“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!” - John 12:13
Was the King’s entrance just as marvelous as his exit? Certainly not, if this King stayed in the grave. Let’s take a few minutes to consider King Jesus’s entrance into Jerusalem in John 12:13. The crowds waved palm branches as Jesus entered the town. They were likely celebrating because they thought that Jesus was a national deliverer who would overthrow the Romans. They were crying out “Hosanna” which means something like “give salvation now.” This passage in John is likely referring to Psalm 118:26-27 which is partly addressed to the king of Israel. All of this has significance as we consider the Biblical portrait of Jesus.
Jesus is a much bigger savior than a mere national deliverer who would overthrow the Romans. He is the promised Davidic king from 2 Samuel 7:13 and David’s greater son from Psalm 118:26-27. Jesus came as the king who extended his reign to the ends of the Earth with a proclamation of peace for all who come to him. The salvation he gives is of infinite and eternal value.
This Easter let's continue to keep our eyes on Jesus who entered Jerusalem in a profound way but exited the grave in a way that only God can. Jesus, the king of peace, is truly the one who gives salvation for all who come to him with empty hands. “For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory” (1 Cor. 1:20).