Jesus Is Obedient

Upper Elementary

Lesson Palm Sunday
Spring 2026
By: RLD Editorial Team
March 29, 2026

Lesson Focus:

Become humble and obedient to God’s will.

Bible Basis:

Mark 14:32-65; 15:16-18

Materials Needed:

Step 1:

Internet access

Step 4:

Internet access
Paper
Pen/pencils

Summary & Links:

Students will watch a video about obedient dogs and one that has a mind of its own to introduce them to the lesson topic on becoming obedient to God’s will.

Kids definition of obedience

Kids definition of humble

Memory Verse:

And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!
—Philippians 2:8

Students will watch a video about obedient dogs and one that has a mind of its own to introduce them to the lesson topic on becoming obedient to God’s will.

Materials Needed:

Internet access

What does it mean to be obedient? (Students may say obedience is doing what someone else says, complying with an order, or following instructions.)
Think of a time when you were obedient. What happened? (Answers will vary. Students may talk about obeying a parent, a coach, or a teacher.)

Listen to this definition of obedience: “Willing to do as told by someone in authority: willing to obey.” Being able to submit to authority and follow orders are important qualities for students, employees, and people in general.

Let’s watch a short video showing obedience in action.

Share the following video [0:24]: Most obedient dogs in the world

Do you know any dogs who could exhibit this level of obedience? (Accept all reasonable responses.)

Even if these dogs wanted to chase the toys, approach their owner, or follow the other dogs, they chose obedience over giving into distractions.

Have you ever felt distracted from obedience by your own desires? (Allow students to discuss and share a few personal experiences; be prepared to share your own age-appropriate experiences.)

A dog’s obedience is based on good training, its breed, the master’s control, and the individual temperament of the dog. But our obedience as humans can have many different motivations, including fear, respect for authority, and a desire for peace. Jesus set an example of extreme obedience. Let’s look at what the Bible shows us about His humility and obedience.

Looking for Steps 2 & 3?

You can find Steps 2 and 3 in your teacher’s guide. To purchase a teacher’s guide, please visit: Bible-in-Life or Echoes.

Materials Needed:

Internet access
Paper
Pen/pencils

If your class is meeting online, invite students to bring supplies with them to class.

Jesus was obedient to His Father. He came to Earth as a Man and did everything His Father asked of Him, including dying on the Cross for sins. The definition of humble is “not regarding others as inferior, not overly proud, and low in rank or condition.” We can become humble and obedient to God’s will, too. Ask a volunteer to read today’s memory verse (Philippians 2:8).

What are some ways you can follow Jesus’ example of humility and obedience? (Answers will vary. Students may talk about following God’s commands in the Bible, putting other people before themselves, saying no to temptation, following God’s path for their lives, etc.)

Distribute supplies (or invite students to have them ready at home). If you know Jesus as your Savior, you can become humble and obedient. Draw a circle in the middle of your paper. Write the word “Obey” inside the circle. Draw lines coming out from your circle like spider legs. At the end of each line write one way you can obey God such as “Tell the truth,” “Do what is best for others,” or “Respect my parents.” As you write, ask God to help you be humble and obedient like Jesus.

You may want to play [3:20]: “I Will Obey” by Britt Nicole during this activity

What are some ways you could be humble and obedient to God’s will in your life? (Encourage your students to identify at least one way they will fulfill this objective each day over the next week. Some ideas you might want to share with them as they look to be obedient and humble: Help siblings with homework; obey by doing your chores; serve by helping make (or clean up from) dinner; look out for the interest of others by not hogging the TV remote or fussing about viewing options; etc.)

Jesus humbled Himself in obedience to die for our sins. Remember that you can follow Jesus’ example and become humble and obedient to God’s will.

Let’s pray and thank Jesus right now for being an example to us of humility and bringing us salvation through His obedience.

Close in prayer.

David C Cook COVID-19 Response

Upper Elementary