Hosanna!

Today’s Bible Reading:  Numbers 34-36, Mark 11

Topic: Worship

SCRIPTURE:  Mark 11:7-10

   

⁷ Then they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their clothes on it, and He sat on it. ⁸ And many spread their clothes on the road, and others cut down leafy branches from the trees and spread them on the road. ⁹ Then those who went before and those who followed cried out, saying:

      “ Hosanna!
      ‘ Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD!’
       ¹⁰ Blessed is the kingdom of our father David
      That comes in the name of the Lord!
      Hosanna in the highest!”  (Mark 10:29-30 NKJV)

OBSERVATION:

In our previous readings from the book of Mark in past few days (Mark 1-10) we may have noted that as Jesus went about ministering to people, performing healings and miracles and signs and wonders, His popularity among the general population had grown while, at the same time, the scribes and Pharisees had grown to despise Him all the more. Because of their jealousy, pride, arrogance and hate-filled hearts, the Jewish religious leaders and teachers of the Law had grown increasingly antagonistic toward Jesus. As we come to Mark 11, this is where we find the historical Jesus—loved and adored by the people—hated and despised by the established religious leaders.

When we read and visualize this scene (vv. 7-10) of Jesus riding into Jerusalem on a donkey (a fulfillment of Messianic prophecy), it is hard to imagine that in less than a week’s time He would be crucified and buried in the tomb. This is the event we celebrate on Palm Sunday as we recount the incident of the adoring crowds worshipping and honoring Jesus with shouts of “Hosanna” and the waving of palm branches. “Hosanna” is a word of exaltation and adoration. It was shouted by the multitudes in worship and recognition of Jesus as the Messiah and King. One week later, on what we celebrate today as Easter Sunday, Jesus would rise victoriously from death, hell and the grave.    

APPLICATION:

May we always be on the side of those worshipping and adoring our Lord and Savior, and never slip into the error of making religion replace relationship with Him. 

PRAYER:

My Lord and Savior, the Christ, the Messiah, I join in worship, praise and thanksgiving to You. Hosanna in the highest! Amen.  -AP