PONDERING... Palm Branches, Hosannas, and a Donkey?

John 12:9-19  When the large crowd of the Jews learned that Jesus was there, they came, not only on account of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead.  10  So the chief priests made plans to put Lazarus to death as well,  11  because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and believing in Jesus.  12  The next day the large crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem.  13  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!"  14  And Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, just as it is written,  15  "Fear not, daughter of Zion; behold, your king is coming, sitting on a donkey's colt!"  16  His disciples did not understand these things at first, but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things had been written about him and had been done to him.  17  The crowd that had been with him when he called Lazarus out of the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to bear witness.  18  The reason why the crowd went to meet him was that they heard he had done this sign.  19  So the Pharisees said to one another, "You see that you are gaining nothing. Look, the world has gone after him."

Is Jesus Coming?

Remember a couple weeks ago when we read this?

John 11:55-57 ESV - "55 Now the Passover of the Jews was at hand, and many went up from the country to Jerusalem before the Passover to purify themselves. 56 They were looking for Jesus and saying to one another as they stood in the temple, "What do you think? That he will not come to the feast at all?" 57 Now the chief priests and the Pharisees had given orders that if anyone knew where he was, he should let them know, so that they might arrest him."

Well, this same group of people are about to get their answer in a very real and powerful way. This passage might be familiar to some of us, but let's not overlook it's significance.

Context:

9 When the large crowd of the Jews learned that Jesus was there, they came, not only on account of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead.  10  So the chief priests made plans to put Lazarus to death as well,  11  because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and believing in Jesus...  17  The crowd that had been with him when he called Lazarus out of the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to bear witness.  18  The reason why the crowd went to meet him was that they heard he had done this sign.  19  So the Pharisees said to one another, "You see that you are gaining nothing. Look, the world has gone after him."

This passage is book-ended with reminders of danger. The Pharisees are determined to kill both Jesus and any evidence that supports His claims. Why was Jesus walking openly then? His time had come. All throughout the gospel we are reminded that He would lay down His life when it was time (and only then). Now is that time. He comes triumphantly to give us His life.

Palm Branches, Hosannas, and a Donkey?

1. The Symbols

-Palm Branches?

Though palm branches had symbolic meaning connected to the Feast of Tabernacles (see previous lessons), at this time they had become a symbol of national pride and military victory. From what I've read and heard, it seems that this stems back to when Judas Maccabaeus led a conquest to reclaim Jerusalem and the temple. The people met him in the street waving palm branches.

-Hosanna?

This, too, was connected to set of songs that were sung at the Feast of the Tabernacles. It comes from Psalm 118 and means "help us" or "save us". Check out it's context.

Psalm 118:25-26 ESV- "25 Save us, we pray, O LORD! O LORD, we pray, give us success! 26 Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD! We bless you from the house of the LORD."

They were clearly looking for a military victory.

-Donkey?

There are a few things wrong here. First, this is the wrong animal. Kings, warriors, champions...they road "mighty-steeds" not tiny Hebrew donkeys. (Apparently, this breed is smaller than the donkey's and mules we've grown up seeing at like Grant's Farm. AND, this one is a colt--baby donkey.) Second, he should have been walking. Jewish custom required all men to at least finish there pilgrimage to Jerusalem on foot. Jesus, who was in danger of his life, rode in. This wasn't a powerful ride, but it would draw attention nonetheless.

[Side Note: John is quick to point out that they had missed the Old Testament reference this was fulfilling (Zechariah 9:9).]

2. The Significance

1. Jesus is the King.

-He doesn't stop this blatant worship.

2. He's not the King you're looking for.

-He's not on a horse. He comes humbly.

-He has no political agenda. He comes for His purposes.

-His kingdom is not of this world. It is so much more--present, future--eternal!

3. He is the only King--the King you need.

-He came to die. No other king could do this. No other would try.

-He came to die for you. He alone is your salvation.

Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!