ONE WINTER evening a little family was gathered in front of the fireplace in their home. A girl of eight years and her younger brother were playing while the father and mother were reading. Having tired of their games the children sat down by their mother, asking that she read a story aloud for them.
The mother was delighted and she wisely took her Bible, opening it at the Gospel of Luke. She read from chapter 22 The story of the Lord Jesus when He was praying to God in the garden of Gethsemane. The Lord Jesus knew that on the following day men would take Him out to a hill near Jerusalem and there crucify Him. He knew, too, that He was offering Himself to God as a sacrifice for sin. But the awfulness of the thought of having all our sins laid on Him made Him sweat drops of blood.
She read through the chapter and on into the following one, telling how a band of soldiers came to take Him, how wicked men blindfolded Him and then beat Him, how people spat on Him, made a crown of thorns and put it on His head. She read about Pilate, the governor, who said he found no fault in Jesus, and yet the people cried out that He should be put to death. Then they led Jesus out to Calvary and when they got there they pounded nails through His hands and feet into the wood.
Through all this the Lord Jesus did not complain or say a single word against those who were so wicked. Rather, when He spoke, it was again in prayer to God, saying, “Father, forgive them.” Luke 23:3434Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots. (Luke 23:34).
Suddenly the mother’s voice faltered and she started to cry. She loved the Lord Jesus and had taken Him as her Saviour. But as she read aloud to her children, whom she loved so much, she was reminded of the wonderful love of Jesus for her.
“Mother,” said her little boy, putting his arms around her, “why are you crying? Are you sorry Jesus let them treat Him so?”
“No,” she answered, “for if Jesus had not died upon that cross for us, we would each have to be punished for our own sins. But I was just thinking how hard-hearted and ungrateful I have been in living so long without thanking Him for dying for me.”
Suddenly the little girl began sobbing. “Mother, do you think Jesus will receive me now, just as I am, if I ask Him?”
“Yes, dear, I know He will for He tells us that ‘him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out.’ " John 6: 37.
Bowing on her knees, the girl prayed aloud to the Lord Jesus, sang she was sorry for her sins and that she wanted to be saved. She thanked Him for being punished instead of her.
In that simple way the little girl was saved. Today the same salvation is offered you, girl or boy, man or woman. Jesus will receive you just as you are, however bad you may have been. He will wash away all your sins; He will keep you safely. Then when He comes down from heaven to call away those who have put their trust in Him, He will take you to that glorious and happy home He has prepared for us in heaven. Accept Jesus now as your Saviour, and thank Him for His wonderful kindness.
ML-03/31/1963