PALM SUNDAY, JESUS ENTERS JERUSALEM AMIDST SHOUTS OF “HOSANNA!”
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Praise is heartfelt worship to God. When we praise God, we draw close to Him and the enemy flees. It is our spiritual weapon. Jesus, our King of Kings, is worthy of all our praise. Praising Him gives Him the honor and glory due His name.
“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
The prophet Zechariah shared this prophecy about Christ the King five centuries before His incarnation. God’s master plan was already providentially unfolding, preparing for the Messiah’s arrival. He would be a just and righteous King, the One long awaited by Israel. He would be victorious in His resurrection, triumphing over sin and death. Satan and all evil would be defeated. He would become the Deliverer of all mankind.
Christ the Messiah was prophesied to be the “Prince of Peace” by the prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 9:6). God did not send Jesus to be an earthly king but a heavenly King. He would not come with force and might as a military ruler over a physical kingdom. His kingdom would be spiritual, reigning in the hearts of all believers.
Christ was prophesied to come riding upon 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, would usher in a kingdom of peace to the glory of God.
“The next day the great crowd that had come for the festival heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. “– John 12:12
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.
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. Jesus sends His disciples ahead to locate the colt.
“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
In fulfillment of prophecy, Jesus 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. Palm branches are symbols of victory used in celebrations in biblical times. 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 the King. Yet, within the week, many followers will change their tune. Shouts of exaltation to their King will become cries to crucify Him.
Let us not allow the world, or people in our lives, to cause us to turn away from our Savior. Let us offer Him our heartfelt praise. For He 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 sin… 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!
