And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried saying, “Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is he that comes in the name of the lord, Hosanna in the highest.”
Matthew 21:9
What a powerful experience! Can you imagine the scene on this particular day? Multitudes of people going before and following; hundreds, perhaps thousands – an innumerable count because of the throng and press of the crowd. Joyfully, taking off coats and cloaks, creating a red carpet. Stripping palms off trees, lining the streets with them and waving palms as the procession passes. What a triumphal entry as they were approaching Jerusalem! What an act of submission to royalty! The crowd praised him as the Messiah, declaring in a loud voice and in one accord, “Hosanna in the Highest!"
Verses 10-11 of the same chapter state: “When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, 'Who Is This?' The crowds answered, 'This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.'" Jesus, knowing fully what the next week would bring, showed that he was not afraid of the crowds, the chief Priests, or the Pharisees – and not even afraid of the “Path of Sorrows” that lay before him. He knew that many people had been plotting to kill him for the past three years of his ministry, but not on this day. This day was a day of celebration with an exceptionally large gathering of multitudes of people.
Over the years, I have personally witnessed how crowds will always have a separate agenda. Crowds will be your best friend one day, and then against you the very next minute, day, or week. Sometimes crowds will have political agendas which are contrary to God’s will. I personally discovered that doing the will of God is the most important daily action needed in my life. Much easier said than done, but with God all things are possible.
Throughout Jesus' ministry there are several instances in which huge crowds followed him. Huge crowds, needing physical and spiritual food on mountains and in desert places. Huge crowds, being healed of their infirmities, picking up their individual mats, repenting of their sins, seeing anew, hearing anew... and hearing the Good News (Gospel) preached to them.
O magnify the Lord with me today, for he is worthy to be praised! Hosanna, Hosanna, Blessed Be the Rock – Blessed Be the Rock of my Salvation. Blessed is he that comes in the name of the Lord, Hosanna in the highest.
God bless you!
Matilda
