Word of the Week - Hosanna
“So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, ‘Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!’” John 12:13
Hosanna means to save; and is used to express adoration, praise and joy. It is also used as a plea for help. “Please Lord, please save us. Please, Lord, please give us success”.
Declaration of Christ as our Savior – Just before Christ went to Calvary to be crucified there was a declaration from His followers that He was their savior and they were praising, thanking and acknowledging Him as Savior. It is so important that we remember that we cannot save ourselves and that we continue to cry out to the Lord in desperation to acknowledge Jesus as our Savior.
“Hosanna” and Palm Sunday – The first time “Hosanna” is used is in Matthew 21:9 for Jesus’ triumphant entrance to Jerusalem as King. “Jesus was in the center of the procession, and people around Him were shouting. ‘Hosanna (praise God) for the Son of David!’ Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna (praise God) in the highest heaven!” The crowed was shouting this with emphasis. Many people view this as a proclamation of our new salvation. Palm branches were placed in Jesus’ path and marked the beginning of what we celebrate as Palm Sunday.
“Hosanna” depicts two places of Spiritual Well-being – Hosanna exemplifies man’s transition from pleading with God for action, to thanking Him for the action taken. It shows the true impact of Jesus’ act at Calvary. This represents the two places of spiritual well-being we all find ourselves in. We often find ourselves either crying out to God for help or we are thanking God for our blessings and what He has done for us.
As we begin Holy Week in preparation for Easter, I pray we take hold of the reality of what this means and cry out Hosanna, Hosanna, blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord. Salvation is here and His name is King Jesus!!!
Have a great Holy week!!!
-Duane