As Jesus entered Jerusalem His followers were shouting “Hosanna” as there were a sense of hope and anticipation in the crowd.  Many in the crowd were looking forward to the establishment of an earthly kingdom but Jesus had an even greater purpose.  The Gospel writers record His entry into Jerusalem,

Those who went in front and those who followed were shouting: “Hosanna! BLESSED IS HE WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD; Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David; Hosanna in the highest!”  (Mark 11:9-10)

Hosanna comes from the Hebrew words which means “save now, we pray.”  The passage recorded above is from Psalm 118:25-26 which was recited as part of the great Hallel (Psalms 113–118).  This was accompanied by the waving of palm and willow branches.  There was a sense of hope and anticipation.  The early church realized the reality of a spiritual kingdom as they included the term Hosanna in this prayer in the Didache (Διδαχή) which literally means “teaching” and referred to the “The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles”.

We thank you, Holy Father, for Your Holy name which you made to dwell in our hearts, and for knowledge and faith and immortality as You made known to us through Jesus, Your Servant. Glory to You forever.

You, Lord Almighty, created all things to show forth Your name. You give both food and drink to man to enjoy, and everlasting life through Your Servant. Above all, we thank You because You are mighty. Glory to You forever. Remember Lord, Your Church, to deliver her from all evil and mature her in Your love. And gather her from the four winds, separated into Your kingdom which You have made for her, because You have the power and glory forever.

Let grace come and this world pass away. Hosanna to the Son of David! If anyone is holy, let him come. If anyone is not, let him repent. Maranatha (Lord come). Amen

As you approach Easter do you have a sense of hope and anticipation?  Jesus has brought us much more than an earthly kingdom – He has reconciled man to God.  You can experience the blessings of God’s spiritual kingdom.  Brooke Fraser captures the true meaning of hope and anticipation in her song Hosanna.  Read the words below as a prayer and may God make it a reality in your life:

I see the King of glory coming on the clouds with fire.  The whole earth shakes, the whole earth shakes.  I see His love and mercy washing over all our sin.  The people sing, the people sing.

Hosanna, Hosanna Hosanna in the highest.

I see a generation rising up to take the place with selfless faith, with selfless faith.  I see a near revival stirring as we pray and seek we’re on our knees, we’re on our knees.

Hosanna Hosanna Hosanna in the highest Hosanna Hosanna Hosanna in the highest.

Heal my heart and make it clean open up my eyes to the things unseen.  Show me how to love like You have loved me. Break my heart for what breaks Yours.  Everything I am for Your Kingdom’s cause as I walk from earth into eternity.

Hosanna, Hosanna Hosanna in the highest Hosanna Hosanna Hosanna in the highest.

Dr. Rick Higgins

Professor of Discipleship, Columbia International University