Together - Daily DevotionalSample

Triumphal entry 

Now we have a foundational understanding of God’s plan to rescue mankind from self destruction, we turn to the events of Easter week itself.  Jesus had attended the Passover celebrations in Jerusalem before but this time was different.  Reports of His matchless teaching and outstanding miracles had filled the crowds with anticipation of what He might do. Perhaps Jesus might even overthrow the hated Romans who held the Israelites captive in their own land and treated them harshly just like the Egyptians (Matt.5:41, Acts 1:6, 5:34-37).

Note in verse 16 that only afterwards did the disciples realise the crowd’s actions were a direct fulfilment of prophecy in Psalm 118:25-27. It was common at festivals to for Jews form processions and celebrate by waving branches. The last day of the Feast of Tabernacles was known as the Great Hosanna – meaning “Save Now”.  This was an exclamation of praise and a prayer for speedy salvation through the Messiah accompanied with waving psalm branches. The crowd greeted Jesus with these same shouts of acclamation but it was the crowd who would eventually lead Him to the festive altar of the cross by crying, “crucify him”. Why?  Because His love endures forever (Psalm 118:29).

Prayer: Jesus, I cry out “Hosanna! Blessed are You who comes in the name of the Lord”