Holy Bible
Matthew
21:9
The Power of Hosanna
Dear friends in Christ, today we are going to talk about something wonderful—praising Jesus with Hosanna! Hosanna is a powerful word that fills our hearts with joy. It’s not just a word—it’s a shout of worship that invites God’s love and salvation into our lives. In Matthew 21:9, we read about the time when Jesus entered Jerusalem, and the people shouted with joy:
“The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, ‘Hosanna to the Son of David!’ ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!’ ‘Hosanna in the highest heaven!'” (Matthew 21:9, NIV)
This special day is called Palm Sunday. On that day, the people held palm branches and shouted “Hosanna” because they saw Jesus as their Savior. Let’s learn what is the meaning of Palm Sunday and how ‘Hosanna’ reflects our cry for salvation. Today, let’s praise Jesus with Hosanna and feel His love in our lives!
Hosanna Meaning in the Bible: A Palm Sunday Cry
The word “Hosanna” comes from the Hebrew language, and it means “please save us” or “rescue us.” It’s a heartfelt prayer asking God for help. We can see this meaning in Psalm 118:25:
“Lord, save us! Lord, grant us success!” (Psalm 118:25, NIV)
Palm Sunday: Jesus’ Triumphant Entry into Jerusalem
On Palm Sunday, Jesus entered Jerusalem riding on a donkey. We read about this in John 12:12-13:
This moment fulfilled a promise from Zechariah 9:9:
“Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” (Zechariah 9:9, NIV)
These Palm Sunday Bible quotes show the crowd’s faith in Jesus as their Savior. Jesus didn’t come on a big horse like a warrior king. He rode a simple donkey to show His humility and love. He came as a Savior, not a conqueror! The people waved palm branches, laid their clothes on the road, and shouted “Hosanna” with joy because they believed Jesus was the promised Messiah. Let’s welcome Jesus with the same joy on this Palm Sunday!
Freedom Through Hosanna: A Palm Sunday Message of Salvation
When Jesus entered Jerusalem, He went to the temple and cleared out everything that didn’t belong there. He turned over the tables of the money-changers and set free the birds in cages. This shows us that Jesus brings freedom. Isaiah 61:1 tells us:
“The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives…” (Isaiah 61:1, NIV)
When we say “Hosanna,” we invite Jesus to come into our lives and set us free. Are we struggling with sin, sickness, or any problem? Ephesians 2:1-2 explains how sin traps us:
“As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world…” (Ephesians 2:1-2, NIV)
But Jesus gives us new life! When we cry “Hosanna,” His love washes us clean and makes us free. This is the Palm Sunday message of salvation—Jesus sets us free!
Jesus in Our Hearts
Just like Jesus entered Jerusalem, He wants to enter our hearts. Our bodies are like temples for God, and He wants to live in us (1 Corinthians 6:19). When we say “Hosanna,” we ask Jesus to come in and make our hearts His home. Mark 16:17 says:
“And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues…” (Mark 16:17, NIV)
When we trust Jesus and call out “Hosanna,” bad things have to leave. Scripture for Palm Sunday, like Psalm 91:11-12, reminds us of God’s protection when we welcome Jesus:
“For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.” (Psalm 91:11-12, NIV)
Proverbs 8:32 says:
“Now then, my children, listen to me; blessed are those who keep my ways.” (Proverbs 8:32, NIV)
And Psalm 45:7 adds:
“You love righteousness and hate wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy.” (Psalm 45:7, NIV)
When Jesus lives in our hearts, we walk in His love and joy. Hosanna brings His presence into our lives!
Walking in God’s Way
In this message, we heard a wonderful example—the difference between sheep and pigs. Sheep follow their shepherd, but pigs roll in the mud. As God’s children, we should follow Jesus like sheep, not roll in the mud of sin like pigs! We used to live in sin, but Jesus’ blood has washed us and made us clean, like sheep. John 10:10 says:
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10, NIV)
When we call out “Hosanna” and invite Jesus into our lives, He pulls us out of the mud of sin and gives us new life. Isaiah 58:8-9 promises:
“Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard. Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I.” (Isaiah 58:8-9, NIV)
Prayer
Dear Jesus, we praise Your holy name. Just as You entered Jerusalem, please come into our hearts today. We cry “Hosanna”—Lord, save us! Free us from every chain and fill us with Your love. Wash us clean with Your blood and make us new. Let Your presence bring us joy and strength.
Holy Spirit, guide us and help us follow You. Hear our prayers and let Your will be done in our lives. We pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
