Tag: Hosanna
Who is this?
Scripture reading for January 29: Matthew 21
“They brought the donkey and the colt and put on them their cloaks, and He sat on them. Most of the crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. And the crowds that went before Him and that followed Him were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is He Who comes in the Name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” And when He entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred up, saying, “Who is this? And the crowds said, “This is the prophet Jesus, from Nazareth of Galilee.”” Matthew 21:7-10
As Jesus entered Jerusalem, He chose the entry of the kings of Israel and instructed His disciples where to find the donkey colt for Him to ride. This was a prophetic ride, depicting His triumphant return to earth to set up His millennial kingdom. The crowds spread their cloaks before Him as a sign of honor and submission. They proclaimed Him “Son of David”, a messianic title. They worshiped Him with a prophetic declaration as coming in the Name of the Lord! Each person’s view and understanding was being shaped by the Word of God that they knew and the revelation of Jesus as He had ministered to His own people. Many asked “Who is this?” Some said that Jesus was a prophet from Galilee. Each person responded through the view that they had by grace from Jesus and His Father.
God allows each person to make up their mind and develop an understanding of Jesus and Who He is. When He returns, our world view of Jesus will determine our eternal destiny. Have you formed an opinion of Jesus Christ? Has Scripture been a basis of your understanding? Have you been public in your worship and declaration of Jesus Christ, Son of David and Son of God? Are you still asking “Who is this?”?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for this record of Jesus Christ entering Jerusalem as a humble King. Thank You for drawing each person to ask about Your Son and for revealing Your Son. I proclaim “Hosanna in the highest to the Son of God!” Stir up the hearts of all people to know Him as Lord and Savior. Amen.
The world has gone after Him!
Scripture reading for May 21st: John 11:54-12:19
Jesus’ miracle of raising Lazarus caused quite a stir! Many Jews who had come to comfort Mary and Martha believed in Jesus as the Christ. Others went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done. The Sanhedrin was convened to discuss what to do with Jesus. These religious leaders were jealous and concerned that all the people would believe in Jesus and that this would stir up the Romans who would destroy their Temple and nation.
During the discussion, Caiaphas, the high priest spoke to the group. “You know nothing at all! You do not realize that it is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish.” (John 11:50) John recorded that this statement was a prophetic word that Jesus would die for the Jewish nation and for the other scattered children of God to bring them together as one. This is how they came to the conclusion that they would seek to kill Jesus. (John 11:51-53)
It is interesting that Jesus’ greatest miracle brought the religious leaders together to kill Him. Caiaphas spoke prophetically, guided by God, to tell the plan of God for the Jewish nation and the world. Even though these men did not believe that Jesus was the Christ, God used their positions and authority to promote His plan of redemption!
Jesus again returned to Bethany six days before Passover and went to Lazarus’ home and ate with the family at a banquet in His honor. (John 12:1-2) Here He was anointed by Mary with expensive perfume. Jesus knew and stated that Mary did this to prepare Him for burial. A large crowd had come to see Jesus and Lazarus. This caused the chief priests to make plans to kill Lazarus too. They were worried about the many who were putting faith in Jesus and Lazarus’ miracle was drawing them!
Jesus’ entered Jerusalem the next day as the crowds welcomed Him with “Hosanna!”, “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” and “Blessed is the King of Israel!” (John 12:13) John records that Jesus fulfilled Zechariah 9:9: “Do not be afraid, O Daughter of Zion; see, your King is coming, seated on a donkey’s colt.” It is interesting that the religious leaders were oblivious to prophetic fulfillment, and worried, “Look how the whole world has gone after Him.” That is God’s heart!