Hosanna in a VUCA World (Matthew 21:1–11)
Matthew 21:1-11 paints the scene of Jesus riding into Jerusalem on a donkey. It was an act both triumphant and humble. Crowds lined the streets, waving palm branches and shouting a single, powerful word:
“Hosanna!”
A word that means “Save us, Lord!”
It was a cry of both praise and desperation.
And isn’t that where many of us find ourselves now? Living in a world full of uncertainty, instability, and anxiety, echoing the same cry: “Lord, save us!”
We live in what many describe as a VUCA world – Volatile. Uncertain. Complex. Ambiguous.
From trade wars triggered by global tariffs to geopolitical unrest, inflation, climate disruptions…(seems endless). Our world feels as chaotic as Jerusalem that week before the cross.
The people of Jerusalem weren’t shouting “Hosanna” casually. They were under Roman rule. Politically oppressed. Economically taxed. Spiritually weary.
They longed for a Messiah who would overturn systems of injustice. Perhaps like some hoped a new political leader or economic policy might bring rescue today. But Jesus came not to overthrow Caesar, but to overcome sin. Not to start a revolt, but to bring redemption.
In a world impacted by political leaders imposing and retaliating global tariffs that will most likely destabilise economies and trigger trade wars, our reaction may be confusion, frustration or fear. We, too, cry out, “Hosanna—save us from inflation, from job insecurity, from a repertoire of chaos!”
But Jesus hears a deeper cry.
This week’s VUCA reality:
- Volatility – Tariffs ping-pong that might cause layoffs, global economy slowdown and even wars.
- Uncertainty – Will the economy recover? Will nations cooperate?
- Complexity – Global systems are so interwoven that one change affects many.
- Ambiguity – It’s hard to even know who is right or what’s real anymore.
In Matthew 21, the crowd didn’t fully understand Jesus. Yet He kept moving forward, riding humbly toward the cross.
And here’s the good news: Jesus is not threatened by our VUCA world. He is the anchor in it. Jesus answers the cry of Hosanna but differently!
The people expected rescue from Rome but Jesus offered rescue from sin, peace for the soul, and a kingdom not of this world.
Today, we may cry “Hosanna” thinking of tariffs, rising costs, AI disruption, layoffs, etc. But Jesus’ response goes deeper.
To volatility, He offers peace. “Peace, I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” (John 14:27 ESV)
To uncertainty, He offers presence. “And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matt 28:20b ESV)
To complexity, He gives understanding: “The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.” (Psalm 119:130 ESV)
To ambiguity, He give wisdom. “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” (James 1:5)
Our cry of Hosanna isn’t answered by political power plays or economic reshuffles. It’s answered by a King on a donkey, headed toward a cross, carrying the weight of the world.
The question is, can we still shout “Hosanna!” even when His rescue doesn’t come in the form we expect?
Can we trust Jesus in a VUCA world?
Can we let Him define salvation, not our economy?
Will we lay down our expectations and pick up the cross?
Palm Sunday reminds us that our hope is not in Caesar or tariffs. Not in trade agreements or economic forecasts.
Our hope is in the One who entered the chaos, rode into the tension, and chose the cross.
So today we cry:
Hosanna in the highest!
Not just, “save us from the world,” but “save us for we have fallen short.”
And in this VUCA world, we don’t just survive—we stand firm, because our King has come.
And He will come again
Blessings,
Wan Leng HO
Co-chair of NCW
