Hosanna In the Highest

 

The King Who Comes on a Donkey – Matthew 21:1-11

Dear Friends, picture the narrow streets of Jerusalem buzzing with excitement. It is Passover week, and the city is bursting with pilgrims. Then, from the Mount of Olives, a humble procession begins. Jesus sends two disciples ahead to fetch a young donkey. He mounts it and rides slowly toward the city gate.

The crowd erupts. People spread their cloaks on the road. Children and adults wave fresh green palm branches, shouting with joy:

“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)

This is the day we now call Palm Sunday — the day the King of kings entered Jerusalem. Not on a war horse with soldiers, but on a humble donkey, exactly as the prophet Zechariah had foretold centuries earlier: “Behold, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey” (Zechariah 9:9).

The people were right to cheer. Jesus truly is the promised King. Yet many in that crowd expected a political deliverer who would overthrow Rome. Instead, Jesus came as the gentle King who would conquer sin and death through the cross. Within a few short days, the same voices crying “Hosanna!” would cry “Crucify Him!”

Still, Jesus rode on. He knew exactly where this road was leading — to the upper room, the garden, the trial, and ultimately to Calvary. He came not to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.

Today, Jesus still comes humbly to each of us. He doesn’t force His way in with power and noise. He comes gently, riding on the “donkey” of our ordinary lives, inviting us to welcome Him as King. The question Palm Sunday still asks us is this: Will we wave our palms and spread our cloaks in worship, or will we turn away when His kingship challenges our plans?

Pause in the quiet today. What does it mean for Jesus to be King in your life right now — not just in the good times, but when the road leads toward difficulty or sacrifice? Are there areas where you’re still hoping for a different kind of king — one who fixes everything on your terms?

The same Jesus who entered Jerusalem on a donkey is the One who rose victorious on the third day. He is still worthy of our loudest “Hosanna!”

Point to Ponder: True kingship is not shown in displays of force, but in humble obedience that leads to sacrificial love.

Verse to Remember: “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” (Matthew 21:9 ESV)

Question to Consider: This week, in one honest moment with God, ask yourself: Am I truly welcoming Jesus as King, or am I still hoping He will fit into my own expectations? What would it look like to lay down my “cloaks” and follow Him wherever the road leads?

Article written by Shaun Fereday, Leader @SFGH Church