And those who were going ahead and those who were coming behind were crying out: “Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.”
The people’s cry is taken from the language of psalm worship (Psalm 118:25–26). The word “Hosanna” at its root means a plea for salvation, but here it has also become a cry of praise. The phrase “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord” acknowledges Christ’s messianic mission. He comes not to seek His own personal glory, but to do the Father’s will and to bring salvation. Yet within this cry there is also a tragic depth: the same city that today cries out blessing will soon hear the demand for crucifixion. This shows the changeableness of the human heart and the insufficiency of outward enthusiasm if it is not transformed into true faith and obedience.