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219. The Triumphal Entry

Psalm 118:22-29; Matthew 21:1-11; Mark 11:1-10; Luke 19:28-40; John 12:12-19
Key Verse: "O Lord, save us; O Lord, grant us success. Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord. From the house of the Lord, we bless You."
Psalm 118:25-26

"Hosanna" means, "Save us, we beseech You!" The people were quoting, actually shouting, Psalm 118:25-26, as Jesus entered Jerusalem. Those who were cheering it must have believed that Messiah had come.

They came because of the miracles. They came because He had raised the dead. They came and cheered because He had given them hope.

They waved palm branches because it was the Jews’ national symbol of freedom. It would be done in the way that we wave our American flag today at the 4th of July parade. They were making a political statement that the oppression by Rome would soon be over. And the Romans probably knew what it meant. That's why the religious people were so afraid of this "protest march!"

They did not understand the meaning behind the colt, or if they did, they didn't believe it. What other way besides war could there be to shake off such a cruel, tyrannical ruler. They believed what they wanted to believe. They threw their cloaks down on the road as a sign of honor to their new king and they cheered, "Hosanna, save us, we beseech You!"

The leaders understood the danger. "Keep them quiet! Do you want to bring the wrath of Rome down on us?"

"I tell you," Jesus replied, "If they keep quiet, the stones will cry out." (Luke 19:40) Even though the celebration was actually further misunderstanding, as the events of the week would prove, Jesus wanted it to continue. After all, He really was their king and He really had come to save them. They just didn't know the price that he would pay for their freedom.

How like us the people were. We think we've hit easy street and conquered all when, in reality, we don't yet know the sacrifice that will be asked and the price that will be paid. But rejoice, our King goes before us, riding on a colt to bring us to victory. "Hosanna, save us, we beseech You!" He has heard and He has promised that He will.

Hymn: "Hosanna"

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