Text: Matthew 21:1-11, Revelation 7:9-10
Intro
In this week of Jesus’ triumphal entry, betrayal, trial, crucifixion, burial and resurrection, we will find that the Holy Scriptures are rich and ample to narrate history and rend our hearts for the love of our Savior.
So often in our studies together, we seek to allow the scriptures to enter our hearts and ask, “What does this mean for me?” This is one important way to read scripture. But for this Holy Week, let’s allow our hearts to enter into the text – to live and breathe these real and historical events – and ask the Holy Spirit to teach us through it.
This is the story of Jesus. Let us be wrecked, be changed, and find ourselves in humble worship of our Savior.
Day 1: Hosanna!
We see moments, memories, and our days in these tiny singular scopes – as they are happening, how we are feeling, and what we are seeing. We go about both our day-to-day lives and our spiritual lives encompassed in the here and now, because our Father made us that way – human.
In the flesh. In the moment.
Paul, in 1 Corinthians 13 describes this as seeing someone in a mirror dimly lit, but eventually we will see the whole thing – like looking at one another face to face.
I try to picture Jesus, fully man and fully God, looking at that crowd crying, “Hosanna!” He had the ability to be all in that moment and to receive their feeble worship, but He also had the scope of eternity through which to view this moment. He knew the pure worship of the angels from His heavenly Kingdom and He could have (even then) perfectly described the day when He will eventually receive our pure worship at His return.
When they cried “Hosanna” (which means, “Save us!”), as they threw their cloaks down and as the donkey’s feet trod across the palm branches, only He knew the full weight of what they were asking.
Only He knows the full weight of what we need when we cry out to Him today.
We can only imagine the beautiful and loving way He considered His children even then, even as He knew what was ahead – even as He knew that their cries of “Hosanna” would turn to cries of “Crucify Him!” in a matter of days.
I wonder: from His seat on the donkey, did His mind go to that blessed day to come when we will stand before Him in white robes, His bride – all nations and tribes and colors and generations, proclaiming and declaring that our salvation did indeed come from Him?
For now, to know Him better, the best we can muster is to look behind and look ahead based on what His Word tells us – like we are looking at His face in a dimly lit memory-filled mirror. And yet, we can be assured – just like He did thousands of years ago as He walked to Jerusalem to take part in the events that would utterly change the course of history – when we cry “Hosanna! Save us!”, He will.
When our hearts betray us like the crowds eventually betrayed our Lord – He still saves.
Hosanna in the highest! Salvation belongs to our God.
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42 thoughts on "hosanna!"
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What a great way to devote time to God by grasping more fully the Holy Week! Just reading today’s devotional excited me for more, and opened my heart to understanding the precious price of calling out Hosanna!
My heart is very tender, we celebrated palm Sunday yesterday, and sang a wonderful song in the choir, and I thought this was just going to be another Monday, til I read: "Only He knows the full weight of what we need when we cry out to Him today." It makes me cry. I just lost my mother a couple weeks ago …
Sue :-),
You have beautifully expressed what I could not. Thank you!
When our hearts betray us like the crowds eventually betrayed our Lord – He still saves.
~this reminder warmed my tired heart. Thank you❤
Today I looked at the Bible on television and, of course, today's scripture reading is the self same story that appeared on television. Every time I read about the passion of Christ, I often wonder where I would have been in the crowd. I think I would have been one of those who came to see Jesus when I heard word that he was coming my way. I think that I would have fervently listened to what he had to say. After hearing him, I think I would have returned home and mulled over in my mind all I had heard. I think that every time, he came close to where I was living, I would have gone to hear him again and again. I think, at some point, I would have started to believe in his words. If who I am now is who I might have been during Christ time on earth, I know that I would have kept my thoughts to myself for the most part, only speaking with people who were of like mind, Would I have gone to see the terrible suffering he endured on the day he died? I don't think so, but I do know this. As I weep silently whenever I read or see a film rendition of those horrible events, I cry. Then I remind myself that what he did, he did for me and then I cry some more. I cry because he suffered so much, and I cry because he loved me so much. Within my tears are the salt of sorrow and joy.
