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Today is Palm Sunday, the first day of Holy Week. During this time, we focus on Jesus' final days, His death on the cross, and His resurrection on Easter.  

Today, many of us will go to church, sing our songs, and proudly display our palm leaves at home as we think of how amazing it must have been to welcome Jesus into Jerusalem that day.

We see images of smiling, happy people welcoming Him, waving their palms with joy and excitement as shouts of "Hosanna" fill the air.    

I've always considered "Hosanna" an expression of joy, hope, and jubilation. 

But then I saw a different meaning of Hosanna: "pray save us."

Thinking of it that way, I wondered if something else might be happening to those hidden beyond the joyful crowds. 

Perhaps those in the back were shouting "Hosanna" out of desperation rather than hopeful jubilation.

They were desperate for a savior. 

But even in their desperation, they hid behind because they were sure that if Jesus saw them, He would turn them away. 

Of course, He would see right into the wickedness of their hearts and the evil ways they had lived. 

Jesus would turn them away in disgust. They were sure of it. 

How could they be forgiven, loved, and saved after all they did?

Hopelessness filled their hearts, and they began to hide back further back. 

But then.

I imagine Jesus stopping and looking right into their eyes despite their distance from Him. 

The crowds part and slowly, He makes His way through to them as those hidden back take a few steps forward. 

I can picture Jesus approaching and embracing them as He tells them how much He loves them. He reminds them how beautiful and cherished they are and how He forgives all that has happened. 

No shame, no disgust. Just love.

"Will you welcome me into your life?" Jesus asks gently.

I hear them shouting, "YES," so loudly that the crowd roars as they witness the incredible power of Jesus' love and forgiveness.

So, my friend, if you find yourself today hidden beyond the crowds, convinced that God cannot forgive or love you, I assure you nothing is farther from the truth.

Welcome Jesus into your heart today. Let Him see you, all of you. It's okay, I promise. 

God loves you so much. He knows you, and He sees you. Nothing you have done or could do will stop Him from loving and forgiving you. 

Take a few steps toward Him, and watch Him run right to you as He fills you with so much love that you won't help but shout with joy!

Hosannah!  

Matthew 21:9

The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted,

“Hosanna to the Son of David!” "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!" "Hosanna in the highest heaven!"

John 12:13 

So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!"

Luke 19:38

Blessed (celebrated, praised) is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory (majesty, splendor) in the highest [heaven]!

Zacheriah 9:9

Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your King comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.