Hosannah! Blessed is the one
who comes in the name of the Lord!
Hosannah! Blessed Is the One Who Comes in the Name of the Lord [Saint John’s Bible]
Written by Paul Anderson
In all four Gospels, Jesus enters Jerusalem several days before Passover, riding on a donkey colt, with people exclaiming, “Hosannah! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!” (Matt 21:9; Mark 11:9-10; Luke 19:38; John 12:13). With the crowd spreading clothing and palm branches as an inaugural runway, this event was thus remembered as being highly significant among early followers of Jesus.
Interestingly, in Matthew, the religious leaders are scandalized by even children proclaiming “Hosannah, to the Son of David!” (Matt 21:15). This brings them consternation because the whole world is going after Jesus (Jn 12:19). And, in the previous chapter, Caiaphas is worried about Jesus’ wining over the crowds, lest the Romans shut down the temple and assault the populace (11:50).
Jesus, however, embraces a humble and nonviolent messianic ideal, in direct opposition to nationalistic and militaristic aspirations. Rather than riding into the capitol on the triumphant white horse of a military officer, Jesus rides a young donkey, embracing with intentionality the humble and peaceable image of Zechariah 9:10.
He will cut off the chariot from Ephraim
and the war-horse from Jerusalem;
and the battle bow shall be cut off,
and he shall command peace to the nations;
his dominion shall be from sea to sea,
and from the River to the ends of the earth.
Indeed, a spirit of compassion and supplication will be poured out on the household of David and Jerusalem, as they will look with great empathy and love upon the one who is pierced (Zech 12:10; John 19:37). In this striking painting by Hazel Dolby, “Rejoice!” the prophetic vision of palm trees adorning the temple (Ezek 41) is featured, as the royal Son of David enters the holy city in paradoxical triumph. Thus, in the waving of palm branches on Palm Sunday, Christians the world over celebrate the ultimate victory of the suffering Son of Man.
Written by Paul Anderson
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