| As others, I also condensed and modified this popular illustration to relate to Easter. |
| “A very wealthy man who was a renowned art collector died. His estate and art collection was to be auctioned. Art collectors from around the world came to the auction. The auction began with a painting not on the art list. It was an unprofessional painting of the man’s only son who had sacrificed his life on the battlefield. The auctioneer began the auction asking for a bid. The room was silent. “Who will open the bidding with $200?” Then, “Do I hear $100?” Time passed and no one spoke. Someone cried, “Who cares? It’s just a picture of his son. Let’s bid on the good stuff.” Many echoed in agreement. “No, we have to sell this one first,” replied the auctioneer. “Now who will take the son?” Finally the old estate caretaker said, “For many years I loved the father and I also loved his son, but I have no money to bid.” The crowd yelled, “Just give him the painting and let’s get on with the auction.” After more silence, the auctioneer said, “Do I have any bids?” The room remained silent. The auctioneer then said, “The caretaker has a desire to have the son. Can we accept his desire as a bid for the son?” Quickly all agreed. Then the auctioneer said, “Going once, Going twice, Gone.” The gavel fell. The crowd then cried, “Now let’s bid on the real art treasures!” The auctioneer then announced the auction was closed and stated, “The father’s will stipulated that whoever has the son, has it all, including all the art and the estate.” (author unknown). |
This story illustrates a loving Father: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). It illustrates that “He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life” (1 John 5:12). It illustrates the Son of God who sacrificed His life on the cross for our sins. “But this man (Jesus), after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God” (Heb. 10:12). It also illustrates two types of people: (1) Those who “hath” the Son of God – (2) Those who “hath not” the Son of God. This Easter, do you “hath” or do you “hath not” the Risen Son of God?” It illustrates that he that hath the Son of God hath it all. It may be bad grammar, “But thank God I hath the Son. Do you “hath” or “hath not” the Son? Incomprehensible! He that hath the Son has it all. Do you hath the Son? Christianity is not a religion, but a relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. Only Christianity has a risen Saviour! He is risen – He is risen indeed. The tomb is still empty! Easter is when Christians celebrate the Son–rise Service! |
| PS: Jesus Christ interrupted, impeded and impacted every funeral He attended, Including His own! |
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