Mark’s Gospel: Hosanna!

This donkey rider had done things none of the others had done. He seemed to have come in the name—and the power—of the Lord.

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More than a song of the moment, “Hosanna!” was the heart-cry of a nation in bondage. 

Something in the heart of the average citizen of Israel told him that he was made for freedom, not bondage. The presence of Roman soldiers on patrol in the holy streets of the city of David was an affront to this inner sense. It wasn’t right. The Chosen People of God should not chafe in the iron grip of Rome.

Other potential “Messiahs” had arisen only to be captured by Rome and proved to be powerless. The religious leaders had a stake in the status quo; trouble with Rome was trouble for them. With the exception of a devout priest here and there, they had no interest in Messiah. They had heard about Jesus and were ready for Him.

The people had heard about Him, too. Many had relatives from the north who were in the miraculously fed multitudes, or were family members who had been healed or delivered at Jesus’ hand or spoken word. Now the miracle man had come to the city. There was reason to hope, reason to take up the ancient hopeful shouts for Messiah—“Hosanna!”

Hosanna—“Save Us Now!”
The word has a specific meaning—“Save us now!” It was a cry for rescue, for a miracle of deliverance. It is an expressed hope in the ultimate plan of God for the nation. They were a people under covenantal relationship with Jehovah God. If they would be faithful in worship, He would keep them free and make them a blessing to the whole world. The conditions of Roman occupation were a far cry from these promises. For 400 years, since the appearance of the last of the Prophets, the heavens had been silent; there was no new word from the Lord. The people had been faithful to the Temple and the calendar and still, the Romans remained in power, the latest in a long list of conquerors. When would Jehovah act? When would Messiah come? This man riding the donkey was the best hope they had so they took up the song.

‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’

While they sang, people in the crowd threw their clothes in Jesus’ path and cut down leafy branches to wave in honor to Him and to pave the way for the donkey. This donkey rider had done things none of the others had done. He seemed to have come in the name—and the power—of the Lord.

“Blessed is the kingdom of our father David that comes in the name of the Lord!”

It was said He was the Son of David. This was another reason to hope. The storied glories of David and Solomon might come again with riches and tribute flowing into the nation rather than out to Rome. Peace was what they wanted and safe borders. It was a good time for the promises of the Covenant to come true again.

Into the Temple and Out
Jesus road to the Temple, dismounted and carefully examined all that He saw. If the praises of the crowd did not lift His spirits, the conditions in the Temple took them even deeper into sadness. Due to the lateness of the hour, Jesus and the Twelve retired from the Temple area and the city itself to a house in Bethany.

 

Scriptures 

Mark 11:7-11 NKJV
“Then they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their clothes on it, and He sat on it. And many spread their clothes on the road, and others cut down leafy branches from the trees and spread them on the road. Then those who went before and those who followed cried out, saying: ‘Hosanna! “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” Blessed is the kingdom of our father David That comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!’ And Jesus went into Jerusalem and into the temple. So when He had looked around at all things, as the hour was already late, He went out to Bethany with the twelve.”

 

Prayer: 

Lord, Jesus, thank You for salvation, full and free! The cries and prayers of the multitude have been answered. The praises of the crowd have been realized. You are King. You are Savior. You are Messiah! You are mounted well and in splendor, ruling in majesty and righteousness and justice and peace. Thank You, Lord! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Hallelujah, Amen!

 

Song:
Hosanna, Loud Hosanna
Words: Jennette Threlfall; Music: Traditional

  1. Hosanna, loud hosanna the little children sang;
    through pillared court and temple the lovely anthem rang.
    To Jesus, who had blessed them, close folded to his breast,
    the children sang their praises, the simplest and the best.

2. From Olivet they followed mid an exultant crowd,
the victory palm branch waving, and chanting clear and loud.
The Lord of earth and heaven rode on in lowly state,
nor scorned that little children should on his bidding wait.

3. “Hosanna in the highest!” That ancient song we sing,
for Christ is our Redeemer, the Lord of heaven, our King.
O may we ever praise him with heart and life and voice,
and in his blissful presence eternally rejoice.

 

Semper Reformanda!
Stephen Phifer

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About the Author

Full of passion for Jesus Christ, Stephen Phifer is a third-generation minister with more than three decades of experience as a pastoral artist, worship leader, and conductor.