“And a very great multitude spread their garments in the way; others cut down branches from the trees and strawed them in the way.
And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest. (Matthew 21:8-10 KJV)
In Matthew 21:8-10, we see the scene of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. This event marked the beginning of the end of Jesus’ earthly ministry and set in motion the events that would lead to his crucifixion and resurrection.
As Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, a large crowd gathered and spread their coats and palm branches on the road before him. This was a sign of honour and respect for a king or dignitary, and the crowd recognised Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah, the Son of David.
The people shouted praises and blessings, calling Jesus the one who comes in the name of the Lord. This phrase is a quotation from Psalm 118:26, a messianic psalm that speaks of the coming of the Lord’s anointed one. By using this phrase, the people acknowledged Jesus as the promised Messiah.
The people’s shouts of praise also included the word “Hosanna,” which means “save now” or “deliver us.” This was a cry for salvation and deliverance, and the people expressed their hope and expectation that Jesus would bring about the long-awaited liberation of Israel from their oppressors.
As Jesus entered Jerusalem, the city was filled with excitement and the people were stirred up in an uproar. They asked, “Who is this man?” The people had heard about Jesus and his teachings, but many had not recognised him as the Messiah.
This event was a powerful and public declaration of Jesus’ identity and mission, and it set the stage for the events that would unfold in the coming days.
In this passage, we see the people’s enthusiastic response to Jesus and their recognition of him as the long-awaited Messiah. However, we also see that not everyone understood or accepted Jesus’ identity and mission.
The coming days would bring conflict and opposition as religious leaders and political authorities sought to silence Jesus and his message.
As we reflect on this passage, we are reminded of the importance of recognising Jesus as the promised Messiah and placing our faith and hope in him. Just as the people in Jerusalem welcomed Jesus with praise and adoration, we too can celebrate and honours Him as our Lord and Saviour. So be it; we join our voices with the chorus of believers throughout history who have recognised Jesus as the one who comes in the name of the Lord and proclaimed him the King of kings and Lord of lords.
The Message Bearer, Cornelius Bella
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