Weekend Thought: The empty egg

Eight year old Luke had a serious health problem which was growing worse. His teacher was concerned his classmates might stop identifying with him as they became more aware of his condition.
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Halifax Minster

In April, the teacher asked the class to fill an Easter egg with a small object to represent new life. Thinking Luke might find this difficult, the teacher had each child place their egg on her desk so that she could open each one individually.

The first egg contained a small wild flower, which truly indicated new life. Next, was a stone that had moss on it, thereby showing new life. The teacher agreed.

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An imitation butterfly was next and the little girl that brought it explained that the butterfly had come from a cocoon, symbolising new life. The teacher again agreed.

The fourth egg was empty. The teacher knew this had to be Luke’s and she nervously set it aside, hoping he wouldn’t notice. As she picked up a different egg, Luke excitedly announced that the empty egg was his! Hesitating, the teacher replied, ‘But it’s empty!’

‘That’s right,’ said Luke. ‘Just like Jesus’s tomb was, and that means new life for everyone!’ The teacher was amazed at Luke’s insight and his love for Jesus.

Later on, at the end of the school year, Luke’s condition worsened and he died.

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At his funeral, the children from his class each placed an empty Easter egg among the flowers. Many of the adults at Luke’s funeral were puzzled by the appearance of all the eggs, and the message Luke shared with his classmates was shared again.

An empty tomb some 2,000 years earlier gave Luke the hope of new life. It was the empty eggs that shared the message of hope in eternal life through Jesus Christ.