Someone had been stealing chickens.  If caught, the offender would receive 10 lashes with a whip.  This punishment was ordered by the Tribal Chief.  The stealing continued.

The punishment was raised to 20 lashes.  Still, the chickens methodically disappeared.

The Chief was angry!  The tribe depended upon those chickens for winter food.  The punishment was raised to 100 lashes, unbearable for anyone.   

The thief was finally caught, but the chief faced a big problem—a terrible dilemma.  The thief wasn’t just anyone—the thief was his own Mother!!  How could the chief show love for his Mother, and still be just and keep his word??  Would the Chief’s love override his justice?

When the day of penalty came, the whole tribe gathered together.  The crowd gasped when he ordered his Mother to be tied to the whipping post!  The Chief removed his shirt, revealing his powerful stature.  He took the terrible whip in hand.  But instead of raising it to strike the first blow, he handed it to a strong, young brave standing at his side.

Slowly the chief walked over to his mother and wrapped his massive, protective arms around her in an engulfing embrace.  Then he ordered the brave to give HIM the 100 lashes.

Remember Jesus’ love for us:  He became our substitute. He took the punishment for our sins. He, the sinless Lamb of God, took our place.

Thanks to Rev June Temple