A young, widowed mother left her son sleeping soundly while she went to fetch water from the creek, not too far from their home. She had done this many times before and always returned to a still-sleeping child. As she returned with her bucket full of water, she found a large crowd surrounding her home which was now engulfed in flames; her son was still inside! The crowd tried to stop her from running into the burning structure, yelling: “The fire is too great! You’ll die too.” Escaping their hands, she entered the inferno that was once her home, wrapped her son in a blanket, and held him tightly against her breast. While the child emerged completely untouched by the fire, his young mother had suffered severe burns that covered her face and body. She survived with scars that left her unrecognizable.

Under the guidance of his mother, the child completed his studies and went on to successfully graduate university at the top of his class. Upon being appointed minister, he organized a large party and invited his friends and the important dignitaries of the city. His mother, who had not received an invitation, arrived at her son’s home wanting to see and congratulate him. She was forcefully stopped at the gate by security guards who forbade her entrance. Hearing the commotion, the son turned to see his disfigured mother begging to be let in. He quickly went over to the scene and tenderly said to her, “Please, Mom, I would be ashamed to have you appear before my friends. We can have a meeting later.” He quietly told the guards to dismiss her and he returned to his party².

In a mirrored image, Jesus also sacrificed himself. His body was brutally beaten and scarred. He willingly went to the cross, suffered shame, and sacrificed His life for you and me. But, too many of us, His children, are ashamed to even speak His name. The thought of allowing people to know that we are Christians embarrasses us and leads us to deny the One who shed His blood so that we might live a full and abundant life. Today is known as Good Friday. The day we remember that awful moment when our Good Lord was crucified. There doesn’t seem to be anything “good” about it! Except that it was because of His Goodness and Love for all mankind that He died. What place does He have in your life today? Are you ashamed of His scars? Are you happy to introduce Him as the Master and Savior of your life?

Suggested Prayer: Dear Heavenly Lord …. “At the Cross I surrender my life! I’m in awe of you!...Where your Love ran red, and my sin washed white, I owe all to you, Jesus! Here, my hope is found! Here, on Holy Ground; Here, I bow down…. Here, Arms open wide; Here, You saved my life….”³ Thank you, Jesus! Amen.

1. Mark 8:38 (NIV).

2. Author Unknown.

3. “At The Cross (Love Ran Red)” by Chris Tomlin.

Today’s Encounter was written by: Veronica B.