Let Us Cry...Hosanna!
Mark 11:1-11 New International Version (NIV)
Jesus Comes to Jerusalem as King 11 As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples, 2 saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and just as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. 3 If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ say, ‘The Lord needs it and will send it back here shortly.’” 4 They went and found a colt outside in the street, tied at a doorway. As they untied it, 5 some people standing there asked, “What are you doing, untying that colt?” 6 They answered as Jesus had told them to, and the people let them go. 7 When they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks over it, he sat on it. 8 Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches they had cut in the fields. 9 Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted, “Hosanna![a]” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”[b] 10 “Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!” “Hosanna in the highest heaven!” 11 Jesus entered Jerusalem and went into the temple courts. He looked around at everything, but since it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the Twelve.
Monday - March 29
Growing up I always remembered Palm Sunday as a day of celebration. We heard the story about Jesus riding into Jerusalem like a peaceful king. We shouted “Hosanna” and waved palm branches, just like the people in the story. But that day must have been filled with mixed emotions for Jesus. In Mark 8, 9 and 10 he predicted his impending death would come in Jerusalem. When he entered the city all the people were filled with joy, but he knew what was coming later that week. He knew he would be betrayed, arrested, humiliated, abandoned, rejected, and crucified. The crowd did not understand what their words meant. Yes, Jesus came in the name of the Lord. Also, “hosanna” is a Hebrew word that means “God save.” It is a cry for help and mercy. Let us cry “Hosanna” and receive the king who died for us!