And a very great multitude spread their garments in the way; others cut down branches from the trees, and strawed them in the way. And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest. Matthew 21:8-9 (KJV)

The word Hosanna means “save now.” The people were clamoring for a savior. They were looking for a deliverer. The problem was that they were looking for the wrong kind of savior. They were looking for someone to deliver them from the bondage of the Roman occupation. They were expecting a political deliverer, but He came to deliver their souls. Their desire was for immediate relief in the natural realm- the realm of political freedom, military might, and economic strength. They totally misunderstood the real mission of Jesus.

They cried out for Him to save now, and He heard their cries. But, He heard also the deeper cries of souls in bondage to fear, death, and hell. Despite their desire for a natural deliverer, He purchased their spiritual deliverance, which also opened the door for deliverance in the other areas too. They were seeking freedom from Roman oppression, but He provided deliverance from demonic oppression.

Today, people are still crying out to Jesus, “Save now!” Just as the people of Jerusalem were, many people are simply looking for someone to save them from their uncomfortable situations. Maybe it’s sickness, poverty, strained relationships, or some other need. Yes, Jesus does deliver us in those situations, but if that is all we are looking for, we are missing out on the greatest thing He provided: deliverance from sin and spiritual death.

As we remember the first Palm Sunday, let’s reflect on the most important reason Jesus came: to save us from eternal separation from our loving, heavenly Father. Praise God! Hosanna in the highest!