This last Sunday, the one before Easter, is known as Palm Sunday and it marks the beginning of the “Passion Week” or “Holy Week.”The week began as Jesus entered Jerusalem riding on a donkey. He was given a King’s welcome as He came. People waved palm branches and spread their clothes in His path ... and they shouted a peculiar plea: “Hosanna!” It would be the last time that Jesus would enter Jerusalem.
He angrily turned over tables in the temple courts this week. The last supper and Jesus washing the disciples’ feet took place this week. His anguished prayer in the garden of Gethsemane, His trial, beating, and finally the crucifixion occurred this very week.
While the people shouted “Hosanna!” at the beginning of the week, they shouted “Crucify Him” by the end. While He was given a King’s welcome, He was given a criminal’s death.
“Hosanna” in its Old Testament context, expressed the pain and despair of the people; a crying out for revolution and deliverance. It was a plea for salvation, meaning "Save Us!" or “Deliver Us!”
Today, “Hosanna!” is also an affirmation that God has acted, finally and decisively. It is a constant reminder of the saving work of the Lord Jesus Christ. Because we know He is the true King of all creation, we invite Him to take His rightful place in our lives. Let our lives serve as a living testament that He have delivered us from sin and death!
"Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest! (Matthew 21:9)
