THE TRIUMPHAL ENTRY OF THE MESSIAH
“Most of the crowd spread their coats on the road [as before a king], while others were cutting branches from the trees and spreading them on the road.." Matthew 21:8-11(AMP)
BIBLE READING: JOHN 12:12-19; MARK 1:1-11; LUKE 19:11-44; PSALM 118:25-26
The Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ is surely without doubt the Very Essence of our Christian Faith. This coming week, that heralds the Passion or Suffering of Christ is known as the “Passion Week” (or Holy Week). This speaks about the week between Palm Sunday (which will be celebrated globally throughout the Christian World tomorrow) and Easter Sunday. During the Life and Ministry of Jesus, the Week began with His Triumphal Entry into the Holy City of Jerusalem (Matt. 21:1-11) which showcased the Display of both His Strong Emotions and His Sufferings. One Major Aspect of Prophecy and the Jewish Expectation of the Messiah (1 Chron. 17:11-14) was fulfilled when the large crowd shouted "Hosanna in the Highest Heaven!" (Matt. 28:9 AMP).
The Sacred Term "Hosanna" is derived from a Hebrew word meaning “save now” or “save us, we pray.” The First word mentioned in Psalm 118:25 is "Howosiah-na," translated “Save us!” and the crowd’s use of this Powerful Word at the Lord Jesus' Triumphant Entry was rather significant: They waved palm branches since the whole of Psalm 118 was associated with the Feast of Tabernacles. By shouting out “Hosanna” as Jesus passed through the gates of Jerusalem and making reference to David and his kingdom, the Jews acknowledged the Lord Jesus as their long-awaited Messiah. They had waited such a long time for the Fulfilment of Jacob's Prophecy concerning Judah and the Davidic Covenant (Gen. 49:10; 2 Sam. 7) hence their shouts of “Hosanna in the Highest” indicated the hope that their Messiah had finally come to set up God’s Kingdom in the face of Roman oppression (Lk. 19:11).
The Primary Purpose of Jesus riding into Jerusalem during His Triumphal Entry was to make public His Rightful Claim to the Throne of David as well as His Messiahship in Fulfilment of Old Testament Prophecy. Apostle Matthew declares that the King coming on the foal of a donkey was an Accurate Fulfilment of Zechariah 9:9:
“Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your King comes to you, Righteous and having Salvation, Gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.”
Jesus rode into His Capital City as the Conquering King and was hailed by the people as such, in the manner of that day. The streets of Jerusalem, the Royal City, were open to Him, and just like the King He truly is, He ascended to His Palace. This was not a temporal palace but rather the Spiritual Palace that is the Temple because His is a Spiritual Kingdom (Lk. 17:20-21).
In the end, Jesus’ Crucifixion, Death and Resurrection were the Key Reasons for His Incarnation. This was the manner in which He would go on to pay the Ultimate Debt and save humanity. "Hosanna" teaches us that God had a Plan of Redemption and came through with it. God saves and redeems His Own Beloved Children. Anytime you are going through trials, hardships, or sinfulness, understand that it is only God Who can save you. It is through Jesus that we receive the Gift of Salvation and enjoy Real and Lasting Freedom and Eternal Life. Hosannah in the Highest!
PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, we exalt You for the Gift of the Old Rugged Cross through which our Place in the Commonwealth of Christ was restored. As we celebrate Your Passion, we commit to a partnership with You in finishing the Work You started at Gethsemane and the Cross in Jesus' Mighty Name. Amen.