“ A great multitude, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, took branches of palm trees and went out to meet Him, and cried out: “Hosanna! ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD!’ The King of Israel!” John 12:12

Most triumphal parades are for the benefit of those who understand them the least. This one included. Most of the people along this parade route did not know why they were there. They just happened to be there and a parade broke out. The people who enjoyed this parade the most understood it the least. They would shout “Hosanna” today, but cry out, “crucify Him” next week.

What are we here for someone asked. Well, we are here to see Jesus, the Messiah. He is going to be the national Liberator. That is why we wave these palm branches. You see Jesus is going to save us from the Romans. The people who were enjoying this parade the most understood it the least. I believe Jesus had tears flowing from His eyes that day because these people were looking for the wrong thing.

You see, Hosanna means save us now, with an emphasis on “ now”. The freedom they wanted was temporary and fleeting. Jesus came to give us eternal peace. He came, not on a great white horse as a conqueror, but on a lowly donkey as a Suffering Servant.

The Suffering Servant on a donkey brings peace and drives away fears. He says to us today, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27). Things taught by men are often wrong but the Revelations of God never are. What is revealed to us by this story of Jesus riding on a donkey? This simple truth, kingdoms won by victorious conquerors are temporary but Life given to us by the Suffering Savior is eternal.

Douglas & Deborah Huff

From Down Where The Pavement Ends