Red Carpet Treatment
Read Mark 11:1-11
Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches they had cut in the fields. Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” –Mark 11:8-9
In 1902, the New York Central Railroad opened its “20th Century Limited,” an express passenger train aimed towards upper-class and business travelers, running from New York to Chicago. The entire journey took 20 hours, four hours less than its competition. The cost of fare (with a Pullman bed compartment) came in at just over $50, which would be equivalent to more than $900 today. It was regarded as the most famous–and the most profitable–train in the world at its time.
In addition to its faster travel, the 20th Century Limited offered amenities such as a barbershop and secretarial services. As passengers boarded the 20th Century Limited, men were given a carnation while women were given perfume and flowers. As they did so, they walked across a red carpet, signifying the special honor they would receive upon the train. It is from this practice that we coined the phrase, “red carpet treatment.” (It wasn’t until the 1960s that the Oscars began using a red carpet to welcome their distinguished celebrities.)
In the ancient world, the scarlet dye was harvested from the cochineal scale insect—it was extremely rare and difficult to produce. For this reason, the color red was reserved in art and textiles to signify either royalty or deity. The earliest example we have of this is from a play in the 5th century BCE, where Aeschylus describes the return of the hero Agamemnon from the Trojan War. Upon his return, the people rolled out a crimson pathway to honor him for his victories. For his part, Agamemnon hesitated to walk upon the path, knowing that red was the color reserved for deities, and he did not want to anger the gods.
When Jesus entered the city of Jerusalem, there was no red carpet rolled out for him. He definitely received, however, the “red carpet treatment.” People lined the streets. They spread their cloaks upon the road for his donkey to walk upon. They cut down palm branches and waved them at his passing. They shouted and sang: “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” They offered Jesus their highest praise and honor.
We know that this praise did not last very long; in less than a week, those shouts of “Hosanna!” would turn to “Crucify!” But for today, let’s stay in this moment with Jesus. Let’s imagine what he felt to be received with such love by the people he came to save. (“Hosanna” literally means “Save us!”)
Have you ever received the “red carpet treatment” in life? What did it feel like to be honored and loved, for others to roll out their very best to welcome you? How could you “roll out the red carpet” for Jesus in your own life? What would it look like for you, this day, to be caught up in the praise and wonder of receiving Christ anew in your heart?
One way we can “roll out the red carpet” for Jesus is by honoring the least of these. As you go through your day, keep your eye out for someone who may have gone without honor and love for a long time. Make it a point to treat someone with special honor today, as a way of showing your honor to Jesus. Watch what happens to them—and to you—when we treat one another like royalty.
Hosanna, dear Lord. Hosanna in the highest. I praise You and love You above all other things. May my words and actions towards others today reflect the love and honor I feel towards You, and the love and honor I have received from You. Amen.
If you have a few extra minutes, check out this song from Audio Adrenaline entitled “Kings and Queens.” The video is shot in Jacmel, Haiti–a wonderful example of what happens when we treat the least of these with “red carpet” honor!