Scripture Reading: John 12:12-50, Psalm 118:25-29, Zechariah 9:9
“Hosanna!” “Save us!”
Can you imagine what it would have been like to stand in the crowds of people in Jerusalem at this moment? I imagine all the whispers, excitement, and stories prior to Jesus’s arrival. Was He the promised Messiah? Would He change everything for the Israelites? He had the power to heal and do miracles! Was this the moment that prophecy would be fulfilled? Was this the man who would set His people free and overthrow the government?
I imagine that you and I are standing together in that crowd. There’s someone tall standing in front of us, so we move around from spot to spot, trying to get a better look. Someone is handing out palm branches. We’re all waving them, excitement in the air. Everyone is shouting, “’Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord—the King of Israel!’” (John 12:13).
And then He comes. Not dressed like a king in fine clothes, jewels, or a crown. He comes physically, as an ordinary man who has done miraculous things, riding on a small donkey. This was the moment of prophecy fulfilled, yet many didn’t know even as they lived it!
The Bible says at this moment, even the disciples of Jesus didn’t realize what was happening (v.16). Only after His death would they recognize all that was written about Him had come to pass.
At this triumphant celebration of Jesus’s arrival, the Pharisees became increasingly jealous and angry (v.19). And when more attention continued to grow, Jesus knew His time had come (v.23).
Jesus urges those listening to believe in Him while still having Him there (v.36). The Bible notes that many believed in secret but refused to say it publicly (vv.42–43). Why? Because they loved the praise of man more than the praise of God.
Do you ever stop to think about the fact that we’re living in prophecies fulfilled? Jesus came to be a light to the world, sent by God so that we wouldn’t have to live in darkness anymore (v.46).
The Light—Jesus—has come to conquer all darkness. He has overcome death and sin and given us access to the kingdom of God. The things of this world will pass away (Matthew 24:35). And what this world deems important is nothing compared to following after Jesus with our whole hearts.
Palm Sunday is a reminder that God always fulfills His promises in His Word. And so together we say, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”
Written by Abby Flynn
So today at my church service I learned what Hosanna actually means — “save us now”. So I did a little research and this is what I found (from Christianity.com), “Hosanna is often translated “Please Save Us.” It is a Greek word “ὡσαννά” that most scholars believe is the transliteration of two Hebrew words- יָשַׁע- “yasha” which means “to save or deliver” and אָנּאָ – “anna” which means “please, I beseech.” Other scholars believe its Hebrew roots come from a different verb tense of “yasha” הוֹשַׁ֣ע which means to cause or to bring about salvation. In this tense, hosanna becomes a command to bring about or cause salvation.” I always thought it to mean something more upbeat and positive!!?? BUT GOD!!!!
Sorry for the second post but I thought you might be interested in this.
Is anyone else missing 4 1/2 days of this week?
I know I’ve read these verses many many times but the words saying that they believed but would not admit it because they wanted the praise of man more than that of our Father, really screamed at me. Because I have been guilty of that too around certain groups of people and friends. Forgive me Father…….may I speak boldly of my love for you.
❤️
This is so great! Thanks!!
It’s Palm Sunday!!! WOW!!! I’ve read this Scripture from John 12 I don’t know how many times and I don’t remember reading this part of verse 28 and 29. “Then a voice spoke from heaven, saying, “I have already brought glory to my name, and I will do so again.” 29 When the crowd heard the voice, some thought it was thunder, while others declared an angel had spoken to him.” This is why I love doing She Reads Truth Bible studies I discover and learn new things about God, Christ, the Holy Spirit and the Bible all the time. Not only to be in the crowd to see Christ but to hear God speak to Him that day!!! AMAZING, AWE-INSPIRING, UNBLIEVEABLE, OH MY!!!!! Yet they went later to deny it.
Abby is so right in her devotional when she asks, “Do you ever stop to think about the fact that we’re living in prophecies fulfilled?” I know that I do sometimes but not as often as I should. And how often are we like the people of Christ time loving “the praise of man more than the praise of God.”? I know quite often I go seeking the praise of man when ALL I HAVE TO DO IS LISTEN — JUST LISTEN!!!
Lord God on this wonderful day You have made for us to celebrate the triumphal entry of Your Son Christ Jesus help us to remember to praise You and Christ and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
I have a praise dear sisters my grandson, George, got to go home yesterday and I get go see him in a day or two. :)
Be blessed and SING HOSANNAS to the Lord sisters ALL DAY LONG!!!
“This was the moment of prophesy fulfilled.” WOW! How often are we standing in a moment or situation not realizing it is the moment that God is answering a prayer or fulfilling a promise He made to us in His word.
Sisters, let us not love the praise of man more than the praise of God. Easy to read & comprehend but can be difficult (and/or painful) to follow through when we find ourselves in confusing or complicated (from our perspective) situations. Praying for clarity, wisdom and discernment for each of us.
CEE GEE- ❤️ thank you for the study recommendation. I missed your request for son/family safety yesterday. Praying for safe travels whenever they return. Seems like each week brings dangerous, horrific storm systems.
RHONDA J – praying as you lead others in prayer this morning! And praying for a wonderful week with your grandson
TRACI GENDRON – praying for your little dog’s treatment.
AZ WALKER – ❤️ Thank you for podcast recommendation. I will try it when I have time to focus. I am not good with just listening :/ and have tried doing podcasts in pieces without much success. I used to think I had a good attention span …
REBECCA W – praying seeds of Jesus’ love and His gift of salvation will be planted in your grandson’s heart. What a wonderful opportunity to be able to take him to church!