Sunday

Scripture Reading: Mark 11:1-11
Scripture Focus: Mark 11:9-10

“Those who went in front and those who followed were shouting: ‘Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord; Blessed is the coming Kingdom of our father David; Hosanna in the highest!’”

The week leading up to Jesus’ death is one that was marked by celebration on the first day. Palm branches were waved and shouts of Hosanna could be heard through out the streets. Crowds gathered and there was a stirring among the people. But what did it all mean? Have you ever wondered how the people went from excited to yelling “Crucify!” at the end of the week? I think a correct understanding of this passage can help us with this.

Palm branches were a symbol of political liberty. But even more than that, the very phrase “hosanna” carried with it the idea of deliverance from political oppression. Borrowed from the Hebrew word “hosiahna,” the word meant “save” or “help, please.” It was associated with the Maccabean revolt and Menahem’s revolt against King Herod. What the people were expecting was a Messiah to deliver them from the hands of the Romans. That was not His purpose, however. Praise God that He had something else in mind.

Personal Reflections: How do you feel knowing that Jesus came to set us free from sin and death? Write a short praise to God.