China Childhood Memories - Two brothers

My Dad told the story of two Chinese brothers who were twins.

One (Twin A)was living uprightly and a source of pride to his family. The other (Twin B)had gone down the wrong path and was arrested for his wrongdoings. He was scheduled to be put to death by a firing squad in a few weeks.

Twin A went to see his brother in prison. As they talked, Twin B said "Oh, I am so sorry for my misdeeds and the pain it has caused my dear Mother. I wish I could see her one more time and tell her how sorry I am." Twin A had an idea. He said, "We look so much alike, that we could fool the guards. Let's exchange clothing and I'll stay here in your place. You hurry to the countryside where our Mama lives, and spend a little time with her. Then come back and we'll exchange places again."

Twin B hurried away on his mission, happy to see his Mother and ask her forgiveness. Finally, he gave her one last hug, and then started back to the city.

As he neared the city, he heard a great commotion outside the city walls. A noisy crowd of people were there. He asked someone what was happening. "There is going to be an execution!" the man shouted excitedly.

(In China, when there was an execution, the whole town came out to watch.)

With dread in his heart, Twin B pushed toward the front, but the crowd of people impaired his way. Could it be his brother by chance? He finally got to a place where he could see between the heads of the people and YES, it was his brother they were going to execute!

He screamed to them "Stop, you have the wrong man!" But they couldn't hear him above the noise of the crowd.

Before he could push his way through the crowd, he heard shots. His brother had died in his place. When he finally was able to wend his way to the scene, he knelt beside his brother, weeping. "It was supposed to be me ! I'm the one who was to be executed!" The authorities said "The price has been paid, you are free to go". Taking his handkerchief, he wiped the blood from his brother's face and said "When I am tempted to do wrong, I'll look at this hanky and remember that my brother died for my sins."

This is an example of how Christ died for us and our sins. The difference is that Jesus knowingly died for us when He went to the cross.

We need to accept His sacrifice, thank Him, and ask Him to come into our heart and be the Lord of our life.