Daily Devotional - Growing In Grace - Week 14 - Day 88 - 3/29/26 - "On Green Carpet"

Author: Evangelist Lisa Dalton

“On Green Carpet”
Scripture: Matthew 21:8-11

“And a very great multitude spread their garments in the way; others cut down branches from the trees, and strawed them in the way. And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest. And when he was come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, Who is this? And the multitude said, This is Jesus the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee.”

Devotion:
I’ve had the privilege of walking the red carpet—standing before crowds of people who found us so fascinating that they wanted to take pictures with us. As exciting and sometimes overwhelming as those events were, I still enjoyed the attention that came with the world of music. They call your name aloud and ask if they can interview you. They ask all sorts of questions: How did you enjoy the show? Who was your favorite artist? How would you describe your music?

And once the interview is over and the flashing lights are no longer on you, the people whisper among themselves, saying, “Who was that? And those who know respond with, Oh, They are the artist of the year.”

In our lesson today, Jesus is riding into Jerusalem for the Passover. He’s greeted by a group of people who were anxious about His coming to town. They were so enthusiastic that some cut down branches from trees for Jesus to ride over. Others even took off their garments and laid them on the road so Jesus wouldn’t have to ride on dirt like a commoner. Some walked ahead of Him, introducing Him to those further up the road, shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!”

As Jesus approached the entry into Jerusalem, the people whispered among themselves, asking, “Who is this?”

Their response: “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”

The spotlight was now on Jesus. Those who didn’t know Him now had a name, a story, and a reason to pay attention. They were probably thinking, “He must be somebody.”

Many wanted to know who this person was riding in on the “green carpet” that everyone was so fascinated with.

“Oh, that’s Jesus—the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee,” the people said.

Consider this:
When Jesus enters a life, a home, a situation, or a community:

• Comfort zones shift
• Hidden things rise to the surface
• Hope begins to breathe again
• People start asking, “Who is this?”

The question isn’t whether Jesus is moving—He always is.
The question is whether we recognize Him when He comes in on the green carpet.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, enter my life today in a fresh way. Stir what needs to be awakened. Disrupt what needs to be changed. Help me recognize You even when You come in unexpected ways. I lay down my plans, my expectations, and my pride. Be honored in my life as King. In Jesus’ name, Amen.