Hosanna in the Highest

Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. Zechariah 9:9

Today is Palm Sunday. The day on which we celebrate Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. This day marks the beginning of what is called “Passion Week.” Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem had been marked in the heavenly calendar before the foundations of the earth and was prophesied by the prophet Zechariah about 500 years before it came to pass (Zechariah 9:9). Jesus’ triumphant entry was evidence of who He is – the righteous servant King. Zechariah says that he comes with salvation, which calls for great rejoicing. And this is what the crowd does as they welcome Jesus as He rides into Jerusalem. They shout and praise God. They pave the way for their King by placing their cloaks and palm branches on the road as He enters Jerusalem. Luke 19:37-38 (ESV)says,

“As he was drawing near—already on the way down the Mount of Olives—the whole multitude of his disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen, saying, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”

The crowds not only lay their cloaks on the ground to signify their recognition of Jesus as Saviour and King, but they do more than that. They praise and glorify Him for all the wonderful miracles He has performed.

Hosanna to the King of Kings

Matthew in Matthew 21:9, records them shouting,

“Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” 

They cried, “Hosanna”, which means “save us.” The people were in desperate need of a saviour to save them from the oppression by their Roman rulers, as well as other institutionalised oppressions. They needed saving from their own personal suffering. Their cry for help becomes a shout of praise to their King, the son of David, whom they hope will be their salvation. They put their hope in the king, who had the rightful authority and power to save them. However, Jesus did not only come to save them from their oppressors. He came to save all of mankind from their oppression, from their sin, guilt and shame.

Jesus is our King of Kings (Revelation 17:14) and has been given all authority in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:18). This is what Paul says in Ephesians 1:19–21(NLT),

“I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honour at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms. Now he is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else—not only in this world but also in the world to come.”

Today, let us lay down our “cloaks,” those things that are hindering us from recognising Him as our servant King who came to save us. Our King of Kings who reigns with authority. Let us think about what Jesus has done in our lives. Let us praise and glorify Him for all His wonderful deeds.

I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds. Psalm 9:1 (ESV)

Reflection

Take time to think about the wonderful things (big and small) that the Lord Jesus has done in your life and write them down. Take time to thank Him and praise Him,

Prayer

Dear Lord Jesus, thank You that You are my King of Kings and Lord of Lords. I thank You and praise You for all the wonderful things that You have done in my life. Lord, I declare that You are my Saviour, the only one with all authority in heaven and on earth. The only one with the power to save. In Jesus’ name, amen.