Hosanna (Palm Sunday)

Holy Week begins with Jesus’ Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem (Matthew 21:1–11), known as Palm Sunday, where crowds of people exclaimed Hosanna! They said, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” (Matthew 21:9 ESV). The word Hosanna is a plea for salvation. It literally means “I beg you to save!” or “please deliver us!” And one week later, Christ Jesus provided the gift of salvation for everyone, for all time by defeating Death, Hell, and the Grave.

As you focus on Holy Week this week, remember Christ Jesus came to save you from your sin and rebellion from God which without Jesus would result in your, and all peoples, just punishment in Hell. Because of Jesus’ sacrifice and death on the cross the following Friday and His resurrection from the tomb on Sunday, He provides payment for your sin debt to God.

Romans 6:23 (ESV) explains that “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” If we believe that Jesus’ sacrifice was sufficient payment for our sins, ask Jesus’ to forgive us, and repent from our sins making Him Lord of our life then He is faithful to forgive and save us.

Those of us who have accepted the free gift of salvation can say, “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” (1 Corinthians 15:55 ESV). We can say this because Sin and Death no longer have any power over us.