“And many spread their clothes on the road, and others cut down leafy branches from the trees and spread them on the road. Then those who went before and those who followed cried out, saying: ‘Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!‘ ” (Mark 11:8-9).
“Spectacular” best describes this scene as Jesus and some of His followers make their way toward Jerusalem on this special day. And how different this scene from the one that will shortly take place when the multitudes will cry, “Crucify Him! Crucify him!”
The latter part of this passage is actually a quotation from Psalm 118:26 where the psalmist implores trust in the Lord and offers endearing praise to His holy name. This scene is the fulfillment of such prophecies.
Whereas the actions in this scene are unfamiliar to a modern audience, the significance is unmistakable. While we do not spread clothes nor leafy branches on a roadway for celebrities, we understand honoring them.
Jesus deserves to be honored—He is not only the greatest human being ever to live, He is most importantly the King of kings, the One who made forgiveness of sins and eternal salvation available to all mankind, including us. How grateful we should be!
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