The Red Carpet

The first reference in history of a “red carpet” being rolled out to welcome a dignitary was in the play Agamemnon by Aeschylus, written in 458 B.C. The title character returned from Troy and was greeted by his wife Clytemnestra, who offered him a red path to walk upon. He hesitated to walk upon colors that only the ‘feet of the gods’ should tread.

A red carpet is traditionally used to mark the path taken by heads of state on formal occasions. The first president in the United States to receive the “red carpet treatment” was James Madison in 1821. Since then it has been expanded and used by everything from the Academy Awards to United Airlines, which established “Red Carpet Clubs” for VIP lounges.

Renaissance paintings often show oriental carpets, patterned with red as the main color, laid on the steps to a throne or on a platform where rulers reign. Actually, purple is considered the color of royalty since it was one of the most expensive dyes to create.

Jesus once received a royal welcome. Unfortunately it was not by the dignitaries of state. The Jewish leaders were actually upset at Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem. His followers stepped in and led the ceremony. Christ rode on a colt as prophesied in Zechariah 9:9, 10. The Bible says, “And as He went, many spread their clothes on the road” (Luke 19:36).

The pathway Christ took into Jerusalem was different from the pathway He took out. Jesus was appropriately welcomed as a king by people willing to lay down their best coats to show homage. But on Friday, the Lord walked out of Jerusalem on a “red carpet,” as it were—a bloodstained path to Calvary. The path to the cross was the path to glory. We are called to walk that same royal road as followers of Jesus. When we get to heaven, the gates of the great city will swing open wide and we will receive another “red carpet” welcome. Will you be there?

Key Bible Texts

The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created. (Revelation 4:10-11 KJV)