Hosanna!

The people who were in front and those who followed behind began to shout, "Praise God! God bless him who comes in the name of the Lord! God bless the coming kingdom of King David, our father! Praise be to God!" Mark 11:9-10

This is the Holy Week, the week before Jesus’ crucifixion.  What did Jesus do this last week of his life?  Where did he go? Who did he see?  How did he spend his last moments on earth? 

Not many of us know when we are facing our last week on earth, but Jesus knew.  His steps were determined, His days purposed.  He knew exactly how much time He had left down to the minute.  He was fully human so don’t you imagine He was apprehensive and even fearful of all that lay ahead of him.  Even though He knew this was His purpose and God’s plan, it had to be a little nerve wracking knowing all that He was about to go through. 

He spent the last week of His life doing his Father’s business; from teaching the truth to cleansing the Temple.  All in the span of seven days, Christ will go from exaltation to coronation, from vilification to crucifixion, and finally from resurrection to glorification.  It is the most remarkable week in divine and human history since the creation itself.  As we examine some of the events of this extraordinary week, imagine you are experiencing this week with Christ. 

Jesus' Entry into Jerusalem

The week begins with Palm Sunday, the day of Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem.  As Jesus rode into Jerusalem, the people spread their coats in front of Him and greeted Him with palm branches.  It was a springtime Sunday in about the year 30 A.D. The Holy City of Jerusalem was crowded with pilgrims who had come for the annual Passover celebration.

Jesus had spent many months traveling through the towns and villages of Palestine. He had preached about the kingdom of God and healed the sick wherever He went.  Now the time had come for Him to claim His title as the Messiah - the Savior that God had promised to the Jewish people.  Jesus knew His mission was almost finished.  As they traveled to Jerusalem, Jesus warned His disciples that He would soon be put to death, and after three days He would rise again.

As they came near Jerusalem, Jesus told two of His disciples to go into a nearby village and bring a donkey that would be waiting there. Jesus rode into Jerusalem on the donkey as crowds of people spread their coats on the ground in front of Him. Some waved branches of palm trees, a sign of victory. The people shouted,

Hosanna!
Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord —
the King of Israel!

Only a king would be greeted this way (2 Kings 9:13), and the people wanted Jesus to be their king.  But most of the people did not understand what kind of king Jesus would be. They expected their Messiah to be a great political and military leader who would free them from the tyranny of the Roman Empire.  Jesus is a different kind of king.  Whereas most royalty comes determined to rule, He comes determined to serve.  

Whereas most monarchs spend time building their egos with the perquisites of office, He comes with a totally disarming humility.  Whereas most kings ride white stallions or fly in royal jets, King Jesus rides a donkey.  Jesus rode a donkey, a symbol of meekness, of peace.  He knew what He was doing.  A different kind of king; a different kind of kingdom. 

Scripture to Claim:
When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was thrown into an uproar. "Who is he?" the people asked. "This is the prophet Jesus, from Nazareth in Galilee," the crowds answered.   Matthew 21:10-11