Mark 11:9
And they that went before, and they that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna; Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord:
Mark 11:9 (KJV)
Context
Mark 11:9 is part of the narrative describing Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. This event took place during the final week of Jesus’ earthly ministry, just a few days before His crucifixion and resurrection. The people who went before Him and those who followed Him were shouting praises and expressions of adoration.
Meaning
The crowd’s cry, “Hosanna,” is a Hebrew expression meaning “save now” or “save, we pray.” It was originally a plea for deliverance, and here it becomes a shout of praise and welcome. The people acknowledged Jesus as the one who comes in the name of the Lord, recognizing His authority and proclaiming Him as the long-awaited Messiah. Their cry is both a prayer and a proclamation: they ask God to save, and they bless the one who comes in God’s name.
The manner in which Jesus entered Jerusalem riding on a donkey was symbolic. In Jewish culture, a king riding on a donkey symbolized humility and peace, as opposed to a king on a horse who would symbolize war and conquest. Jesus, as the promised Messiah, entered Jerusalem humbly and peacefully, not as a military conqueror but as the Prince of Peace.
Biblical connections
The people’s proclamation of “Hosanna” and “Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord” reflects the fulfillment of Messianic prophecies from the Old Testament. Psalm 118:26 contains a similar declaration that the people made during Jesus’ triumphal entry. This verse was associated with the Passover and messianic expectation. By quoting it, the crowd identified Jesus with the promised deliverer. This event demonstrated Jesus’ alignment with and fulfillment of Scripture, affirming His identity as the promised Messiah.
Application
Jesus’ Identity: The events of the triumphal entry emphasized Jesus’ identity as the Messiah, the Anointed One sent by God. It highlights His authority and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies.
Humility and Servanthood: Jesus’ choice to enter Jerusalem on a donkey demonstrates humility and servanthood. As His followers, we are called to emulate His humility and serve others with love and compassion.
The Kingdom of God: The triumphal entry points to the establishment of God’s kingdom on earth through Jesus. It reminds us of the ultimate victory of Jesus over sin and death and encourages us to seek God’s kingdom and proclaim His reign in our lives.
Worship and Praise: The people’s shouts of “Hosanna” and “Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord” demonstrate the importance of worship and praise. We are called to worship and honor Jesus as the Son of God and give Him the praise He deserves.
Proclaiming Jesus: The people in the crowd proclaimed Jesus’ arrival as the Messiah. As followers of Christ, we are also called to proclaim the good news of salvation in Jesus Christ and share His message of hope with others.
Reflection
The crowd’s cry in Mark 11:9 is both a plea and a praise, reflecting the tension between present need and future hope. For the believer, this verse encourages a similar cry of dependence on God’s salvation and a blessing upon Christ, who comes in the name of the Lord. The acclamation is not merely a historical event but a model for believers to recognize and proclaim Jesus as the one sent by God. The verse underscores the importance of praise in the life of faith, as the people’s cry aligns with the biblical pattern of joyful celebration in God’s presence. The crowd’s response demonstrates a moment of public acknowledgment, though their understanding of His mission would be clarified through His death and resurrection. This verse serves as a bridge between the Old Testament hope of redemption and its fulfillment in Christ.
