Megabit 22 — March 31

Jesus Rides Into Jerusalem

On this day, a long time ago, our Lord Jesus came into the city of Jerusalem, and the people were so happy! This special day is sometimes called Hosanna, or Palm Sunday.

Jesus did not ride a big horse like a king in a parade. Instead, He rode on a gentle little donkey. It looked like a surprise, but it was not, because long before, God's messengers called prophets had said this very thing would happen. A prophet is a person God chose to tell people about things before they came true. One prophet named Zechariah said the King would come riding on a young donkey, so people did not need to be afraid.

Two of Jesus' helpers, called disciples, went ahead and found the little donkey, just as Jesus told them. They brought it to Him, laid their coats on its back, and helped Him up.

Then the people did a joyful thing. They cut down green branches from the trees and waved them. They even spread their own coats on the road, like a soft path for the King. The children sang the loudest of all. Everyone called out, 'Hosanna!' which is a happy word that means 'Save us, please!' They were thanking God for sending Jesus.

Do you know why the people loved Jesus so much that day? Just before this, His friend Lazarus had died, but Jesus called him out of the grave, and Lazarus came back alive and well. When people heard about this, they ran to welcome Jesus with shouts of joy.

Hosanna in the highest! Blessed is He Who comes in the Name of the Lord!— Matthew 21:9

Out of the mouths of children Thou hast prepared praise.— Psalm 8:2

Abba Cyril, the Teacher of Jerusalem

We also remember a kind and wise church father named Abba Cyril. He was the bishop of the city of Jerusalem, which means he cared for many churches and all the people in them.

Cyril grew up learning all about God in the Church, and he became a fine teacher. He loved his people and watched over them carefully, like a good shepherd who keeps his sheep safe.

In Cyril's time, some people taught wrong things about God. Cyril gently but bravely helped everyone learn the true and right way to believe. Because he stood up for the truth, some powerful men were unhappy with him, and twice he was sent far away from his home. But Cyril was not afraid. He kept trusting God, and kind friends helped him along the way.

After some time, a new king brought Cyril home again, and he was able to teach his people once more in peace. Cyril wrote many helpful books to help people understand God better. Some of his words even help us pray today.

Abba Cyril served God as a bishop for thirty-three years, and then he died peacefully, going home to be with the God he loved so much.