What Does Hosanna Mean?

When Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey he fulfilled prophecies that had been made hundreds of years before. His entrance was greeted with the laying down of palms and shouts of ‘Hosanna’. But what does hosanna mean?

HOSANNA DURING THE TIME OF CHRIST

Hosanna was a cry of hope from an oppressed people living under Roman rule and it means ‘Oh save’ or ‘Save us now’.

They had been waiting generations for the Messiah and he was finally here! Just a week later Jesus would save them, but not in the way they ever would have imagined.

He wasn’t a King like David whose rule and reign was only for a limited time. He is a King forever, and his life, death, and resurrection are just as powerful today as they were 2000 years ago.

HOSANNA!

In an age where we have continual access to the news from around the world, it only takes a moment to see that the shout of hosanna is still needed. At this moment there are people living in poverty, oppression, and hopelessness. While they may not say the word hosanna, they are certainly in need of saving and many do cry out on a daily basis for some glimmer of hope.

WHAT DO YOU NEED TO BE SAVED FROM?

You may or may not live in a country where you are oppressed by a ruling party like the Jews were. Also, you probably aren’t waiting for a king or savior to come and make things right for you and your family. You may actually have all the food, shelter, and security you need.

But this cry of hosanna may still be one that you can relate with.

When we’re separated from God – our creator – we can have all the things of the world and still be as lost and hopeless as ever.

JESUS FULFILLS OUR CRY

Jesus was the only one who could fulfill the cry of hosanna. His saving supersedes circumstances and physical needs and reunites us with our creator. It’s this kind of saving grace he displayed on the cross. We didn’t deserve it or earn it but he so desperately loves us that he died to save us.

His saving was and is the only answer to the cry of hosanna.

As you remember Jesus resurrection this weekend be reminded that the saving grace of Jesus has the power to change everything!