Sunday, 13th April 2025
Andrews Ampomah
TOPIC: Hosanna – Save Us, We Pray.
THEME SCRIPTURE: “So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel.” – John 12:13
PREPARATORY QUESTIONS:
1. What does your Hosanna mean?
Today marks a very significant day in the history of Christianity. With palms and other branches in hand, Christian worshippers will fill churches and streets, celebrating the Messiah's love and sacrifice that defines our Christian faith. Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week, a journey that culminates in the crucifixion and, ultimately, the resurrection. Amidst the celebration and rejoicing, what is the real intent of Palm Sunday to you?
After dining at the house of Simon the leper, Jesus set His face toward Jerusalem, ready to fulfill all that had been prophesied concerning His suffering, crucifixion, and resurrection. In a deliberate and symbolic act, He requests not a warhorse, but a humble colt, one that had never been ridden (Luke 19:30), emphasizing the nature of His kingship and mission. The crowd, on seeing Jesus on the colt, “…took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, ‘Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!"-John 12:13. This was a royal welcome for the One they believed would save them. The true weight of this event lies not just in the public display but in the hearts of those crying out, “Hosanna!”
The word Hosanna comes from a Hebrew expression meaning “Save us, we pray” (Psalm 118:25-26). The Hosanna shout from the crowd was both a praise and a recognition of the Messiah who proceeds from the Father and He who brings salvation.
The crowd honored Jesus as the promised Messiah, their Deliverer. Unfortunately, they misunderstood the kind of salvation He came to bring. They expected political liberation from Roman dominion; instead, He offered deliverance from sin and death. While liberation from Roman dominion was important, the deeper longings of the human soul is redemption from the slave market of the devil.
To liberate the soul from sin and death is the most important thing that can ever happen to anyone.
Dearly beloved in Christ Jesus, as you wave your palms and lift your voice in praise on this historic day, take a moment to reflect: What does your Hosanna truly mean? Is it a cry for deliverance from poverty, from hardship, or for mere material blessing? Or is it a deeper longing for the salvation only Christ can give? The Messiah, sent from the Father, comes not merely to fix earthly circumstances but to rescue our souls from the grip of sin, death, and eternal separation from God. Let your Hosanna be a heartfelt plea for the only deliverance that matters—salvation that begins now and wells up into eternity with the Father. Look to Jesus alone, for in Him is the fullness of life and everlasting peace. Amen.
FURTHER READING – John 12, Luke 19, Psalm 118:24-27
Call to Salvation: Today is your day if you have not received salvation by turning over your life to Jesus Christ. Click here to do so.
QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU MEDITATE ON THE WORD:
- Have you truly experienced salvation from sin and death?
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, thank you for sending Your only begotten Son to come and conquer sin and death. Grant me the grace to know and experience what it truly means to be saved from sin and death. Oh, that by the Holy Spirit and with understanding, my outward rejoicing will reflect the deeper longings of my soul to your glory and praise alone, in Christ Jesus. Amen.
One-Year Bible Reading Plan
Deuteronomy 31-32; Psalm 103; Acts 13
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