A few years ago, I wrote a series called, “MARY’S JOURNEY©.” This section describes Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. The Hebrew word for Hosanna is Save Us. Most of His followers looked on Jesus as the Messiah – the one who had come to save them from Roman oppression – another King David. Jesus proved to be a King, but His kingdom is not of this world.

He had an air of royalty about Him, even though he was not arrayed in purple or crowned with gold.  His mighty steed was a donkey – not what you’d expect for the King of Creation. The donkey is a beast of burden. The animal was carrying the One who would soon bear the burden of all sin on His own back. Still in the warmth of that arid, Spring Day, Jesus was praised by His throng of admirers as the Messiah – the One promised from the lineage of King David.  They were convinced that this king would relieve them of all their problems, give them back control of their city and allow them to rule again in their promised land.

Their cries of “Hosanna” rang through the dusty streets, drowning the sounds of sacrificial lambs, goats and other offerings for the Feast of the Passover.  Palm branches were laid at His feet.  The sky was a clear, azure blue – not a cloud to be seen.  The warm sun shone brightly on the scene as the crowd’s enthusiasm swelled.

These adoring fans had followed Jesus for the past few months. They listened to His words of peace and love.  They watched as He fed 5000 men with only a handful of fishes and loaves.  They saw Him heal the sick and dying and even heard that He had brought some back from the grave. They could see there was something different about this man – something extraordinary.

Mary watched as her Son paraded through the rugged streets.  Her heart pounding with emotion – thoughts of excitement and pride at His current popularity.  She remembered as three distant Kings came to visit her new child with unbelievably expensive gifts. It all confused her at the time, but as she thought about it now, the truth was being made clearer by the minute.

She thought of the words of the angel, Gabriel, “ He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to Him the throne of His father David and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.”   Could it be?  Were these words at last being fulfilled?

She knew that it was just a matter of time when all of her fears and doubts would be addressed.  This time of Passover was the perfect setting for the true Lamb of God to make His entrance.