Blinded Eyes, Hardened Hearts

And a very great multitude spread their clothes on the road; others cut down branches from the trees and spread them on the road. Then the multitudes who went before and those who followed cried out, saying: "Hosanna to the Son of David! ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!' Hosanna in the highest!" (Matthew 21:8-9)

No one knows the size of the crowd that gathered, but scholars, both ancient and modern, have indicated that the attendance in Jerusalem was gradually swelling to nearly 2 million people. Jesus has already attracted a large crowd in Bethany as He left the Mount of Olives. It is suggested that a crowd of 100,000 people or more thronged both sides of the road as Jesus entered the city of Jerusalem.

This is an ancient practice that occurred when the people of the city welcomed their conquering hero and/or army home from battle. We do the same thing today with ticker-tape parades for a winning sports team, political leader, or other noteworthy person(s). However, the crowds that gathered welcoming Jesus into Jerusalem had a very different motive. They were anticipating Jesus would openly declare His Messiahship and begin work running Rome out of Israel.

The word ‘hosanna’ means ‘save now’, or ‘save, I beg thee’. It is a Syriac word and was a form of acclamation used among the Jews in the celebration of their great festivals. During those festivals they sang Psalms 115; 116; 117:1-2; and 118. In chanting/singing those psalms, the Jewish writers tell us the people responded often ‘hallelujah’ (praise the Lord), and ‘hosanna’ (save us, we beg You).

It is to be noted the crowd claimed Jesus to be their Messiah. They even called Him ‘Son of David’, a Messianic title. However, they, like the disciples, believed Jesus to be their political, not their spiritual Deliverer. In a few short days they would not be shouting, Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest! They will be shouting, Let Him be crucified! Crucify Him! Crucify Him.

Today we see the same thing regarding Jesus. Many know Him historically, politically, theologically, religiously, even cinematically. But few know Him personally as Lord and Savior. The name ‘Jesus’ means ‘salvation’. In Hebrew it is 'Jah-Yeheshua', ‘the Lord my Savior’. He is a popular religious figure, but He came to be God’s Messiah and the Messiah of all who will believe in and receive Him as Lord and Savior. He prayed (John 17:3), And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.

“Lord Jesus, it is discouraging and disheartening to me that all You, the Father, and the Holy Spirit have planned, orchestrated, and executed has, since the first promise of Your coming was given in Eden, fallen on hardened hearts, closed minds, and godless spirits. But by Your sovereign grace, love, and mercy, You continue to draw people unto Yourself. Thank You that You have included me in Your blessed plan of salvation. To Your praise and glory I thank You, Amen.” 

Pastor