The Empty Egg
Eight-year-old Steven was mentally retarded and had many health
problems. His health appeared to be growing worse ever daily. His
teacher was concerned his classmates might stop identifying with him
and loving him as they became more aware of his differences.
In April the teacher asked the class to put together one plastic
Easter egg filled with a small object representing new life in the
Spring. Thinking Steven might not understand (and not wanting to
embarrass him), the teacher had each child place their egg on her
desk so that she could open each one individually. She needn't
have worried.
The first egg contained a tiny wild flower, which truly was an
indication of new life.
Next came a rock and the and the teacher assumed the rock was Steven's.
Her reasoning was that rocks don't symbolize new life and growth. But
a little boy shouted from the back of the room that the rock had moss
on it, thereby showing new life. The teacher agreed.
A butterfly flew out of the next egg and the little girl that brought
it bragged that the butterfly was hers, and how it had come from a
cocoon, symbolizing new life. The teacher agreed again.
The fourth egg was empty. The teacher knew this had to be Steven's
egg, and she nervously set it aside, hoping he wouldn't notice.
As she began to pick up a different egg, Steven excitedly announced
that the empty egg was his!
Hesitating the teacher replied, "But it's empty!"
"That's right," said Steven. "Just like Jesus' tomb was, and that
means new life for everyone!" The teacher was amazed at Steven's
insight and his love for Jesus.
Later on, at the end of the school year, Steven's condition worsened
and he died.
At his funeral, the children from his class each placed an empty
Easter egg among the flowers.
Many of the adults at Steven's funeral were puzzled by the appearance
of all of the eggs, and the message Steven shared with his classmates
was shared again!
An empty tomb some two thousand years earlier gave Steven the hope of
a new life! Although the flowers were beautiful, it was the empty
eggs that shared the message of hope in Eternal Life through Jesus
Christ!
What a wonderful message to share this Easter with those you love!
"'Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not
here; He
has risen!'"? ´ Luke 24:5b-6a (NIV)
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