From Hosanna to Crucify Him

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 (John 12:12-13).

"Hosanna" is a word of praise, joy, and adoration. It's what the crowds lined up and shouted as Jesus entered Jerusalem after His teaching trip through Jericho and into the city. At that moment, they were filled with awe, reverence, and hope, but they didn't hold onto those emotions.

About five days later, many who had welcomed Jesus with such exuberance now shouted at Pontius Pilate to "Crucify Him!" Of course, they now had Pharisees and enemies of Jesus among them leading the condemnation. Many were apparently crowd-followers. But whatever the reason, they now asked for His crucifixion. 

Pilate therefore, willing to release Jesus, spake again to them. But they cried saying, Crucify him, crucify him (Luke 23:20-21).

Too many Christians do something similar. When they first come to the saving knowledge of Jesus and are baptized, they are enthusiastic about their faith, and their joy is evident. However, a few years later, their passion has waned, and they've become stagnant when they need to keep growing in their faith. They no longer put the Lord first in their lives. A worldly focus and carnal things are creeping back in. As the Ephesian church in Revelation, they have forgotten their first love.

Spring is a time of new beginnings. Easter is a good time to remember what Jesus did for us and His great sacrifice on the cross. It's a good time to renew our faith and commit to putting Him first in our lives -- far above everything else. He is and should be the most important thing. Let's make it so.

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