Hosanna! The King has entered the city

Bold and Biblical

Apr 2

HOSANNA! The KING Has ENTERED The City

Easter. One of the holiest days of the year when people of all backgrounds, ethnicities, and religious diversities unite to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. It Is a joyous occasion, but to fully understand the significance of that special day, It Is Important to know what took place the week before (Passover), specifically In Bethany and Jerusalem.

Early Spring, Jerusalem (Jn. 11:1-44)

Messianic fever had wholly taken over, especially in Jerusalem, which was a location that typically had a population of between 25,000 - 50,000 in the city and surrounding areas. During this particular Passover, though, Jerusalem was swarmed with what is estimated to have been up to 200,000 people, mostly visitors, many of whom had traveled long distances and had arrived up to a week early, eager for a glimpse of the Messiah.

But all of this excitement actually started in Bethany, a village about two miles southeast of Jerusalem. Here's the backstory:

Jesus had a strong friendship with a family in Bethany. There were two sisters, Mary and Martha, and their brother Lazarus. Unfortunately, just before Passover (and the Impending crucifixion), Lazarus became seriously ill. Within a few days, he passed away. His sisters were devastated and felt that If Jesus had been there, Lazarus could have been healed.

However, this is not the end of the story! Jesus came to Bethany later that week (the Friday before Passover) and raised Lazarus from the dead. (John 11:38-44)

This miracle was a pivotal moment for the last week of Jesus, as is shown In the next verse, “Many of the people who were with Mary believed in Jesus when they saw this happen” - John 11:45. (NLT) This included a number of Jews, but unfortunately, some went a different direction - to the Pharisees.

The Pharisees knew that this Messianic fever, mixed with the "popularity" of Jesus (the true Messiah) was a disaster for them. They feared that people would believe in Him and Rome would retaliate. They began plotting His death immediately.

On the following Saturday evening, Simon, a former leper whom Jesus had healed, hosted a banquet in honor of Him. “The meal was a special banquet, considering the guests are described as reclining. Jewish people typically sat at meals and reclined on couches for special occasions. There were several people there, but John was the only writer who included in his book the presence of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus.” (1)

John’s gospel tells us that Mary took a pound of expensive ointment made from pure nard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair. Mark includes that she also anointed His head. (The perfume cost 300 denarii. For perspective, one day’s wages were 1 denarius.)

After this display of compassion, the crowds dispersed, which led to the Jews learning of the location of Jesus. The chief priest also began plotting how to kill Lazarus.

The Colt (Mt. 21:1-11; Mk. 11:1-10; Lk. 19:29-44; Jn. 12:12-19)

The Passover crowds wanted a Messiah, and Jesus delivered. Sunday morning of the Passover week, Jesus and His disciples were on their way to Jerusalem. Around the Mount of Olives, Jesus told two of His disciples, “Go into the village in front of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord needs them,’ and he will send them at once.’” (Mt. 21:2b-3, ESV)

This was a fulfillment of prophecy from Zechariah 9:9:

Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion!

Shout, Daughter Jerusalem!

See, your king comes to you,

Righteous and victorious,

Lowly and riding on a donkey,

On a colt, the foal of a donkey. (NIV)

“Zechariah 9:9 falls within a larger passage that describes the return of Israel’s King to a restored Judah. The verse depicts the King’s entry into Jerusalem. Ancient kings typically rode into cities on a warhorse. Zechariah’s prophecy reveals unexpected qualities about Israel’s Messiah-King. He came not to conquer by force but to offer people peace with God. Israel longed for a great militaristic messiah to rescue them from Roman domination. Even with this prophecy from Zechariah, the people failed to recognize their Messiah-King.” (2)

To see more fulfillment of prophecy through this action, please also look at Genesis 44:18-34 and Zechariah 14:4.

The Triumphant Entry – What’s up with the palm branches?

During the time of Christ, there are reports that palm branches were tied to victory. We first see this in the Bible at the Feast of Tabernacles. (Leviticus 23:33-44) This festival is celebrated to remember how the Israelites lived after God gave them “victory” from slavery in Egypt. We also know from history, although it is not explicitly stated in Scripture, that palm branches were waved to celebrate kings and conquerors. Additionally, we know that athletes in Greek competitions were awarded palm branches which they would wave when they won. Culturally, the laying of palm branches for Jesus as He enters Jerusalem has incredible significance.

There is another interesting parallel with the palm branches. Judas Maccabeus, a Jewish priest, led a revolt against the Seleucid Empire in order to regain Jerusalem. The armies of the Seleucid Empire had conquered Jerusalem and desecrated the temple. However, Judas Maccabeus and the Jews triumphed in 164 B.C. Legend has it that Maccabeus was celebrated “with praise and palm branches” by the Jews when he came to Jerusalem. He set the Jews free from their oppressors and then cleansed the temple and rededicated it, which is celebrated at Hanukkah. (Jn. 10:22)

During Jesus' Triumphal Entry, palms were being waved; the crowds were saying, “And those who went before and those who followed were shouting, 'Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our Father David! Hosanna in the highest!” Mark‬ 11‬:9‬-10‬ (ESV)‬‬‬‬‬

“Mark references verses 25–26 of Psalm 118, which is part of the Hallel Psalms. These psalms were sung by pilgrims as they entered Jerusalem at festivals, such as Passover. The cry "Hosanna" may be a prayer asking God to establish his kingdom, or, by the first century, it might have been just an exclamation of joy similar to “Praise the Lord!” Others in the crowd referred to Jesus as a prophet, some as the son of David, and still others as king.” (3)

What a beautiful parallel that Jesus was coming to set the captives free, just like Judas Maccabeus did a century before. But little did the Jewish community know, the enemy whom Jesus was fighting was not Rome but rather a fight against sin and death. They were correct to wave the branches before the colt, but unfortunately, many missed the entire point of the Messiah.

What does this mean for us?

As we enter into Passion Week, let us remember who Jesus is and what He has done. Don’t be like the many in Jerusalem who wanted revolution so badly that they missed the promised Messiah.

What is distracting you from seeing what Jesus is really doing? Are you simply going through the motions? Or do you see the true Messiah, humbly riding a donkey, on His way to conquer the true enemy?

I encourage you to continue reading the gospels for the rest of the events that took place on Sunday. Leave in the comments below what stood out to you.

Reading Plan: