Creator, Father, King #212

The crowds that went before him and that followed him were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!”

JESUS HAD BEEN TO Jerusalem many times before. But this trip would be much different. Before the week was over, Jesus would be arrested and killed.

When Jesus passed through the ancient gates, the whole city was bursting with people (thanks to Passover) and anticipation. In fulfillment of Zechariah 9:9, Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey’s colt—the eternal King on a humble mount.

The people laid cloaks on the road in deference to Jesus, waved palm branches, and joyfully danced around him, crying out, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” (today’s verse).

We call this the Triumphal Entry, although that’s a bit of a misnomer. Yes, there was huge excitement surrounding Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem. Many Jews rightly believed he was the long-awaited Messiah. But their expectations for his messianic role were greatly skewed. They were anticipating a political/military savior who would overthrow Rome and restore Israel’s independence. Once that didn’t transpire, they turned on Jesus.

Five days later, the crowd’s tone changed drastically. The joyful shouts of “Hosanna! Hosanna!” turned into bloodthirsty screams of “Crucify him! Crucify him!”

What’s It Mean?

What is your understanding of who Jesus is? Why do you believe he came to earth? How are you anticipating that he will work in your life? What are your expectations for being a Christ follower?

Your answers to these questions are vitally important. The crowd in Jerusalem prior to Jesus’ crucifixion answered these questions from their own assumptions and misguided teaching from wicked leaders (Matthew 27:20).

Don’t be like Jerusalem’s ancient crowd. Jesus doesn’t need to meet your expectations. You need to meet his. This means humbly trusting in him as your Savior from sins and following him as the Lord of your life.

Let God’s Son instruct you about his identity and purpose. Let God’s Spirit turn your heart toward him. Let Scripture build your faith.

Then you will truly be able to say, “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!”

Now What?

All four gospels record the Triumphal Entry. Check out the subtle differences in each version (Matthew 21:1-11; Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19:28-40; and John 12:12-19).

Did You Know?

Palm branches were a sign of Jewish patriotism, used in the Feast of Booths (Nehemiah 8:15), and were featured in engravings in Solomon’s Temple (1 Kings 6:32).