When South African, Girda McKenna, discovered she had cancer, she asked her friends for one thing – to sit together for a photograph.
Her eleven friends went much further than a photo. To demonstrate their sympathy and solidarity they decided to shave off all their hair. Before sacrificing her blonde tresses, one friend said: ”That is the least I can do. If I can do just a little for her to feel better, I will do it with love.” Another commented: “I am giving up my pride for a friend that is going through much, much more.”
When Girda came to the photoshoot to find another 11 shiny bald heads she was overcome with emotion and gratitude.
It’s a truly touching gesture involving a considerable sacrifice of beauty and comfort. However, think about how much more that Jesus gave up for sinners. He gave far more than his hair for a few months. He gave HIMSELF, His whole body and His whole soul. And He gave them to far more than barber with a razor. He gave Himself into the hands of wicked men, a furious devil, and an angry God. And it did it all for love and with love.
The video about Girda’s friends opens with the lyrics of Anything For Love:
And I would do anything for love,
I’d run right into hell and back.
Awfully foolish words in the mouth of a mere man. However, awe-fully true in the mouth of Jesus. He did anything and everything for love, including “running” into the experience of hell, and coming back in triumph.
Jesus didn’t just go to the hairdresser to sympathize with a sick friend. He endured hell in the place of sinners.
Now what?