JESUS ENTERS JERUSALEM AMIDST SHOUTS OF “HOSANNA!”
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“Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your King comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” – Zechariah 9:9
Imagine the scene… Palm Sunday – just prior to the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ. As Jesus nears the end of His earthly ministry, He sets out toward Jerusalem with His disciples. He knows what lies ahead for Him. His sacrifice will change the world. His perfect life will be a ransom for all who believe… a complete forgiveness for all sin – past, present and future. His blood will pay the price for our salvation with a life laid down of His own accord.
The prophet Zechariah shares this prophecy about Christ the King five centuries before His incarnation. God’s master plan of the ages is providentially unfolding. The Messiah will be a just and righteous King, the One long-awaited by Israel. He will be victorious in His resurrection. He will be the Deliverer of all mankind, triumphing over sin and death, Satan and all evil.
“The next day the great crowd that had come for the festival heard that Jesus was on His way to Jerusalem.” – John 12:12
Great crowds have arrived to celebrate the Passover. Many are looking for Jesus, having heard of His miracles. Their hope is that He will be their Messiah King who will overthrow the oppressive Roman rule.
Yet God did not send Jesus to be an earthly king but a heavenly King. Christ the Messiah is prophesied to be the “Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). He will not come with force and might as a military ruler over a physical kingdom. His kingdom will be spiritual, reigning in the hearts of all believers.
Christ is prophesied to come riding on a donkey colt. Horses were instruments of war. In contrast, the foal of a donkey is the fitting mount for the One on a mission of peace. The promised Messiah, heir to David’s throne, will usher in a kingdom of peace to the glory of God.
“Go into the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt beside her. Untie them and bring them to Me.“ – Matthew 21:2
Jesus sends His disciples ahead to locate the colt. In fulfillment of prophecy, He sits upon the mount and enters the streets of Jerusalem. The jubilant crowds gather, waving palm branches before Him and laying cloaks in His path. In biblical time, palm branches were used in celebrations as symbols of victory. As the victorious King makes His entry, the people shout His praises…
“Hosanna to the Son of David!”
“Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!”
“Hosanna in the highest heaven!” – Matthew 21:9
“Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!” – Mark 11:10
“Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!”
“Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” – Luke 19:38
“Blessed is the King of Israel!” – John 12:13
Hosanna! – Save now! – is a cry of praise and adoration. The Pharisees are indignant at this triumphal entry of Jesus. They pressure Him to rebuke His followers who are shouting these extravagant claims. Jesus responds…
“I tell you, if these become silent, the stones will cry out!” – Luke 19:40
On this Palm Sunday, all creation recognizes its King. Yet within the week, many followers will change their tune. Shouts of exaltation to their King will become cries to crucify Him.
Jesus, our King of Kings, is worthy of all our praise. Praising Him gives Him the honor and glory due His name. Let us offer Him our heartfelt praise. Let us not allow the world or people in our lives to cause us to turn away from our Savior.
For our Redeemer is the One who is worthy… who gave His all to make us worthy. We were wandering… He rescued us. We were lost in our sins… He saved us. We were destined to die… He gave us eternal life.
Let us allow Him triumphal entry into every area of our lives. Let us exalt Him as our Lord and Savior. Let us sing praises to His holy name. For He reigns as our Prince of Peace… ruling in our hearts by His Holy Spirit. Hosanna to the King of Kings!
† Eternal Takeaway – Praise to Jesus, King of Kings, the prophesied Messiah †
