Hosanna

Four days before Passover, Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey. It was the day of preparation, when Jewish fathers presented a spotless lamb to their household for inspection and the Father was presenting His perfect Lamb to the world. They cheered, laid down their garment to honour Him, saying, ‘Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’”  Matthew 21:7, 9.  Hosanna means “Lord save us”, but it was a political cry for liberation from Roman oppression. However, Jesus didn’t come to fulfil their political hopes but to fulfil the Father’s plan. He came to break the power of sin, not just the power of Rome. 

We are told that about the time that Jesus came in from the east side, Pilate was coming into Jerusalem from the west, riding a horse, flanked by soldiers, so there were two processions that day. Two kings. Two kingdoms. One represented earthly power, the other divine humility. One came to crush rebellion against the state, the other to atone for rebellion against God.

This historical moment is also a picture of our two options for how. The man on the horse represents human strength, control, and dominance. The man on the donkey represents God’s way—humility, surrender, and spiritual authority.

In a crazy world, we hope for great leaders who can “save us” or at least do something to bring the kingdom values of righteousness, peace and love to our land. But there can be no kingdom without the King. He must establish a kingdom in us before establishing a kingdom around us. The people wanted a revolution, but Jesus came to bring redemption; to change hearts, not just the government. Pilate’s kingdom would last a few more decades. Jesus’ kingdom has endured for over 2,000 years and will never end.

So friend, who will we cheer and trust in?  The secular state, world leaders, or Jesus. Paper tigers whose kingdoms will crumble, or the Lamb who rules forever? Choose your king. Choose your kingdom. I say, “Follow the One on the donkey even when He confronts our sin instead of our enemies. Let's lay down our cloak. Lift our voices and say. “Hosanna!: Save us,”  Save us from ourselves, not just our circumstances.