John 12:12–16: he next day a great multitude that had come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, took branches of palm trees and went out to meet Him, and cried out: “Hosanna! ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’ The King of Israel!” Then Jesus, when He had found a young donkey, sat on it; as it is written: “Fear not, daughter of Zion; Behold, your King is coming, Sitting on a donkey’s colt.” His disciples did not understand these things at first; but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things were written about Him and that they had done these things to Him.
It looked as though Jesus was actually seeking to incite a revolution and establish Himself as King, but that was not what He had in mind. What did this event mean to Jesus? For one thing, it was a part of His obedience to the Father’s will. The Prophet Zechariah prophesied that the Messiah would enter Jerusalem in that manner, and He fulfilled the prophecy. “Daughter of Zion” is another name for the city of Jerusalem. Certainly Jesus was openly announcing to the people that He indeed is the King of Israel, the promised Messiah. No doubt many of the pilgrims hoped that now He would defeat the Romans and set the nation of Israel free. 1
Your Word is Truth
Hosanna is an expression of adoration and praise. Read Psalm 103:1-5 and discover the five reasons why you should praise the name of the Lord.
Nathanael answered and said to Him, “Rabbi, You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” –John 1:49
You Alone are God
Jesus came, and is coming again, and yet, is always ever-present with us. – TWEET IT
Your Will be Done
Lord, thank You for telling us in advance about Your future plans for us.
1. Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.