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Discovering the Profound Meaning of “Hosanna in Excelsis”: Understanding the Message and Changing Our Lives – Viral Believer
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Discovering the Profound Meaning of “Hosanna in Excelsis”: Understanding the Message and Changing Our Lives

“Hosanna in Excelsis” is a phrase deeply rooted in Christian tradition, bringing images of Palm Sunday, triumphal entries, and the adoration of the Lord.

But do we really understand the significance and meaning behind these powerful words? To truly appreciate “Hosanna in excelsis,” we need to delve into its biblical context, its message of joy and adoration, and, most importantly, the way it can transform our lives when we live out its meaning.

The phrase “Hosanna in Excelsis” finds its origin in the gospel accounts of Jesus entering Jerusalem before his crucifixion.

The crowds worship Jesus as the Messiah, calling out phrases like “Hosanna to the Son of David!”, “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!”, and “Hosanna in the highest!” (Matthew 21:9, NKJV).

As we will see in this blog post, “Hosanna in excelsis” is a cry of adoration, acclamation, and an affirmation of faith in our Savior Jesus Christ.

Key Takeaways

  1. The origin and meaning of the words “Hosanna” and “Excelsis.”
  2. The historical and biblical context of the phrase “Hosanna in Excelsis.”
  3. The significance of “Hosanna in Excelsis” as a cry of joyful adoration.
  4. The importance of “Hosanna in Excelsis” as a proclamation of faith in Jesus as the Messiah.
  5. How we can incorporate the message of “Hosanna in Excelsis” in our daily lives.

The Origin and Meaning of “Hosanna” and “Excelsis”

To understand the message behind the phrase “Hosanna in excelsis,” it is necessary to examine the meaning and origin of the individual words. “Hosanna” is a transliteration of the Hebrew word “hoshiana,” which means “save, we pray” (Psalm 118:25, NKJV).

The New Testament authors translated this word into Greek as “hosanna” and used it in their accounts of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem.

“Excelsis,” on the other hand, is a Latin term, which means “in the highest” or “to the highest degree.” Thus, “Hosanna in Excelsis” can be translated as “save, we pray, in the highest” or “save, in the most exalted manner.”

The Historical and Biblical Context of “Hosanna in Excelsis”

In the gospels, the crowds that witness Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem shout phrases like “Hosanna to the Son of David!” and “Hosanna in the highest!” (Matthew 21:9, NKJV).

This event is surrounded by powerful symbolism, as Jesus enters the city on a donkey’s colt, evoking the words of the prophet Zechariah: “Behold, your King is coming to you, lowly, and sitting on a donkey, a colt, the foal of a donkey” (Zechariah 9:9, NKJV).

This event fulfills the Old Testament prophecies and demonstrates that Jesus is both the humble servant and the victorious king who brings salvation.

Therefore, the cry of “Hosanna in Excelsis” signifies the people’s recognition of Jesus’ role as the long-awaited Messiah, as well as their prayers for salvation and the establishment of God’s kingdom on earth.

The Significance of “Hosanna in Excelsis” as a Cry of Joyful Adoration

In addition to its specific meaning, “Hosanna in Excelsis” should be understood as a joyful exclamation of adoration and praise. The people who cry these words are excited to see the arrival of their Messiah and are expressing their joy and love for him.

This adoration is rooted in the realization of who Jesus is and what he has come to do. He is the Son of David, the promised Messiah, who will save and lead his people.

Therefore, “Hosanna in Excelsis” represents both a passionate exclamation of praise and a humble, awe-filled acknowledgment of Jesus’ true identity.

The Importance of “Hosanna in Excelsis” as a Proclamation of Faith in Jesus as the Messiah

“Hosanna in Excelsis” is not just a declaration of joy and adoration; it is also a statement of faith in Jesus as the Christ, or the Messiah. The people who shouted “Hosanna” on that original Palm Sunday believed that Jesus was the long-awaited leader who would liberate their nation and restore their relationship with God.

Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem and the fulfillment of prophecy reveal that he is the Redeemer mankind has been waiting for. By crying “Hosanna in Excelsis,” we proclaim that Jesus is our Savior and express our faith in his divine mission.

How to Incorporate the Message of “Hosanna in Excelsis” in Our Daily Lives

In our daily lives, we can embody the message of “Hosanna in Excelsis” through our worship, obedience, and proclamation of the gospel. When we worship God and give exuberant praise to Jesus, we echo the cries of the people who welcomed him into Jerusalem so long ago.

Additionally, our obedience to Jesus’ teachings and our following in his footsteps are tangible ways to show our adoration and love for him.

Finally, we must share the good news with others, inviting them to join us in praising and proclaiming Jesus as their Savior. In doing so, we spread the joy of “Hosanna in Excelsis” and contribute to the extension of God’s kingdom throughout the world.

Conclusion

As we come to the conclusion of our exploration of the meaning behind “Hosanna in Excelsis,” it is our hope and prayer that the message of this phrase resounds in the hearts and minds of believers everywhere. May we greet Jesus with joyful adoration and praise, just as the crowd did on that unforgettable Palm Sunday.

Let us not only verbally express our love and adoration for our Savior but also demonstrate this love through our actions, our obedience to his teachings, and our mission to spread the message of salvation to others.

In doing so, we take the ancient cry of “Hosanna in Excelsis” and make it a living, breathing testimony to the life-changing power of Jesus Christ in our world today.

We now must remember that “Hosanna in Excelsis” is more than just an expression used during Palm Sunday. It signifies our ongoing recognition of Jesus Christ’s divinity, an affirmation of our faith in Him as our Messiah, and the commitment to live our lives as active participants in the Kingdom of God.

May “Hosanna in Excelsis” resonate within our hearts, not only during the season of Lent or other significant Christian celebrations but throughout our entire lives as we continuously strive to deepen our relationship with Jesus and fulfill our calling as His devoted followers.

Pastor Duke Taber
Pastor Duke Taber

Pastor Duke Taber

All articles have been written or reviewed by Pastor Duke Taber.
Pastor Duke Taber is an alumnus of Life Pacific University and Multnomah Biblical Seminary.
He has been in pastoral ministry since 1988.
Today he is the owner and managing editor of 3 successful Christian websites that support missionaries around the world.
He is currently starting a brand new church in Mesquite NV called Mesquite Worship Center, a Non-Denominational Spirit Filled Christian church in Mesquite Nevada.