In Part 1, we looked at Matthew 21 and the significance of the first two parts of the story. I explained that Jesus rode a donkey because it was a symbol of peace and the Israelites laid their cloaks down because they recognized His authority as King. This means that Jesus gives us a promise of peace and security that still applies to our lives today.
I want to jump in where we left off on Monday. Let’s look at Matthew 21:6-10 again and at two more questions from this passage to finish up.
Matthew 21:6-10 (NIV)
The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 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!”
When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?”
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Why do they wave palm branches?
Palm branches were a symbol of victory. It means that Jesus came, and still comes, to bring victory. When we allow Him to rule and reign over our lives, our family, and our challenges, He brings victory. Even when things don’t seem to go our way, we can know that we have the ultimate victory in Him because He has defeated sin and death.
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Why do they shout “Hosanna”?
Hosanna means “He saves.” It comes from a Hebrew word that means salvation. He comes to save us from our sins. But, if we want the peace and victory He brings, then we first have to realize that we can’t save ourselves–only He can.
Jesus fulfilled all of the promises God had spoken to His people hundreds of years earlier. He was preparing to submit Himself to die on the cross for the sins of the world–something that would have looked like the ultimate defeat. But, when He rose from the dead, He came through on His promises, and He still does today.
The truth is that we all look to something to save us–we all turn somewhere and ask for help. Not everyone there that day trusted Jesus as the coming King–they didn’t all believe His promises. But, those who look to Jesus and put their trust in Him receive a different promise–one of peace, security, victory, salvation, and so much more.
Matthew 6:33 tells us,
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
When we seek the King, Jesus, and His kingdom–the things that matter to him–He promises us peace, protection, and provision. The question is–will you trust His promises to you?