Hosanna!

"So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!" (John 12:13). This Sunday is Palm Sunday when we will hear the word "Hosanna" in our readings, and in some of our hymns.  This word was shouted by the crowds as Jesus rode into Jerusalem.  But what does the word mean?
 
"Hosanna" is an old word, quite possibly originally a Hebrew word.  We find the word used in the Old Testament especially in the Psalms. The original meaning is basically, "save us!" For example, Psalm 12:1 says, "Save [hosanna], O LORD, for the godly one is gone." Psalm 118:25 says, "Save us [hosanna] we pray, O Lord!"
 
When Jesus rode into Jerusalem, the people likely had a similar sentiment in mind when shouting this word. They believed Jesus was the Messiah, the one anointed to save them, to rescue them, most likely from the oppressive hand of the Romans. They wanted a Messiah who would either restore the kingdom of Israel to its former glory ruled by a Jewish king, or perhaps they were hoping for the eternal reign of God on earth. Whatever their thoughts, they had the right idea.  Jesus was indeed the one who was coming into Jerusalem to save them, but not from the Romans.  He was coming to save them from their sins.
 
In our Christian understanding, "Hosanna" is now more of a word of praise, than a word of pleading. Of course, we too recognize the need for a Messiah, one who will save us from our sins and we ask Jesus for that salvation.  But we apply that word directly to Jesus because of what He has already done for us on the cross in dying for the sins of the world. On our lips, "Hosanna" is a shout of acclamation and adoration recognizing Jesus as the true and only Messiah. He has saved us, and we rejoice in His salvation with our cries of “Hosanna!”