And the crowds that went before him and that followed him were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!”
– Matthew 21:9, ESV
How special this particular day was in the ministry of Christ. As Jesus was riding into Jerusalem, a little-known prophecy spoken by the prophet Zechariah was being fulfilled at that very moment. Around 500 years before, Zechariah wrote “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 (Zechariah 9:9, NIV).
The people did rejoice. Accompanying their shouts of praise was the waving of palm branches. Palm branches, or fronds, held significance for the Jews. From the time the Roman Empire began to oppress the Jewish people, the waving of palm fronds signaled the Jews’ hope of freedom. They waved the fronds reminding themselves and each other that their struggle would not be forever. They longed for the Messiah to appear to overthrow the Roman government, remove all oppression, and establish their independence. They had convinced themselves the Messiah would be a revolutionary conqueror who would rid them of all enemies and give them a better life.
Unbeknownst to them, they were indeed waving their palm branches at the One who would offer the deliverance they needed most. What they did not realize, however, is the Jesus would be offering spiritual deliverance that would give them eternal life.
The Triumphal Entry, as it is known, foreshadows another prophecy that is yet to be fulfilled. It is no coincidence that the Jews were saying, ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’ One day, a remnant of Jews will say the exact same to Christ as they see Him victoriously appear in His Second Coming (Matthew 23:39).
How are you living your life in a way that reflects you have received the spiritual deliverance that Christ alone offers?
What are ways that you incorporate worship of Christ into each day?
Father, I praise You that You provided a way for me to know Jesus and be reconciled to You. I’m so thankful for You and long to worship You in new ways each and every day. Help me to honor You and bring You glory. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.