Hosanna

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 Sermon Reflections from Palm Sunday | Alex Hardt | March 29, 2026

Palm Sunday Pastor Alex blended our study of the Old Testament reading in Numbers of the story of Balaam and the Palm Sunday journey by Jesus into Jerusalem. On the surface they would seem to be totally unrelated stories. However, on closer inspection we see that Balaam and the crowd that was noisily shouting at Jesus as he entered the city had similar hidden motives.

Balaam was an entrepreneur, seer that was out for money. The messengers from king Balak came to him asking him to curse the people of Israel. There were so many of them king Balak was afraid and wanted them gone. Numbers 22:7 “So the elders of Moab and the elders of Midian departed with the fees for divination in their hand.” They came to Balaam and gave him Balak's message. 8 And he said to them, “Lodge here tonight, and I will bring back word to you, as the Lord speaks to me.” Balaam wanted the money so he decided to ask God. Here is God’s answer, “ 12 God said to Balaam, “You shall not go with them. You shall not curse the people, for they are blessed.” That seems pretty clear, it was a No! But when they returned with even more money, Balaam decided to go again and see if God had changed his mind. This time God seemingly gave Balaam the answer he wanted to hear, “20 And God came to Balaam at night and said to him, “If the men have come to call you, rise, go with them; but only do what I tell you.”

However, as Balaam was headed towards king Balak he had trouble with his faithful donkey and after beating him several times the donkey talks to him! At that point, Balaam sees the angel of the Lord and realizes his error. When he came to the king, he told him he would only be able to give him the words God gives him.

Just because Balaam heard from God, did not mean that he was going to obey God. Balaam thought he could persuade God to let him curse the people so that he could gain the money. His heart was set on the money not on alignment with God’s will. God is immutable and will not be moved for our convenience. His will stands and will not be thwarted. Job 42:2 “I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.”

How have you been like Balaam? Have you ever asked God for something and then when God said, No or Wait, have you pursued it anyway? There are several stories in the Bible like this, Sarah who did not want to wait for the child of promise so she arranged things herself that had disastrous results (Genesis 16:3) Judas who betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver as he thought it would make Jesus proclaim his kingship and overthrow the Romans. Trying to pursue things without God’s guidance and approval can have disastrous results.

So how does this relate to the Palm Sunday crowd? There were a mixture of believers and non-believers as Jerusalem had many visitors who had traveled to the city for the celebration of the Passover. They shouted and praised Jesus as he entered the city. Matthew 21:8-11 8 “Most of the crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 And the crowds that went before him and that followed him were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” 10 And when he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred up, saying, “Who is this?” 11 And the crowds said, “This is the prophet Jesus, from Nazareth of Galilee.” Many wanted to acknowledge him as Lord as they cried “Son of David” and called him “Lord”. However, many only saw him as a prophet from the backwater town of Nazareth. Their mouths proclaimed one thing but their hearts were doubtful. They knew of God but not who He was. Have you ever joined in to a celebration and were not fully committed to the driving force or reason behind it? No matter what we cannot fool God. He knows our hearts and discerns our intentions.

Which story do you identify with more this Palm Sunday? Are you trying to persuade God to follow what you desire like Balaam? Or are you celebrating Jesus without fully being committed to Him? Be assured that no matter what, God is forgiving and waiting for you with open arms for you to acknowledge Him and repent of your sins. Remember Psalm 31:3 “For you are my rock and my fortress; and for your name's sake you lead me and guide me.” Look to Him and He will guide you.


Linda

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Linda is a member of Crossroads church and regularly blogs about her faith.


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