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Jesus was enthusiastically welcomed by the crowds when He entered Jerusalem. “They took branches of palm trees and went forth to meet Him, crying Hosanna: Matthew says: “The multitude that went with Him cried out: “Hosanna to the son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest!” (Matt. 21:9).

Did Israel believe that it was truly their king who was coming? The king of peace, the king of heaven, the Messiah? Though they said so in their songs of praise they did not really believe. When the people of Jerusalem questioned, “Who is this?” the multitude replied, “This is Jesus, the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee.” (Matt. 21: 10-11).

The people cheered Him and were ready to acknowledge Him as King, because He was a prophet from Nazareth who had worked many miracles. They were thrilled with His miraculous powers. The news that He had raised Lazarus from the dead had quickly spread through all Jerusalem. “For this cause the people also met Him, for they heard that He had done this miracle” (John 12:18). The people of Galilee were looking for a king who could give them as much food as they required. The people of Judea and Jerusalem were eager to have a king who could raise the dead to life. Is this how faith should be? Certainly these works should help us to believe (John 10:38). It is not right when a believer does not recognize God’s power in miracles but wants them only to gratify his own needs. Such believers are enthusiastic only for as long as there are miracles and refuse to accept the cross.

The description of our Lord’s entry into Jerusalem is a picture of “Victory”. What did the disciples think of it? Perhaps that they had won? Perhaps that there were no dangers for them now, that it was the end of the Jews, or that no threats (John 12:19) hung over them now? On the contrary, it was clear to the Pharisees that now nothing was to be achieved by merely forbidding certain things, they had, therefore, decided to kill Him (John 11:53). Christ knew this and was not deceived by the triumphant welcome which He received. His soul was troubled (John 12:27). The reason for the jubilation was not as it should have been because He was the Son of God, but because He had raised Lazarus from the dead…. Hosanna! David’s Son is coming to Zion. Ah, prepare a throne for Him, erect a thousand triumphant arches, scatter palms, make way for Him to enter. This is what we sing in one of our hymns. What should be our reason for this exultation? Should He be king of our “Country”, of our lives, because He miraculously gives us everything and solves all our problems? Let us remember that faith, based on miracles, cannot face the cross. Jesus has said: “He that taketh not his cross and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.” (Matt. 10:38). If faith is founded on just one miracle that foundation is not at all firm. True faith is to the Saviour of sinners and the Son of the living God. Once we have realised this, this knowledge and love will give Him His rightful place and we will adore Him saying: “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain, to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honour and glory and blessings. (Rev. 5:12).