24 Mar Hosanna!
24th March 2026
Hosanna!
That’s one of those very interesting Hebrew words that can mean either “Praise God!” or “God help us! God save us!” OR it could mean both at the same time. It’s confusing. But what is not confusing is that this Sunday is Palm Sunday where those shouts of Hosanna rang out in the streets of Jerusalem as Jesus entered the city before his crucifixion.
I was reading John’s version of the events surrounding Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem & was struck by what felt almost an aside…a throwaway line…even though I know it’s packed with meaning & significance: John 12:37 – “Even after Jesus had performed so many signs in their presence, they still would not believe in him.” One translation takes they still would not believe in him & adds a word “most of the people still did not believe in him.” I think it was that word “most” that got me. I think that’s probably a pretty accurate understanding. By the time of his crucifixion, Jesus had angered the religious leaders of his day, turned a few hearts toward his promise of life in him with the Father, but the majority of the populace around him…still did not believe in him.
I think that’s instructive for us. As followers of Jesus, we may always be outnumbered in this world. We might, for all our days, be surrounded by unfaith, even within our own homes & families. We know Jesus said the world would hate us because we follow him & that in this world there’d be trouble & sorrow aplenty, but in the very next few verses we read, “Jesus knew that the Father had given him authority over everything & that he had come from God & was returning to God…” – John 13:3
So, when you know & trust God’s provision in all things & that your identity as child of the Father & your destiny as inheritor of eternal life with him are secure in Christ’s hands, you can give, serve, sacrifice, obey, share your faith, forgive, love…without restraint or reserve…just like Jesus did.
We have opportunity to do all that every week…but especially in the days ahead.
* Saturday 28th March – LWF Prayer Morning @ the Guilfoyle home…10:00-11:00 a.m. Always a faith stretching & strengthening time.
* Holy Week schedule!
Palm Sunday – 29th March @ our regular 10:00 a.m. time
Maundy Thursday – 2nd April @ 7:00 p.m.
Good Friday – 3rd April @ 9:00 a.m.
Easter Sunday – 5th April @ 10:00 a.m.
A reminder: Set your clocks back one hour on Saturday the 4th of April
God be with you…and answer your “Hosanna!” with his presence & peace.
See you somewhere this week!
John
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