"The salt of sorrow and joy." Beautiful thought, MamaRose. Jesus spoke of us as salt in the world and as such our tears for the things that break the heart of God in the world or the things that bring choruses of celebration in heaven work to connect us to each other. This week brings both as we journey together. Blessings on you!
I imagine our Savior entering the city on the back of the donkey, His face filled with such Love & compassion for these people crying out to Him! How amazing is that Love!! Knowing that what is to come will unite Him with His Bride-to-Be! Lord, may I long for You as You long for me (or at least as much as my frail human flesh is able to). Blessed is He who comes in the Name of The Lord!
“When our hearts betray us like the crowds eventually betrayed our Lord – he still saves.”
That excerpt made me think of 2 Timothy 2:13 – “If we are faithless he remains faithful because he can not deny who he is.”
How reassuring it is to know that our faith is not in our faith, but in the faithfulness of God! Hosanna in the highest!
Carolynmimi, your description was so thought provoking! I do think He saw each one of our faces that day as only an Omnipotent God could do! I think He saw our sinful souls and then a picture of our redeemed souls. Then Love poured out of Him in His blood on the cross for us! I’m overwhelmed by My Savior’s love!!
Just started this study. So blessed by it already!
I have a big problem sticking with anything when it comes to Bible reading. WIll you ladies pray for me? That I will stick with this study each and every day. I want God to work in my heart! And I know the only way for that to happen is to be in His word and talking to Him daily.
Welcome Bethany. Hang in there with this group and you will be blessed. I certainly have been.
Bethany, you are in prayer that you meet your goal this wee.
Thank you so much for this study. I’m glad I’m doing it with wonderful women. God bless you all.
Something I learned a few days ago during Songs of Ascent continues to resonate with me: Jesus endured this week and the cross not only because He loves us so much, but because He obeyed God. I believe He did see you and me, and millions of other lost sheep, during that parade into Jerusalem. God's will sacrificed Jesus, in the most painful way under Roman law, FOR US. As Madeleine said above "We can never meet Him and stay the same" – and this is the reason why. He knew what was coming but at the same time, He saw His Lord – our Lord – and obeyed. He saw US, and all of our sin, and CHOSE LOVE.
Lord, thank You. Lead my heart into these scriptures this week and allow me to meet You where You want me. Hosanna in the highest!
Only He knows the full weight of what we need when we cry out to Him today. Oh thank You, jesus, for knowing even more what I need than i do. it can be so hard when we see in that dim mirror sometimes, but we must remember that You know best.
When our hearts betray us like the crowds eventually betrayed our Lord – He still saves. thank You for continuing to save me over and over again!
the NLT translates Hosanna as "Praise for the Son of David." that struck me today and I just had to say, "thank You, god, for jesus!"
I’ve never fully understood Palm Sunday before today and I am in awe. I am thankful for this study and all you ladies whom I get to share in this with!
I hadn’t realized “hosanna” means save us. I’d thought it was a praise like hallelujah. So this is a truly amazing and sobering thing isn’t it, that He knew what faced Him even as the crowd –probably thinking He was somehow going to free them from Rome–shouted in excitement.
I wish that I could be a fly on an old stone wall…or even a wee JuneBug hidden by the dusty road just inside the walls of Jerusalem on that joyful day! To be among the throng. To hear the shouts of "HOSANNA" called out to Jesus. To gaze at his face. Full of grace and love. Our Savior. Hosanna in the highest. I anticipated and celebrate the day when I will be able to cry out to him face-to-face, "Hosanna! Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.”
I second Sue's words, what an emotional study and week to come! Thank you for this, Raechel.
