Most of the crowd spread their coats in the road, and others were cutting branches from the trees and spreading them in the road. The crowds going ahead of Him, and those who followed, were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David; Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest!” (Matthew 21:8-9)

The account of Jesus’ Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem is one of those passages many of us have likely read many times over the years. There is so much hope and excitement in the air. The people are waving their palm branches and shouting words of honor like “Hosanna to the Son of David,” and “Hosanna in the highest!” 

As I reread these verses, however, I wondered what does “Hosanna” actually mean? After some research, I learned that it essentially means, “save, we pray.” One commentator says it is the Hebrew equivalent of “God save the King.”

Several Old Testament passages, which would have been familiar to the crowd, reference leaders and kings riding into town on donkeys. Therefore, the crowd recognized that this man who rode into Jerusalem on the back of a donkey could be their Savior, their conquering King. They were likely thinking that if he could save them from Roman oppression, all would be well. They rallied around him, they whooped and hollered and let him know they were behind him 100%. 

However, those waving their palm branches and cheering as Jesus entered Jerusalem didn’t yet realize what was next in His story.  Jesus was not coming into the city to take a seat on an earthly throne, to rule by the sword and set them free from Roman rule and dominance.

Instead of sitting on an earthly throne, Jesus is going to hang on a Roman cross. 

Even still, Jesus is victorious. Just not in the way the crowd was expecting. He is going to have to surrender first. Surrender to the perfect will of the Father. That is going to take Jesus to the cross where He will offer His life in exchange for the sins of the people in the crowd. For your sins and mine, as well. 

Jesus is thinking of you as He enters Jerusalem. In what ways can you welcome Him into your heart this week as He prepares for His soon to be accomplished Victory over death?

Jesus, You indeed are our Conquering King. Blessed is He who comes to the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest.