Doug at the CoffeeSwirls blog has been doing some thinking about how we should approach Easter week. Looking at the story of the “triumphal entry” in Luke 19, he notes:

From this passage, we can see the way Jesus was celebrated during His final entry into Jerusalem. The people were laying down their garments for the donkey Jesus rode into town to step on. The imagery goes way beyond a red carpet at any awards show or political entry of today. These were people who allowed their cloaks to be stepped on and worse so that Jesus could be honored. Likewise, we need to be willing, even glad, to accept shame so that the work of Christ may be taken forward in today’s age.

What does it mean in our culture today to risk shame for Christ? Doug reminds us that pride—an unwillingness to be publically shamed for the glory of Christ—often gets in the way of genuine Christian service, as does fear. Both must be set aside before we can truly do Christ’s work in the world. Good thoughts to ponder as Easter Sunday approaches.