The word hosanna is so closely associated with Palm Sunday and the triumphal entry that we can easily overlook it. The word appears twice in Mark’s account of the original Palm Sunday providing a bookend of the crowd’s singing of Psalm 118:26 (Mk 11:9-10). We have grown so accustomed to the word that we look at it as an interjection of praise, something akin to Hallelujah, but the word has significant meaning, particularly in our consideration of Palm Sunday. The word is actually a transliteration in both Greek and English combining two Hebrew words used in Psalm 118:25, save and please. Psalm 118:25 is a prayer to God to remember His promises and save His people; the NASB translates that line: “O Lord, do save, we beseech you!” As Jesus entered into Jerusalem lauded as the Messiah by His followers and others, they were drawing attention to the important role that the Messiah would have, saving His people. Surely, they were focused on the physical salvation from Roman oppression they had been longing for, but even more so, it is a prayer for a deeper and more important salvation, spiritual salvation. In fact, it continues to be the prayer of God’s people. Even more significant, however, is the assurance all of this provides that God will indeed save His people. The triumphal entry on Palm Sunday was the fulfillment of several prophecies some thousands of years old. The Savior had come, finally; salvation was nigh. We similarly long for salvation by the Messiah, the Most High. We too have waited thousands of years for the fulfillment of Christ’s promised return. Perhaps we can appreciate the joy and relief that the Jews felt that day as we think about how wonderful the day will be when Jesus returns on His white horse, sword coming from His mouth to judge the nations and finally bring justice. On that day, we will see salvation greater than we can imagine, spiritual and physical salvation rolled into one and packaged as the kingdom of God. That will be a great day for sure, but it isn’t a pipe dream or wishful thinking. Jesus’s short ride on a donkey is a reminder that God keeps His promises, and that means He will return and set things right. And so we wait and we pray, “Save, please!” – Pastor Rory Martin
Sunday at Liberty
8:45AM: Palm Sunday Brunch
10AM: Pastor Nate–Mark 11:1-10–Blessed Is He (sermon notes)
6PM: Russ Frederick–Matthew 21:1-11–Behold Your King
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