Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted, “Hosanna!”…
Mark 11:9 NIV
Hosanna
Can palm trees survive in Canada? Well yes, they can. In Vancouver, of course, but did you know they can grow in Southern Ontario? There are actually a few different varieties that will withstand Canada’s winter. One of the first questions people ask about a certain palm is its cold tolerance. Different types of palms come from different parts of the world. A palm’s natural habitat is where it has been growing since the beginning of time (in most cases). Thus, the palm has become accustomed to the climate, conditions, and environment around it.
***
Today is Palm Sunday, the day we remember the celebration of Jesus entrance into Jerusalem on the week leading up to his arrest, trial, and crucifixion. He had come into Jerusalem a number of times before and did so quietly. This time He allowed the crowd to welcome Him, even though they had a misguided idea about why He was entering the city. 150 years before, Judas Maccabaeus had entered Jerusalem the same way, with a similar welcome, to overthrow the hated Antiochus out of Jerusalem – a Greek who had desecrated their Temple. Now the Romans were the hated conquerors, and the crowd believed Jesus was coming to do the same thing. That’s why they shouted Hosanna – which is not a word of praise, but means, in Hebrew, “save now.” In Mark 11:9 we read, “Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted, ‘Hosanna!’…” Jesus allowed them to make this cry, but His salvation was spiritual, not political. He knew that they, and us, needed a Redeemer, a Saviour – one who would save them from eternal separation from their Creator. He was coming to save them, and us by His death on the cross. We all need to cry out “Hosanna!” – save me now! Have you?
These have been words from the heart.
Bob Beasley