The word “Hosanna” is of Hebrew origin, and it means “Save us” or “Save, please.” It is derived from the Hebrew phrase “hoshiya na,” which is a plea for deliverance or salvation. The term first appears in the Bible during a significant moment when Jesus entered Jerusalem. The people joyfully welcomed Him, shouting “Hosanna!” as they waved palm branches and praised God.
This event is described in several places in the New Testament, including in John 12:12-13:
“The next day the great crowd that had come for the festival heard that Jesus was on His way to Jerusalem. They took palm branches and went out to meet Him, shouting, ‘Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the King of Israel!'” (NIV)
The same scene is also recorded in Matthew 21:9, Matthew 21:15, and Mark 11:9-10.
Why Did the People Use the Word “Hosanna”?
The question arises: why did the people shout “Hosanna” instead of saying something else, like “Welcome, O Messiah” or “Come, O Savior”? The reason is deeply rooted in Jewish tradition and their expectations of the Messiah.
At the time of Jesus’ earthly ministry, the Jewish people were living under Roman rule. The Roman Empire, under Emperor Caesar, was the dominant power controlling much of the known world, including Israel. The Jewish people, therefore, lived as subjects of a foreign empire, paying taxes to Caesar and under political oppression. As a result, they eagerly awaited the arrival of the Messiah, who they believed would deliver them from this oppressive rule, restore their kingdom, and establish a reign of peace and righteousness.
In Zechariah 14:3, the prophecy speaks of a time when the Lord will fight against the nations on behalf of Israel:
“Then the Lord will go out and fight against those nations, as He fights on a day of battle.” (NIV)
This prophecy and others led the Jewish people to anticipate a Messiah who would deliver them from their political and military enemies, including the Romans.
Thus, when the people saw Jesus entering Jerusalem, many of them believed He was the fulfillment of these prophecies. They believed He was the Messiah who had come to rescue Israel from Roman oppression. That’s why they shouted “Hosanna” — they were calling out to Jesus to “Save us, please!” They expected Him to establish an earthly kingdom and free them from their political enemies.
Theological Significance of “Hosanna” in Jesus’ Entry
The people, including His disciples, thought Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem signified the beginning of the physical salvation they had longed for. In fact, shortly after His resurrection, the disciples asked Jesus in Acts 1:6:
“Then they gathered around Him and asked Him, ‘Lord, are You at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?'” (NIV)
They still expected a political kingdom to be established. However, Jesus’ answer in Acts 1:7-8 reveals that the kingdom He was establishing was not of this world:
“He said to them, ‘It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by His own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.'” (NIV)
Jesus came to bring spiritual salvation, not to immediately overthrow the Roman Empire. His kingdom was not a political one, but a spiritual one, open to all who believe in Him and receive salvation through His death and resurrection.
The Future Fulfillment of the “Hosanna” Cry
While the people of Israel were calling out for deliverance from political oppression, the true salvation Jesus offers is from sin and eternal death. His mission was to bring redemption through His sacrifice on the cross, and His kingdom is a spiritual one that will be fully realized in the future. The Bible speaks of a time when Christ will return to establish His reign on earth, and at that time, the ultimate “Hosanna” cry will be answered in the physical sense.
In Revelation 19:11-16, we see a picture of Jesus’ return as a conquering King:
“I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice He judges and wages war. His eyes are like blazing fire, and on His head are many crowns. He has a name written on Him that no one knows but He Himself. He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and His name is the Word of God… On His robe and on His thigh He has this name written: King of kings and Lord of lords.” (NIV)
At that time, the true deliverance of Israel will occur, and Jesus will fulfill all the prophecies concerning the Messiah’s reign. The people’s cry for salvation will be answered in its fullest sense when Christ returns to establish His 1,000-year kingdom of peace and righteousness, as described in Revelation 20:1-6.
Conclusion: The Ultimate Meaning of “Hosanna”
In the present day, “Hosanna” serves as a reminder of both the initial salvation Jesus brought through His death and resurrection and the future salvation He will bring when He returns to establish His kingdom. If you have not yet placed your trust in Christ, the door of grace is still open, and now is the time to receive His salvation.
In Romans 10:9, the apostle Paul reminds us:
“If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” (NIV)
The cry of “Hosanna” is both a cry for salvation and a declaration of faith in Jesus as the Savior. Will you respond to this call today and place your faith in Christ? If so, you can have the assurance of eternal life with Him.
Maranatha! (“Come, Lord Jesus”)
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