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Hosanna sold It seemed like a Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem. Even the shouts of praise and victory looked like a welcome for Royalty. But the branches being waved were from palm trees, historically known as a symbol for a martyr’s victory. The shouts of “Hosanna!” translated to “Oh, Save!” The man being welcomed was Jesus. He had been on a journey toward Jerusalem for some time, walking along the path of ordinary people who were amazed at His teaching, compassion, miracles and companionship. And now, they wanted to honor Him as King, their hope for a Savior. But the mode of travel didn’t seem Kingly. He was entering the city on the back of a borrowed donkey’s colt. Those who welcomed Him with raising and lowering of palm branches were not residents of Jerusalem with titles and prestige. They did not realize they were following a Martyr who would be dead in five days. They had no idea they were escorting the Lamb of sacrifice. They didn’t know He was the fulfillment of a prophecy proclaimed beforehand. This piece was inspired by meditating on scripture references about the Easter story and was painted in Africa amidst the natural beauty of that continent. It started as a single watercolor image for a technique demonstration in a workshop. It seemed like a simple celebratory piece but then I combined multiple images, even cutting parts away to create overlaps and a three-dimensional layered effect. As the layers grew, and the piece became what it is now, I had time to mediate more fully on why I celebrate Easter: Christ lived and died not as a King, but as a Servant, doing good, dying on purpose as a sacrifice for all, even me. “Hosanna to the Son of David!”
References: Matthew 20:25-28, 21:1-11; John 12:12-19; Zechariah 9:9; Revelation. 7:9
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