Mark 11:9 – “Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted, ‘Hosanna!’ ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!'”
Extended Explanation
In this verse, as Jesus rides into Jerusalem on a colt, the crowd surrounding Him erupts in praise, shouting “Hosanna!” and declaring blessings on Him as the one who comes in the name of the Lord. “Hosanna” is a word that originally meant “save us now” but had become an expression of praise and hope for deliverance. The people are recognizing Jesus as someone special, someone sent by God, and they believe He may be the long-awaited Messiah who will rescue them. Their cries echo words from Psalm 118:25-26, which was often recited during Jewish celebrations, particularly Passover.
However, while the crowd’s enthusiasm is genuine, their understanding of Jesus’ mission is incomplete. Many likely expected Him to bring political deliverance from Roman rule, but Jesus had come to bring something greater—spiritual salvation for all people.
Historical Context
During the time of Jesus, Jerusalem would have been packed with pilgrims celebrating Passover, a festival that commemorated God’s deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt. Many Jews living under Roman occupation were hoping for a similar deliverance, but this time from their Roman oppressors. The crowd’s use of “Hosanna” reflected their desire for a savior, and their reference to Psalm 118 was intentional, as this psalm was associated with messianic hope and victory.
The road Jesus traveled was likely lined with people who had heard of His miracles, including the recent raising of Lazarus from the dead (John 11:38-44). Many in the crowd were eager to see if Jesus was the political leader they had been waiting for. However, they didn’t fully understand that His kingdom was not earthly or political but spiritual and eternal.
Theological Implications
This verse highlights the tension between human expectations and God’s plans. The crowd saw Jesus as someone who could meet their immediate needs for political freedom, but God had sent Him to address a far deeper need—freedom from sin and death. Their cries of “Hosanna” remind us that while it’s good to seek deliverance from difficulties, true salvation comes through trusting God’s plan, even when it looks different from what we expect.
Theologically, this moment points to Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies about the coming Messiah. However, it also serves as a warning: many of the same people who praised Him here would later turn against Him when they realized He wasn’t going to overthrow Rome. Their praise was real but shallow, lacking the understanding of what true salvation meant.
Literary Analysis
Mark’s Gospel often moves quickly from one event to the next, and this verse captures the energy and excitement of the crowd as they shout and praise Jesus. The repetition of action—those going ahead and those following behind—emphasizes that this was a collective, public declaration. The phrase “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord” comes directly from Psalm 118, showing that Mark is highlighting the fulfillment of Scripture. The use of direct speech (“Hosanna!”) draws readers into the scene, making them feel the intensity of the moment.
Biblical Cross-References
- Psalm 118:25-26 – “Lord, save us! Lord, grant us success! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.” The crowd’s cry directly reflects this passage, which was associated with messianic hopes.
- John 12:13 – The crowd also shouts “Hosanna!” in John’s account, emphasizing the widespread excitement during Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem.
- Zechariah 9:9 – The prophecy of the King coming to Jerusalem riding on a colt, fulfilled in this moment.
- Matthew 21:9 – Matthew’s account of the triumphal entry, including similar shouts of “Hosanna!”
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
This verse reminds us to be careful not to limit God’s work to our expectations. The crowd wanted Jesus to fix their immediate problem—Roman oppression—but He came to address the bigger problem of sin. Today, we may pray for God to deliver us from specific challenges, but we need to trust that He sees the bigger picture. Sometimes His answer to our prayers doesn’t look the way we expect, but it’s always what we need.
The verse also challenges us to examine the depth of our faith. Are we like the crowd, eager to praise Jesus when things are going well or when He meets our expectations, but quick to turn away when life doesn’t go as planned? True faith means trusting Jesus not just as a problem-solver but as the Savior who brings eternal life.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is shown in how He sent Jesus to bring salvation, even when the people misunderstood His purpose. Instead of rejecting them for their shallow understanding, God patiently worked through their praises and even through their eventual rejection of Jesus to bring about His plan of redemption. This verse reminds us that God’s love is patient, and He meets us where we are, gently guiding us to a deeper understanding of His grace.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse directly connects to Jesus’ identity as the Messiah. By entering Jerusalem to the shouts of “Hosanna,” Jesus fulfills messianic prophecy, but He does so on His terms, not according to human expectations. His arrival on a colt shows His humility, and the crowd’s praise points to His kingship. However, the contrast between their limited understanding and Jesus’ true mission highlights His role as the suffering Savior who would conquer sin through His death and resurrection, not through military power.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Have you ever expected God to answer a prayer one way, only to discover that His answer was different but better?
- What does it mean for you personally to cry out “Hosanna” to Jesus, asking Him to save you?
- How can we avoid having shallow faith that praises Jesus only when things are going well?
- How does Jesus’ humility in this passage challenge our understanding of leadership and success?
- In what ways can we celebrate and honor Jesus as King in our daily lives?