"I always park there.  You took my place!"
 
The visitor went inside for Sunday School, found an empty seat and sat down.  A young lady approached him and stated,

"That's my seat!  You took my place!" 

The visitor was somewhat distressed by this rude welcome, but he said nothing. After Sunday School, the visitor went into the church sanctuary and sat down.  Another member walked up to him and said,

"That's where I always sit.  You took my place!" 

The visitor was even more troubled by this treatment, but he still said nothing. Later, as the congregation was praying for Christ to dwell among them, the visitor stood and walked to the front of the sanctuary. 

His appearance began to change.  His suit became a dusty and ragged robe; horrible scars became visible on his hands and on his sandaled feet, blood trickled down his forehead where a crown of thorns now rested. Someone from the congregation called out, 

"What happened to you?"
 
The visitor's eyes were sad as he gazed out over the congregation where he had been so unwelcome, and quietly replied,

"I took your place."

Author Unknown

Created 20 April 2000