A Great Sacrifice

Bible Reading: Romans 12:1-2

Darcy stared at a painting in an art store window of two hands clasped in prayer. “Why would an artist paint hands, Mom?”

“That’s a well-known painting,” Mom said. “I recently read an article about it. The artist’s name was Albrecht Durer, and it’s believed he painted the hands of someone very special to him. Not everyone agrees on whose hands they are, but this article claims they’re his brother’s.”

“Why did he paint his brother’s hands instead of his face?” asked Darcy. “According to the article, Albrecht Durer was born into a very poor family. Both he and his brother dreamed of becoming artists, and they decided together that one of them would study art while the other worked to support him. Then they would trade places, and the other would study art. They tossed a coin to see who would study first, and Albrecht won. His brother worked hard—probably in the mines—while Albrecht studied. By the time Albrecht finished his studies, he was already well-known.”

“Cool!” said Darcy. “Did his brother get to be a good artist too?”

Mom shook her head. “By that time, his fingers were stiff and rough from his hard work, and he had arthritis in his right hand. He was no longer able to paint. To Albrecht, those sacrificial hands were beautiful, and he painted them to pay homage to his brother.”

“Wow! I hope he helped his brother in other ways too,” said Darcy. “After all, his brother sacrificed his own dream to support him.”

“Yes,” said Mom. “It reminds me of some other hands—the hands of someone who made an even greater sacrifice for us.”

“You mean Jesus, don’t you?”

Mom nodded. “He gave His life for us so we could have our sins forgiven. His hands bear the mark of the nails that held Him to the cross so we could be saved and have eternal life. Because we trust in Him, He’s freed us from sin so we can live to serve Him.” – Elzena A. Arguello

How About You?

Do you realize how much Jesus sacrificed to save you from sin? He left the glory of heaven and came down to live in this sinful world as a human being. Then He went to the cross, where He suffered and died to take the punishment for your sin. Thank Him for all He’s done for you, and trust Him to help you faithfully serve Him.

Today’s Key Verse:
1 Samuel 12:24 Serve [the Lord]…with all your heart; for consider what great things He has done for you. (NKJV)

Today’s Key Thought:

Serve Jesus gladly