1 John 2:1-2

2 My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. ²He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.

1 John 2:1-2

When I was a teenager, I was told a story about a tribal leader whose community was starving. He announced to his tribe that they would have to ration their food and that people would need to only eat a fait portion. A few days later he went to the food store and discovered that someone had stolen extra food. The leader called a meeting and reasserted his command that the food be shared fairly, so that they would all survive the famine. The danger was serious, so he added this time that if anyone is caught stealing food that they would receive 100 lashes.

Days went by and every few days he noticed that more food had been taken. So, one night, he took a few of his leaders and waited outside the food tent. After hours of waiting quietly, the criminal crept forward and opened the door to the store.

The trap was sprung and they pounced. The leader felt the thrill of victory followed immediately by shock and deep sorrow as he saw the face of the food thief. It was his aging mother. Why was she stealing food? Did he not provide everything she needed? He immediately knew that if she received 100 lashes that it would kill her. However, he also knew that if he did not punish her, then he would lose his authority and integrity as the leader of the tribe.

With deep sadness, he brought her to the front of the community and announced that the thief had been caught. He tied her to the whipping post and called forward his servant to start the punishment. However, as the whip went back, ready to strike. The leader stepped in front of his mother. He placed his arms around her and held her in a loving embrace of a son. The whip cracked and tore the skin in his back. One hundred times, he took the punishment that she t deserved but could not have bore.