of believers welcomed Him joyously, shouting “Hosanna” and casting palm leaves and even their garments on the ground in front of Him (see Matthew 21:8). While He was later teaching these followers in the city, the Savior was asked which commandment was the most important. His answer is found in Matthew 22:37–40:

Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.

This is the first and great commandment.

And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

Jesus Christ showed us that love for God and others is the greatest motivation for living a good and happy life. If we first seek to love God and Jesus Christ, everything else God asks us to do will be easier—including the commandment to love others.

Invitation: Pray for Greater Love

Welcome the Savior into your heart today, and prayerfully ask God to increase your love for Him and for your neighbor. Seek to feel how much you are loved by God and His Son, Jesus Christ. Offer quiet time to Him without distraction, even if it’s just five minutes. Let God show you how much He and His Son love you and, by extension, how much They love all of Their children.

Questions

• What did you experience as you prayed to feel the love of Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ?

• What does this experience motivate you to do for others?

Record Your Impressions

Video

The Lord's Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem

Song

“Oh, the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus,” Hymns—For Home and Church, no. 1015

Oh, the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus

Activity for Children

Download and print out this Easter Holy Week journal for children to draw and share thoughts about Easter each day this week.