Just before the Passover celebrations, Jesus and his disciples entered the city of Jerusalem though Jesus knew he would be crucified, die and resurrect. Revelation says he has the keys to death and hades meaning he has the authority to consign to death and eternal death or not. He chose to enter Jerusalem, the city of his death on a donkey to fulfill prophecy quoted in Matthew 21: 5, “Say to Daughter of Zion, ‘See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey.’”
In excitement to receive him, Matthew 21: 8-11 says, a very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Hosanna in the highest heaven!” When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this? The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”
Why the shout, Hosanna!
Hosanna means in Hebrew, “save us, we pray” or “save now”. It was derived from Hashish Na. There was some urgency for freedom from Roman rule for the Jews at the time, hence this expectation from Jesus to carry the mantle for the people had seen his indomitable power and connection with God. Of course it had long been prophesied in Isaiah 42: 7, he came to free captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness. Those who witnessed Jesus deliver many from both physical and spiritual afflictions, had literal rather than spiritual meaning of scripture. Are you saved by Jesus?
Don’t capitulate from Jesus
The disciples entered Jerusalem with Jesus knowing he would be crucified. Some of us depart from Jesus for very uncomfortable reasons yet he does not leave us. Jesus said in Luke 9: 62, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.” By sin and betrayal, we are not fit for the service of the kingdom. Jesus finished the race with a good fight and so did Paul and the disciples except Judas Iscariot. Paul took a cue from Jesus so wrote in 2Timothy 4: 7, I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race. I have kept the faith. Jesus said in Revelation 2: 10, be faithful to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown. Will we go with Jesus on his final journey?
Christ Jesus is the key to life
The disciples and many others went with Christ Jesus on his last journey knowing he had the keys to life and death. Revelation 1: 18 says, I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades. Jesus also said in John 14: 6, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. We may be on our last journey in life and we need Christ Jesus’ company because of the victory in his blood. Only Jesus holds the key to life and death and hereafter. Galatians 6: 7 says, do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. What is our wish to Jesus on this journey, life or death? Who holds the keys to our lives in eternity?
Ride with Christ Jesus in humility
Jesus rode to Jerusalem not on a horse or chariot but on a donkey. To fulfill prophesy, it is quoted in Matthew 21: 5, “Say to Daughter of Zion, ‘See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey.’” The donkey symbolized humility, peace, service and gentleness. These were what Christ Jesus stood for, hence Jesus crowned his life’s journey with humility. What is or will be our mark or legacy to the world? Are we as lowly as Jesus was even as God in human form on earth? Do we exude the symbol of the donkey as Jesus the creator and saviour of the world did in spite of all his authority and power?
Be truly excited about Christ Jesus
In excitement to receive Jesus, Matthew 21: 8-11 says, a very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowd did not count the cost in expressing their joy but were satisfied to lose what they priced for Jesus their king. What have we spent for Jesus with joy? Or do we spend on Jesus grudgingly with reluctance and complaints? The crowd’s excitement was moved by the Holy Spirit in clear gratitude. Are we elated to receive Christ Jesus into our hearts with gratitude? May our prayer be: Lord, how can we truly appreciate you, not counting the cost?
Shout Hosanna to Lord Christ Jesus
The crowds shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Hosanna in the highest heaven!” Those who said so were the true believers; those expecting to be delivered; those who simply joined the crowd; and the mockers of Christ Jesus. The four categories of people in the parable of the sower in Matthew 13: 3-23 were: the seeds that fell along the path; seeds that fell on rocky places; those that fell among thorns; and seeds that fell on good soil. Where do you truly belong? Shouting Hosanna as true believer (good soil)? Or expecting miracles (thorny soil)? Or joining the crowd (rocky soil)? Or mocking Jesus (along the path)? Jesus said in Luke 8: 17, for there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open.
Is Christ Jesus our prophet?
When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this? The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.” Christ Jesus was more than a prophet: God incarnate who came to save his people. Jesus asked in Matthew 11: 9; Luke 7: 26, what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. Many are still inquiring about Christ Jesus all over the world. What is our answer to shouting “Hosanna to the Son of David!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Hosanna in the highest heaven!” Jesus is not a mere prophet but more than a prophet. May our shout “Hosanna” resonate in the highest heaven as the truth from our hearts as we celebrate Jesus’ triumphant entry to Jerusalem to die for us! Blessed be his holy name!
Prayer
Dear Lord Jesus, we shout this day “Hosanna” in acknowledgement that you are the redeemer and savior of our souls. We join the highest heaven with joy in our hearts that you are our blessed king. Make your triumphant entry into our hearts and make our Hosanna true and pure from our hearts. Ride in majesty into our hearts, Lord Jesus to save us. We pray in your holy name, Amen!!
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