“Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” Matthew 21:9
Picture this: Palm Sunday and the streets of Jerusalem are buzzing with excitement. Jesus, riding on a humble donkey, enters the city, just as the ancient prophecy foretold (Zechariah 9:9). The crowd erupts in cheers, waving palm branches and laying down their cloaks in a colorful carpet before Him.
But here’s the twist: while the people expected a conquering hero to overthrow their oppressors, Jesus had a different mission in mind. They shouted ‘Hosanna!’—a word bursting with praise and a plea—hoping for earthly deliverance. You see, the Israelites craved freedom from Roman rule. They remembered their history—the victories over enemies like the Babylonians and the defiant Maccabees. But Jesus had a bigger battle to fight.
Sure, Rome would fall eventually, but Jesus aimed higher. He came to vanquish a much greater foe: sin, death, and the darkness that enslaves every human heart. This wasn’t just about political power—it was about eternal salvation.
So, as we journey through Holy Week, let’s remember that Jesus is not just a king of earthly kingdoms but the Savior of our souls. His triumphal entry was just the beginning of a divine rescue mission that led straight to the cross and beyond.
If you’d like to go deeper, read the full story in Matthew 21:1-11
Put Yourself in the Story
What would it have been like to be in the crowd as Jesus entered Jerusalem riding by on a donkey? What are you hoping for? Are you seeking earthly solutions to your problems? Take a moment to think about what “Hosanna!” means to you.
Now, think about Jesus’ real purpose – not just to change things here on Earth, but to save us from sin and offer eternal life. How does His sacrifice on the cross bring hope and victory over darkness in your life?
Consider what you can do during Holy Week and beyond to follow Jesus’ mission. Maybe you could pray more, forgive others, or help those in need. Write it down, make a plan. Let Jesus’ story inspire you to bring hope and love to the people in your world.