SATURDAY, MARCH 28, 2026
THE TRIUMPHAL ENTRY OF THE CHRIST
BIBLE READING: JOHN 12:12-19; MARK 1:1-11; LUKE 19:11-44; PSALM 118:25-26
“Most of the crowd spread their coats on the road [as before a king], while others were cutting branches from the trees and spreading them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of Him, and those that followed Him, were shouting [in Praise and Adoration], “Hosanna to the Son of David
(Messiah); Blessed [Praised, Glorified] is He who comes in the Name of the Lord; Hosanna in the Highest [Heaven]!” When He entered Jerusalem, all the city was trembling [with excitement], saying, “Who is this?” And the crowds were saying, “This is the Prophet Jesus, from Nazareth in Galilee.” Matthew 21:8-11(AMP)
It is an Established Truth that the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ is undoubtedly the Very Essence of our Christian Faith. Tomorrow marks the Beginning of the Holy Week that heralds the Passion or Sufferings of Christ, a Week which is known as “the Passion Week.” This speaks about the week between Palm Sunday (which is to be celebrated globally throughout the Christian World tomorrow) and the Upper Sunday which is known as “Easter Sunday.”
During the Life and Ministry of the Lord Jesus, the Week began with His Triumphal Entry into the Holy City of Jerusalem, (Matt. 21:1-11) showcasing the Display of both His Strong Emotions and His Sufferings. One Key Aspect of Prophecy and the Jewish Expectation of the Messiah (1 Chron. 17:11-14) was fulfilled when the massive multitude shouted “Hosanna in the Highest Heaven!” (Matt. 28:9 AMP).
The Hallowed Term “Hosanna” originates from a Hebrew word which translates into the English phrase “save now” or “save us, we pray.” The First word mentioned in Psalm 118:25 is “Howosiah-na,” translated “Save us!” and the crowd’s use of this Powerful Word at the Lord Jesus’ Triumphal Entry was rather significant: They all waved palm branches since the entire Psalm 118 was associated with the Feast of Tabernacles.
By shouting out “Hosanna” as Jesus passed through the gates of Jerusalem and making reference to David and his kingdom, the Jews acknowledged the Lord Jesus as their long awaited Messiah. They had waited such a long time for the Fulfilment of Jacob’s Prophecy concerning Judah and the Davidic Covenant (Gen. 49:10; 2 Sam. 7) therefore their shouts of “Hosanna in the Highest” indicated the hope that their Messiah had finally arrived to set up God’s Kingdom in the face of Roman oppression (Lk. 19:11).
The Primary Reason Jesus rode into Jerusalem during His Triumphal Entry was to make public His Rightful Claim to the Throne of David as well as His Messiahship in Fulfilment of Old Testament Prophecy. Apostle Matthew explains that the King coming on the foal of a donkey was an Accurate Fulfilment of Zechariah 9:9: “Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! SEE, YOUR KING COMES TO YOU, RIGHTEOUS AND HAVING SALVATION, GENTLE AND RIDING ON A DONKEY, ON A COLT, THE FOAL OF A DONKEY. Jesus rode into His Capital City as the Victorious King and was hailed by the people as such in the manner of that day.
The streets of Jerusalem, the Royal City, were open to Him and, just like the King He has always been throughout Eternity, He ascended to His Palace. This was not a temporal palace but instead the Spiritual Palace that is the Temple because His is a Spiritual Kingdom (Lk. 17:20-21).
In the end, the Crucifixion, Death and Resurrection of Jesus were the Key Reasons for His Incarnation. This was the manner in which He would go on to make the Ultimate Sacrifice and save humanity. “Hosanna” teaches us that God has always had a Plan of Redemption and came through with it. God saves and redeems His Own Beloved Children. Whenever you are going through trials, hardships or sinfulness, understand that it is only God Who can save you. It is only through Jesus that we receive the Gift of Salvation and enjoy Real and Lasting Freedom and Eternal Life. Hosanna in the Highest!
PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, we magnify You for the Gift of the Old Rugged Cross through which our Place in the Commonwealth of Christ was restored. As we celebrate Your Ultimate Passion, we commit to a Partnership with You in finishing the Work You started at Gethsemane and the Cross in Jesus’ Mighty Name. Amen.
