SAVE US!

Matthew 21:6-11  The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, 'Hosanna to the Son of David!' 'Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!' 'Hosanna in the highest heaven!' 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.' (NIVUK)

You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and many other languages

The feast of Passover was one of the three great feasts of Israel. Every able bodied man was expected to be there. Many Jews who travelled from Galilee, in the north of the country, avoided Samaria by coming down the road to the east of the Jordan River and then crossing near Jericho. From there it was an uphill path for about 17 miles. The closer they got to Jerusalem, the more excited they became.

The crowds merged with the growing group of people around Jesus. It was a festival atmosphere and the sight of Jesus riding to the City on a donkey spurred them into chanting. Psalm 118 was a natural song to sing. Verses 25-26 say, "Lord, save us! Lord, grant us success, Blessed is He who comes in the Name of the Lord ... from the house of the Lord we bless you"

It was a Holy Spirit inspired connection between the Psalm and Jesus. The crowd spoke the truth although they did not know it (and later denied it ... Matthew 27:20-26). Jesus was indeed the Saviour ('Hosanna' means 'save us now'). He was indeed the Son of David (the Jews understood that phrase to refer to the Messiah). Salvation was indeed planned in the highest heaven and would enable saved people to go to heaven. Entering Jerusalem the excitement of the travelling crowd spilled over to the other pilgrims. They asked, "Who is this man?" But the only answer was His human name and home address. They had not listened to the Scripture they had chanted.

God is heard when people listen for His voice. Even though Scripture is full of truth from God, its significance is often disregarded because people do not want to know what He is saying. It is easy to repeat prayers in church, sing songs and read what the Holy Spirit has inspired - but it is impossible to bow before the King of Heaven unless you want to (or, on the final day, have to ... Philippians 2:9-11). Going along with a religious crowd will not necessarily show you who Jesus is, unless you are open to hear and believe what the Holy Spirit is saying. Be willing to listen today when you read His Word.

Prayer:  Oh God who speaks. Thank You for Your Word which shows me what You are like, and what I am like ... and how I need Your help to become more like You. I am sorry when I do not want to know those realities, when I am determined to drive my agenda against Your will. Please help me to desire to hear Your Holy Spirit speaking to me as I read Your Word, and to be willing to obey what You say. In Jesus' Name. Amen.