12 The next day the great crowd that had come to the festival heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. 13 So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, shouting, "Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord— the King of Israel!" 14 Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it; as it is written: 15 "Do not be afraid, daughter of Zion. Look, your king is coming, sitting on a donkey's colt!" 16 His disciples did not understand these things at first; but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things had been written of him and had been done to him.
THOUGHTS:
This is sometimes called the triumphal entry of Jesus. It's likely more of a protest. Based on the historical timing, we know that Romain officials would have been riding into the other side of Jerusalem to great fanfare and praise. People would have been throwing the coats off their backs for the horses to tread upon.
This is sometimes called the triumphal entry of Jesus. It's likely more of a protest. Based on the historical timing, we know that Romain officials would have been riding into the other side of Jerusalem to great fanfare and praise. People would have been throwing the coats off their backs for the horses to tread upon.
Over time, it seems that "hosanna" has become synonymous with praise -- probably largely due to these Gospel passages putting it next to "Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord." However, "hosanna" means "to save" or "please save" or "save, now!" -- it's a desperate plea for healing and wholeness. In this passage, it is almost used as a counterpoint to the praises: Please save us, we have faith and praise you. Save us now!
Jesus entry is less triumphant, and more of a satire of the Roman entry. It makes a mockery of the pomp and circumstance on the other side of town. Yes, it also fulfills prophecies, but in it's time, this parody was probably a statement about seeking justice and healing in the face of Roman imperialism.
How do we seek justice and wholeness in our world?
PRAYER:
Lord God, praise be to your name, and blessed be those who humbly serve you. Please save us! For the sake of Jesus the Christ, AMEN.
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These devotions are provided by Lutheran Campus Ministry at George Mason University . Feel free to share them with your friends! For more information on our ministry and events, see http://gmu.edu/org/lutheran
