As Christ rode into Jerusalem on a colt and donkey there were many shouts of "Hosanna in the Highest!" On this Palm Sunday morning, Pastor Don enlightens us to some interesting details within this familiar story in three particular areas:
Now when they drew near Jerusalem, and came to Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go into the village opposite you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Loose them and bring them to Me. And if anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord has need of them,’ and immediately he will send them.” All this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying: “Tell the daughter of Zion, ‘Behold, your King is coming to you, Lowly, and sitting on a donkey, A colt, the foal of a donkey.’ ” So the disciples went and did as Jesus commanded them. They brought the donkey and the colt, laid their clothes on them, and set Him on them. And a very great multitude spread their clothes on the road; others cut down branches from the trees and spread them on the road. Then the multitudes who went before and those who followed cried out, saying: “Hosanna to the Son of David! ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’ Hosanna in the highest!” And when He had come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, “Who is this?” So the multitudes said, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth of Galilee.” Matthew 21:1-11 NKJV# 1-Donkey and a Colt
Jesus rides into Jerusalem on the first day of Holy Week on a colt and donkey, according to Matthew 21. The Savior of the world chooses to ride a young donkey on this day and not a stallion as many would assume from a king. Even still, this donkey is not one you would expect as it had never been ridden before. Jesus shockingly chooses a colt that has no experience and was the least qualified of his options. Pairing this youngster with is likely mother on the ride would have put the timid colt at ease as Jesus rose in Jerusalem that day.
Save now, I pray, O Lord; O Lord, I pray, send now prosperity. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! We have blessed you from the house of the Lord. Psalms 118:25-26 NKJV#2-Meaning of Hosanna
Hosanna was proclaimed throughout the massive crowd surrounding Jesus, yet the term appears only six times in just five New Testament verses. What seems foreign to us outside of a popular term found in Christian songs actually dates back to the psalm listed above. Formerly a cry for help and salvation, it had become a proclamation of praise Jesus's culture at that time. Now as we consider the implications of what really went on during these events, this term has much deeper meaning. An old Hebrew word meaning "God save me," becomes a tool to thank Him in the New Covenant. Hosanna: a cry becomes confidence.
#3-Prophetic Word Confirmed
Five hundred years is a long time, yet the confirmation of the Zechariah passage through these events are that much more impressive with years that had passed. The prophetic Word is confirmed throughout scripture and time again and again. Even though there have been nearly two thousand years since the Revelation of Jesus Christ was given regarding Christ's return (listed below), it will only be that much more incredible when its fulfillment comes. God has His own timetable, but He always effectively and powerfully delivers it in perfect timing.
Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself. He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS. Revelation 19:11-16Push into His presence in a deeper way this week! You will be surprised the difference in your experience with God when you connect with a Spirit-filled community to encourage you and spur you on when things get difficult. The Holy Spirit is moving around the world, and we are preparing for a great local move of His Holy Spirit here in Durham before Jesus's soon return.
God's Word is both timeless and powerful today!
We hope that you will consider this week's message in greater depth in the days ahead and meditate on God's Word in the attached pdf outline.
You can find the sermon and all resource attachments by clicking here.
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