Monday, March 23, 2026

Scripture

“The crowds that went ahead of him and that followed were shouting, ‘Hosanna to the Son of David!  Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!  Hosanna in the highest heaven!’” Matthew 21:9

Reflections

When Jesus rode into Jerusalem, he rode in to die.

The people were lauding him as their hero, the Messiah, the one who would rescue them and restore the kingdom of David.  But Jesus knew he would soon be crucified.  It was a disaster just waiting to happen, a train wreck in a tunnel—and this was all a part of God’s plan.

The crowds shouted “Hosanna!” which means “Lord, save us!”  In their minds, they were crying out to be saved from the tyranny of the Romans.  Little did they know what he would do.  He did indeed save them, but from something much more significant than the Romans.  He saved them from sin, death, and the power of evil.

Through his death on the cross, he saves us from our sin.  No longer do we need to fear the consequences of our sin.  When we turn to him, we see that he died for us at the worst of our worst.  He forgives.  Through his resurrection from the dead, we discover he has the power to bring life from death.  His promises of life are for all who trust in him.  Through his promise to come again, we are reminded that the ultimate victory is coming.  There will come a time when he will be victorious.  Evil will be no more.

Prayer

Lord God, thank you for choosing to ride into Jerusalem and be crucified for my sake.  Thank you for saving me from sin, death, and the power of evil.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Full Reading: Matthew 21:1-11