Hosanna

John 12:9-19 Much people of the Jews therefore knew that he was there: and they came not for Jesus’ sake only, but that they might see Lazarus also, whom he had raised from the dead. But the chief priests consulted that they might put Lazarus also to death; Because that by reason of him many of the Jews went away, and believed on Jesus. On the next day much people that were come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, Took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord. And Jesus, when he had found a young ass, sat thereon; as it is written, Fear not, daughter of Sion: behold, thy King cometh, sitting on an ass’s colt. These things understood not his disciples at the first: but when Jesus was glorified, then remembered they that these things were written of him, and that they had done these things unto him. The people therefore that was with him when he called Lazarus out of his grave, and raised him from the dead, bare record. For this cause the people also met him, for that they heard that he had done this miracle. The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, Perceive you how you prevail nothing? behold, the world is gone after him. 

The people wanted to see Lazarus and it shows the common curiosity of men in all ages to see famous people. The chief priests however have decided to kill – the Greek word apokteino which implies a violent death, not by judicial execution. What a crime! How far will religious people go to commit sin to protect their own interests? These people withdrew from the faction of the chief priests to those who were not willing to kill Jesus or Lazarus.

The 4th day before the passover, the 11th of Nisan (April), our Saturday sunset to Sunday sunset. The day of the second triumphal entry (Mark 11:1-7; Luke 19:29-35). Jesus left Bethany and was met by multitudes from Jerusalem (Mark 11:8-10; Luke 19:36-40). He wept over the city (Luke 19:41-44), entered the temple, looked around and returned to Bethany to spend the night (Luke 11:11).

‘Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that come in the name of the Lord’ this is the 5th Old Testament prophecy fulfilled (Psa. 118:25-26). Hosanna is Aramaic for God save or help. ‘Fear not, daughter of Sion: behold, thy King come, sitting on an ass’s colt.’ The 6th Old Testament prophecy fulfilled in John (Zec. 9:9).

‘When Jesus was glorified’ after Jesus was crucified his disciples understood many things He taught them for the first time.

‘Bare record’ These eyewitnesses of the resurrection of Lazarus gave public testimony to the fact and caused many to believe in Jesus.

The Pharisees were frantic when they saw the multitudes leaving them and following Jesus. Something had to be done, but caution must be exercised lest the people turn on them and destroy them.