What an emotional study and week to come! It evokes in me all kinds of things…thankfulness, tears,love, amazement for all Jesus went through for us! Us that's You and Me and to think he knew what was to come….oh how humble that makes me feel! So lets embark on this week feeling all these things and more for we have a God who loves us enough to send his son so we might be reconnected with him!
What does this mean to me? Well simple that he has come to save me even when i didn't deserve to be save even, when i said i love him but my action despise him he still love me unconditionally with grace. God i thank you for this amazing grace! HOSANNA! to the King of all Kings! Who shall reign forever!!
“This is the story of Jesus. Let us be wrecked, be changed, and find ourselves in humble worship of our Savior.”
Yes, when I think about it in real, how-it-might-have-been, terms for our Lord and ponder, “What did He think? What did He feel?” as He headed closer and closer to the cross, it absolutely wrecks me.
Definitely in humble gratitude & worship this morning. Help me, Lord, to live continually in that posture and not get caught up in wordly distractions.
God bless, ladies, as we journey through this Holy Week!
Amen…looking forward to traveling together
The choice of scripture passages for today's devotional as we enter Holy Week evoked a sharp pang within and made me wonder about Jesus own thoughts on the day of His final entry into Jerusalem UNTIL HE COMES AGAIN!
As Jesus approached Jerusalem, riding on the foal of a donkey, what did He see? A crowd gathered to greet a conquering King, the curious looking for a glimpse of this "prophet", miracle worker from Galilee, enemies, gathering intelligence to use against him, true followers, or a multitude in need of a savior–what did Jesus see?
As He road slowly past, cloaks thrown on the ground, palm branches raised in tribute, did his eyes scan the crowd, locking eyes with those who would arrest and kill him, bestowing kind glances at the women who with the twelve had faithfully followed and cared for Him. Did He look at the disciples, knowing among them were betrayer, denier, deserters, who would leave Him alone before His accusers? What did Jesus see?
Did His eyes look forward in time and find you and I, SRT Sisters? Did He see our need, our tears, our faces in the crowd?
Did He see the Cross, looming ahead of Him, less than a week away?
Did He look upward and see the vision, John describes in Revelation? A crowd too numerous to count, all of one mind, no hidden agendas, no sorrow, no tears. What did Jesus see?
Whatever He saw did not deter him from entering Jerusalem.
What a wonderful Savior and Lord! HOSANNA!
Beautifully written Carolynmimi! As I was reading your post I felt guided through the experience of the Triumphant Entry. I wonder those things too. What WAS Jesus thinking, feeling, seeing that day as He fulfilled scripture yet again?
Carolynmimi, I agree with June Bug. Your descriptive writing so touched my heart…
O God, you are my God; I earnestly search for you.
My soul thirsts for you; my whole body longs for you
in this parched and weary land where there is no water.
I have seen you in your sanctuary and gazed upon your power and glory.
Your unfailing love is better than life itself; how I praise you!
I will praise you as long as I live, lifting up my hands to you in prayer.
You satisfy me more than the richest feast. I will praise you with songs of joy.
Psalm 63:1-5 (New Living Translation)
Blessings to you today, my sisters~
Thanks JuneBug and Margie, Your postings touch me. We are entering this week, knowing the outcome, but I really need to explore from the hints in scripture, what Jesus felt and thought, what his disciples felt, what the women around him, women not so different from ourselves, what was going through their heads, when did they grasp that Jesus would die…that he came for that…and then the resurrection…what a Roller coaster ! I am rambling…just so excited to be traveling with such wonderful companions.
This gave me chills to read "Did His eyes look forward in time and find you and I, SRT Sisters? Did He see our need, our tears, our faces in the crowd?" So beautiful and moving. Thank you!
Carolynmimi, and my SRT sisters, I am so humbled and amazed at these powerful insights of this Holy week. What a fundamently simple step it is to put ourselves into the scenario itself, and watch Jesus traverse this week. It opens up my faith and my insight into the full, miraculousness of our heavenly Father and his precious son.
