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“Hosanna! Save us!” This was the cry of the crowd as they waved their palm branches
towards the direction of Jesus. The red carpet had been rolled out and the expectations were high.
This was the Messiah Warrior who would defeat their worldly enemies and lift them up to
national pride and glory. It must have been a shock to catch that first glimpse of Jesus on the
back of a humble donkey of peace rather than on the exalted horse of a king.

Our human nature pulls us towards pride, selfish ambition, and comfort. For most people
life is a constant chase towards personal gain. Earthly achievements and human praise become
the measure of success and the legacy we want to leave. But Jesus turned everything around. He
said that eternal life is for those who are not enslaved to the love of this world. And with His
invitation to “Follow me,” Jesus walked in the direction of His death. For Christ, the way to
glory was found not by sitting on a throne, but by being lifted up on a cross.

When Mary lovingly poured her oil over the feet of Jesus, she showed her disregard for
the things of the world. She forgot her self-image when she let down her hair. She threw away
her wealth when she broke her jar. And she ignored the opinion of people when she gave all she
had to what couldn’t yet be seen. In turning away from the world, she looked only to Jesus.
It would be so much easier to follow the crowd, waving our hands at the temporary
accolades of the world. But we have been called to take up our cross and to follow Him. In doing
this, we die daily to ourselves. Casting off selfishness, comfort, and personal glory, we serve.

The beautiful thing is that in dying to self, people are drawn to Him. And as we lay ourselves
down, our hearts lift up in praise. “Father, glorify your name.”

DAILY READING

Read John 12

CHRISTMAS CONNECTION

With so much consumerism built into the holiday, our focus can selfishly turn inwards at
Christmas. Lay that down this season and commit to focusing every day on God and others. One
way is to find a place to volunteer this Christmas. It may be a sacrifice for you, but it will be a
blessing to someone else