HOSANNA
Jesus told His disciples to get a colt (a young donkey) along with its mother that He would use for His entry into Jerusalem. The young donkey that Jesus would ride had never been ridden by anyone (Mk 11:2). According to Jewish law, animals that had never been used or “never been yoked” were considered fitting to be offered to God (Num 19:2; Deut 21:3). By requesting this specific donkey, Jesus was also affirming His deity. Since the colt had never been ridden, it was wise to bring its mother so it would follow more easily; that’s why the disciples brought both.
The triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem on a donkey was the fulfillment of Zech 9:9 about the “humble king riding on a donkey.” In those times, a donkey was a cheaper alternative for those who could not afford to keep a horse. By riding a donkey, Jesus displayed an image of humility, showing how He lowered Himself—even borrowing a donkey to use. He truly became poor (2 Cor 8:9; Lk 9:58). Jesus came not as a conqueror, which is why He did not ride a horse. The Romans were also on high alert for any signs of revolution. By this point, Jesus was already popular (Jn 12:17–18), and many people wanted to proclaim Him as their political leader to save them from Rome. Jesus needed to act carefully to avoid an untimely death. Moreover, every prophecy had to be fulfilled, down to the smallest detail.
Through this act, Jesus publicly declared His kingship as the Son of David, fulfilling the prophecies. The time of secrecy (Mk 3:12; Lk 5:14, etc.) was over—the story was moving toward its climax. He wanted everyone to know! And by the crowd’s reaction during the Passover festival, they understood—though only partially. The full meaning of Christ’s actions was only understood by the disciples after the resurrection (Jn 12:16).
During Passover, which commemorated God’s deliverance of Israel from Egypt, the Jews’ expectation of God’s deliverance from their current oppressors, like Rome, intensified. That’s why, when they saw Jesus, the humble King, they spread their garments on His path along with palm branches. This was an act of honor for a new king, as seen in 2 Kings 9:13.
Waving palm branches was a sign of celebration and respect for a warrior or king. It also had political significance, especially recalling the Maccabean revolt against Syria in 168 BC (2 Maccabees 10:17).
“Hosanna” literally means “Save us!” It was both a cry for help and a shout of adoration. The people’s cries were taken from Ps 118:25–26, part of the Hallel (Ps 113–118), which was sung publicly during Passover. This shows they were expecting Jesus to deliver them from Rome, and they celebrated Him for it. They called Him the Son of David, recognizing His royal lineage and right to be their political leader. But this was not Christ’s goal.
Jesus, the Humble King
At the triumphal entry, Jesus could have easily become Israel’s political leader. The people were already receiving Him as king! Yet Jesus never intended to meet their political expectations. He came not to be served but to serve (Mk 10:45), the opposite of what the Jews imagined the Messiah to be. We too are called to imitate Christ’s humility (Phil 2:5–11).
Jesus, the Passover Lamb
God commanded Israel to remember His deliverance from Egypt through Passover. Centuries later, Jesus came as the true meaning of Passover—bringing salvation through His sacrifice. The crowd did not realize that the one they were crying “Hosanna” to came, not to save them from Rome, but to save them from sin. Jesus arrived in Jerusalem at the exact time to fulfill the deeper meaning of the feast. He came as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (Jn 1:29; 1 Cor 5:7). This truth calls us to gratitude—God saw our greatest need and met it.
Jesus, the Rejected Messiah
As quickly as the people accepted Him, they rejected Him just as fast. One day they shouted “Hosanna,” and days later, “Crucify Him!” Jesus did not meet their standards (then or now), and since He would not give them what they wanted, they abandoned Him. Many today still approach Christ expecting wealth, healing, or influence, only to be disappointed when those are not His priority—just as freeing Israel from Rome was never on His agenda.
Jesus, the Coming King
One day, Jesus will return—not as the sacrificial Lamb, but as the roaring Lion. He will not come as the “humble King on a donkey” but as the “Victorious Warrior on a horse” (Rev 19:11). That will be the true triumphal entry, when God will finally put an end to evil and bring His people into His eternal kingdom. What a glorious day that will be! Stay Curious.
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