SEPTEMBER 19, 1 John 4:19

“Mom,” Nick said hesitantly one day, “did you... ah... did you ever think about having plastic surgery to fix all those scars on your face?” For as long as Nick could remember, there had always been ugly, red scars on his mother’s face and hands. He was used to them and hardly notices them. Sadly, some kids in his class had asked what was wrong with her, and made jokes about the way she looked.

Mom put her hand up to her face. “I had plastic surgery years ago,” she said. “Maybe doctors could do a better job now, but it would be very expensive.” “I know you got those scars in a fire,” added Nick. “I remember hearing something about it years ago, but I can’t remember what happened. ”

Nick’s mother hesitated. “When you were just a little baby, our house caught fire,” she said. “You were in your crib, and that whole area was on fire. I ran in, grabbed you and wrapped you up in blankets. I’m so thankful I was able to shelter you as I ran out of the house. We both were all right, but as you can see, my hands and face got burnt in the fire.”

Tears came to Nick’s eyes. “Oh, Mom,” he cried, “you got those scars saving me? I didn’t know that! Why didn’t you tell me before?” Mom put her arms around Nick and squeezed him tight. “I thought you knew,” she said. Nick hugged his mother, too. “Thank you, Mom. Knowing you loved me so much makes me love you more than ever!” he declared.

“I love you, too,” said Mom. “You know, you’ve had a lot of questions lately about church, the Bible and Jesus. Well, maybe my scars can help you understand how much Jesus loves you. We’re all helpless sinners, remember? We can’t save ourselves, but Jesus came to save us. What He did for us on the Cross caused Him scars, too. His body was scarred where the spear was thrust into His side and where the nails pierced His hands and feet. He suffered for us! He gave Himself-He bore the pain and suffering, and He died on the Cross so that we can have eternal life.”

“Wow!” exclaimed Nick. “Jesus really does love us, and His scars show us how much!”

Thought: Do I know how much the Lord Jesus suffered for me on the Cross?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I am thankful that Jesus died on the Cross for my sins. Not only did He sacrifice Himself, He had to endure a long and cruel death. Teach me to love You more and more. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.