Hosanna

Mark 11:1-11; Psalm 118:25-26; Matthew 21:9, 15; John 12:13

The term "Hosanna" means save now and is derived from the Greek form of the Hebrew phrase "hoshana" or "hosanna" (Zondervan's Pictorial Dictionary P. 861). In Psalm 118:25, the term "Hosanna" save now is a prophecy of salvation through Christ's sacrificial death. This prophecy was fulfilled on Calvary's cross. The term later became an expression of praise which is what the people were shouting.

During Jesus' triumphal entry into to Jerusalem He was met by a throng of people saying, "Hosanna; Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord: Blessed be the kingdom of our father David, that cometh in the name of our Lord: Hosanna in the highest" (vv 9-10). The crowd failed to understand the purpose of Jesus coming to earth, which was to provide salvation through His death and Resurrection. The crowd wanted Jesus to restore Israel to national prominence and rule the nation, but this wasn't His time to establish His earthly kingdom. This same crowd turned on Jesus and cried "Crucify him" when their wishes weren't fulfilled. One week they praised Jesus and days later they pleaded for Pilate to kill Him-our Savior (Mark 15:12-14). Man's fickleness is unlike God's faithfulness. Christ is worthy of continued praise.

Comments are welcome Author's contact: wwhite@goodshepherdwritingandpublishing.com http://willie-writing.blogspot.com Follow me on Twitter and Facebook.com