The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted,
“Hosanna to the Son of David!”
“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”
“Hosanna in the highest heaven!”
Mathew 21:6-9 (NIV)
Step into the vibrant scene of Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem, where the atmosphere bustles with excitement and anticipation. The crowds press in, waving palm branches and laying down their cloaks as Jesus rides in on a donkey. Amidst the throng, the air echoes with the fervent cries of "Hosanna," a word poignant with meaning and emotion. It's more than just a jubilant shout. It's a profound declaration of praise and surrender, encapsulating the hopes and dreams of the people as they welcome their long-awaited Messiah.
Understanding "Hosanna" as Praise:
The cry of "Hosanna" reverberates through the
Easter narrative, carrying centuries of longing and anticipation among God’s
Chosen People. Derived from the Hebrew "hoshia na," meaning
"save us, we pray," these titles of praise began as a plea for
deliverance. Yet, as Jesus entered Jerusalem, the crowds infused new meanings –
an adoration for the One they believed would bring salvation. This shift
reflects the evolution of faith itself, from a cry of desperation to a song of
triumph.
In our lives today, "Hosanna" serves as a reminder
to lift our voices in praise, even during life's hardest challenges. Just as
the crowds hailed Jesus as their Messiah, as Christians, we also acknowledge
His sovereignty and goodness. Therefore, we offer Him our heartfelt worship and
reverence. Through songs and prayers of thanksgiving, we align our hearts with
His purposes and declare His Lordship over every aspect of our lives.
The Vitality of "Hosanna" in Easter:
As Easter approaches, the cry of "Hosanna" takes
on added importance. It becomes a symbol of Jesus' ultimate triumph over sin
and death, as He rides into Jerusalem to fulfill God's redemptive plan. His
sacrificial death and glorious resurrection pave the way for our salvation,
offering us the promise of new life in Him. This Easter, let us join in the
chorus of "Hosanna," exalting Jesus as our Savior and King, who
reigns victorious over death through the resurrection.
In interactions with others, we can share the joy of Easter
by proclaiming the good news of Jesus' resurrection and inviting others to
experience His love and grace. Through acts of kindness and expressions of
compassion, we can embody the transformative power of "Hosanna" in our
communities, bringing light and hope to those in need. Thus, we can be the
hands and feet of Jesus in these expressed acts of sacrifice!
Surrendering in Praise:
The cry of "Hosanna" underscores the profound
connection between praise and surrender. As the crowds welcomed Jesus with decrees
of amazement, they laid down their cloaks and palm branches before Him,
symbolizing their willingness to surrender all to His Namesake. In a similar
manner, we are called to surrender our lives to Jesus, trusting in His
unfailing love and grace to guide us.
In our daily walk with Christ, let us surrender all to Him,
trusting in His unfailing love and grace to guide us through life's many uncertainties.
Through prayer and meditation on God's Word, we can cultivate a spirit of
surrender, laying our hopes, fears, and dreams at the feet of Jesus. In doing
so, we find true freedom and peace, knowing that He is faithful to fulfill His
promises and lead us into an abundant life now here on Earth and in heaven’s
future place.
Eternal Joy Through "Hosanna":
As we embrace the truth of Jesus' victory over sin and
death, we are filled with a deep and abiding joy that cannot be shaken by the
trials of life. This joy becomes a beacon of hope to those around us, shining
brightly in a world darkened by despair and uncertainty.
As we meditate on the profound meaning of
"Hosanna" this Easter season, may our lives be a living testament to
His redeeming love. Easter then becomes a time of renewed commitment to worship
and surrender, as we exalt Jesus as the one who saves and reigns forevermore.
In Him, we will find true fulfillment, eternal joy, and everlasting hope.
We can embody the spirit of "Hosanna" by starting
each day with a prayer of gratitude and praise, acknowledging God's goodness
and faithfulness. As families, we can create intentional moments of worship and
praise together, whether through reading Scripture, singing hymns, or sharing
testimonies of God's faithfulness. We can model surrender and humility in our
interactions with one another, practicing forgiveness, grace, and compassion,
just as Jesus demonstrated on the cross. Additionally, we can extend the joy of
Easter to our communities by serving others in visible ways, such as reaching
out to our neighbors in need.
Happy Easter to everyone who reads this blog entry! I pray
that you soon experience the hope and joy of shouting “Hosanna” in your own
lives.
You can view many sources of my own personal joy in these pictures of my family this Easter season.
(Annabelle and Jace laugh hysterically about sharing each other’s food. We are still working on teaching them to share toys.)
(Jace poses for a picture with the Easter bunny at a local church egg hunt.)