I am so blessed to be sharing this journey with all of you , sisters of great faith. But most of all, my soul sings Hosanna to my Savior and king.
As I prepare to go into the house of worship this morning I am so glad to have a saviour.
So glad to know that when my heart betrays me, and it most certaintly does. And when others forsake me and they do! The Lord will stand for me.
I am so glad for God’s revelation for Easter, I remember the frilly dresses, the rabbits, the colored eggs, church service, and my whole family together like it was christmas. There was luv but no substance.
I am not knocking any of the above. When you know better, hopefully u do better.
When given revelation knowledge much is required. All of those things are fine, but Jesus you r the
reason for the season. With or without those things you r reverenced.
Hosanna, Hosanna! This morning as I cry out save me from doubt, selfishness,pettiness,wordlypursuits … I can rest in the knowledge of His promise that it has been done!
I’m curious about where you get this interpretation of ‘Hosanna’. I always thought the ppl were glorifying him and laid the palm fronds as sign of reverence + resppect for The Saviour.
It originally meant something like "deliver us" and is now used as a word/act of praise in the Christian church.
Kat, you can read here the interpretation of "Hosanna". I think what you thought and what I was saying were very similar:) Reverence and respect for a Savior would literally means they anticipate Him saving them. So if they were crying "Hosanna" which meant "help" or "save, I pray", it's a similar interpretation.
The point was really that only He knew what it would take to save them.
4 Surely He has borne our griefs
And carried our sorrows;
Yet we esteemed Him stricken,
Smitten by God, and afflicted.
5 But He was wounded for our transgressions,
He was bruised for our iniquities;
The chastisement for our peace was upon Him,
And by His stripes we are healed.
6 All we like sheep have gone astray;
We have turned, every one, to his own way;
And the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all. (ISAIAH 53; 4-6) NKJV.
4 and he was shown to be the Son of God when he was raised from the dead by the power of the Holy Spirit. He is Jesus Christ our Lord.( ROMANS 1: 4 NLT). What a HALLELUJAH victory this is amen…. amen.
Easter brings so many memories to everyone. Sunday School as a child in the 60's, (ouch!), new dresses, bonnets and white gloves, and churches filled to capacity. Stories of Jesus on the cross, in the grave, and risen again. Easter egg hunts and big family dinners. It was an exciting time in a child's life.
But never has it meant more than it does today because He is so real and alive within us! Not just a story, but "Christ in you, the hope of Glory"! So thankful that regardless of the pain and suffering He came and stood in MY place and took upon Himself the sins of humanity so that I would not have to. And not only that but that the veil was rent in two and we can go boldly before the throne and we do not need a mediator but we can approach Almighty God because of the shedding of His blood on Calvary! Hebrews 10:19-22.
Wonderful beginning for our Holy Week! Be blessed sisters!
This is it, ladies! This devo brings an invitation for each of us, to take His outstretched hand and go all the way. Nothing gives us this radical, selfless love as He offers today. I pray that we ran journey through this week, gratefully and lovingly. We can never meet Him and stay the same. It is time to see where He wants to meet each of us.
Amen
Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of The Lord . Thank God for the gift oft Salvation.
It's Holy Week!!
I am filled to the brim with such emotion. How bravely our Savior entered the city, knowing His fate. Knowing how these same cheering crowds would be cheering for his death. Seeing the full picture, He still chose to take the journey. Seeing the sins of his people that would follow throughout the next 2000 years… He still deemed us worthy. Seeing the mistakes I would make, the paths I would take, the pain I would cause… He still said yes to me.
This week is precious, sisters. This is the week where our Savior had a choice. He could have backed out. He could have said we were a hopeless case. But he chose us. He chose death so that we might live eternally with him. I am beyond excited for the rest of this study!!
Amen, Amykelly13! You so adequately spoke my heart! I, too, am so excited to experience this holy week with my newly renewed faith. Jesus did this for you and me…no greater love than this.