Hosanna!

The next day the great crowd that had come for the festival heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, “Hosanna!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Blessed is the king of Israel!” Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, as it is written: “Do not be afraid, Daughter Zion; see, your king is coming, seated on a donkey’s colt.” At first his disciples did not understand all this. Only after Jesus was glorified did they realize that these things had been written about him and that these things had been done to him. - John 12:12‭-‬16 

Palm Sunday. The day we celebrate Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem as the Lord of Lords and the King of Peace. He began his last week on earth riding on a donkey, being praised and hailed as a king.

But do you realize? The people who were praising Jesus like a king, with palm branches were the same ones who turned against him a week later. It’s all because they had the wrong idea about him. They thought the Messiah would be a national leader who would restore their nation to it’s former glory… They were blind to Jesus’ real mission. Jesus did not come to fulfill those hopes of theirs.

As you are celebrating palm Sunday today, think. Who and what exactly are you celebrating? What are you placing your hope in?

Who is Jesus to you? How much has he impacted your life? Do you see him as someone he’s not? Are you placing him inside a little predictable box? Shaping him into what suits you? Because he is so much more than that, you know.

That’s the fun part of this journey we’re on, though. At least, it is to me. Our knowledge and understanding of God is ever growing. It was like that for the disciples too.

It was only after Jesus was glorified, the disciples finally understood the prophecies they had missed along the way. They were able to see how Jesus led them into a deeper understanding of the truth about him.

Now, think about your life. Think of the events that led you to where you are now. How has God led you here? How has God shaped your hopes? Do you think, when you are older, you will be able to see God’s hand in your life even more clearly? Will you be able to understand even more?

Take this time to reflect. Think of Jesus entering into his last week on this earth. Think of what it is he came to do. Think of how it has shaped you. What you place your hope in. Think of how God has touched your life. How he has led you where you are now. Think of how much he is teaching you and helping you understand. And shout. Shout:

“Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the King!!!”