Anne LeGare

John 12:12-13 On the next day the large crowd who had come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, took the branches of the palm trees and went out to meet Him, and began to shout, “Hosanna! BLESSED IS HE WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD, even the King of Israel.”

On Palm Sunday, our pastor conducted a mini-sermon for the children about this event. He told the children that when people laid out the palm branches for Jesus, it was like rolling out the red carpet to the man they wanted to crown king.

But we know what happened the rest of that week. The people quickly rolled up the red carpet when Jesus didn’t meet their expectations. Toward the end of the week, associating with Jesus was something even his closest friends found difficult.

Jesus knew all this, and still chose the pain, the suffering, and the cross. We were difficult, yet He didn’t forsake us, and will never forsake us. His sacrifice demands our attention and vigilance, however. The book of Hebrews has much to say about our responsibility to grip tightly to our salvation.

Hebrews 4:14-16 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Hebrews 13:12-16 Therefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people through His own blood, suffered outside the gate. So, let us go out to Him outside the camp, bearing His reproach. For here we do not have a lasting city, but we are seeking the city which is to come. Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name. And do not neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.

Heb 12:2 …fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

In case we didn’t get the message, Hebrews reminds us over and over who Jesus is and what He did for us. When He died on the cross, Jesus rolled out the red carpet for us, so that we could be joint heirs with Him. We are now His chosen people, a royal priesthood of believers.

I’m reflecting on His passion for me this week. Let’s celebrate Easter with hearts ready to roll out the red carpet to Him, full of worship for the One who died and rose again so we could live!