The Legend of the Robin’s Red Breast
Our yard has at least two pairs of robins nesting in it. I often see them sitting on the fence or hunting bugs and worms in the backyard. Sometimes they will even visit the ground under the feeder and grab a seed.
I love to see them. They are friendly and have a delightful song. Their bright red breasts remind me of an ancient story about the crucifixion. The origins of the story disappear into the mist of pre-medieval times. It’s pure hokum, of course, but interesting nonetheless.
The legend says a robin was present at the crucifixion and was distraught by the cruelty. To alleviate Jesus suffering, it pulled a thorn from deep in Jesus’ brow, and some blood spurted on its breast. As it tried to wash the blood away, Jesus nearby saw it, blessed it and said the red coat would mark all robins from that point on as a badge of honor for their compassion.
Notwithstanding the fact that the American Robin isn’t a robin at all (it’s a thrush) and most red-breasted birds worldwide are called robins in English, it does come to mind when I see them. It does at times remind me of what our Lord willingly endured to redeem us out of love for us.
Willingly! No one forced Him to endure that suffering on our behalf.
Have this way of thinking in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although existing in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, by taking the form of a slave, by being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore, God also highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:5-11
That, my friends, is incredible, incomparable love.
I can’t even really imagine what He endured to atone for my sins. It’s stunning to think He died for me while I was still His enemy and in rebellion. It’s mind-boggling to think that He has the patience to put up with my rebellion even as a believer.
Next time you see a robin, or hear its sweet song, stop and remember what Jesus did for you and give Him the praise He is due.
Be blessed,
Kevin
SUMMARY
Watching the robins nesting in our yard brought to mind that old legend about a robin comforting Jesus at the crucifixion, and though it’s just a charming bit of folklore, it points me toward something real. Christ didn’t have to suffer for us, He chose to, and that willing sacrifice is the measure of His love.
TAKEAWAY
The backyard robins nesting near my home reminded me of the old legend that a robin’s red breast marks a badge of compassion from the crucifixion
Philippians 2:5-11 shows Christ willingly emptied Himself and humbled Himself to the point of death on a cross for us
No one forced Jesus to endure the cross; His willingness is the true measure of His incomparable love