The triumphal entry of Jesus into the city of Jerusalem is so called because of the response of the people to Him. This response is written by Mark in 11:9-10.
“Hosanna!
‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD!’
Blessed is the kingdom of our father David
That comes in the name of the Lord!
Hosanna in the highest!”
The event is chronicled in all four gospels—Matthew 21; Mark 11; Luke 19; John 12. The word Hosanna in the text above is a transliteration from the Hebrew into the English translations, and is an expression of adoration with which the Jews were familiar. The basic sentiment was an expression seeking to bring well being and victory to Jesus as the Messiah of the Jews. A literal definition from the Hebrew would be something like — oh save!
The rest of the sentiment is seen in the blessings professed on Jesus’ behalf. Examine them concisely:
Jesus came in the name of Jehovah God. Jesus asserted this in His ministry. Jesus confirmed concerning Himself, “For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved” (John 3:17).
Jesus’ purpose was to establish His kingdom (as a son of David). This was a kingdom promised numerous times in the Old Testament (cf. 2 Samuel 7:12-16; Psalm 89:3-4; Psalm 132:11; Ezekiel 37:24). At this point, the people there looked to Jesus as the fulfillment of Israel’s hope. He was the Messiah! They were crying out in joy looking forward to the fulfillment of this prophecy!
It was God’s will! This is indicated in the words, “in the name of the Lord.” Understand no man can thwart God’s will in His scheme of redemption. God determined this from before the creation of the world (cf. Ephesians 1). It was His intention that the kingdom be established in that generation (cf. Mark 9:1) and this was accomplished in Jesus’ death, resurrection and ascension. God raised up Jesus to sit on His throne in heaven! “Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:9-11). Truly, “Hosanna in the highest!”
