Years ago, there was a very wealthy man who, with his devoted young son,
shared a passion for art collecting. Together they traveled around the world,
adding only the finest art treasures to their collection. Priceless works by Picasso,
Van Gogh, Monet and many others adorned the walls of the family estate.

The widowed elder man looked on with satisfaction as his only child became an
experienced art collector. The son's trained eye and sharp business mind caused
his father to beam with pride as they dealt with art collectors around the world.

As winter approached, war engulfed the nation, and the young man left to serve
his country. After only a few short weeks, his father received a telegram. His
beloved son was missing in action.

The art collector anxiously awaited more news, fearing he would never see his
son again. Within days his fears were confirmed. The young man had died while
rushing a fellow soldier to a medic.

Distraught and lonely, the old man faced the upcoming Christmas holidays with
anguish and sadness The joy of the season- a season that he and his son had so
looked forward to- would visit his house no longer.

On Christmas morning, a knock on the door awakened the depressed old man.
As he walked to the door, the masterpieces of art on the walls only reminded him
that his son was not coming home.

As he opened the door, he was greeted by a soldier with a large package in his
hand. He introduced himself to the man by saying, "I was a friend of your son. I
was the one he was rescuing when he died. May I come in for a few moments? I
have something to show you." As the two began to talk, the soldier told of how the
man's son had told everyone of his-not to mention his father's- love of fine art. "I’m
an artist," said the soldier, "and I want to give you this."

As the old man unwrapped the package, the paper gave way to reveal a portrait
of the man's son. Though the world would never consider it the work of a genius,
the painting featured the young man's face in striking detail. Overcome with
emotion, the man thanked the soldier, promising to hang the picture above the
fireplace.

A few hours later, after the soldier had departed, the old man set about his task.
True to his word, the painting went above the fireplace, pushing aside thousands
of dollars of paintings. And then the man sat in his chair and spent Christmas
gazing at the gift he had been given.

During the days and weeks that followed, the man realized that even though his
son was no longer with him, the boy’s life would live on because of those he had
touched. He would soon learn that his son had rescued dozens of wounded
soldiers before a bullet stilled his caring heart. As the stories of his son’s gallantry
continued to reach him, fatherly pride and satisfaction began to ease the grief.
The painting of his son soon became his most prized possession, far eclipsing any
interest in the pieces for which museums around the world clamored. He told his
neighbors it was the greatest gift he had ever received.

The following spring, the old man became ill and passed away. The art world was
in anticipation. With the collectors passing, and his only son dead, those paintings
would be sold at an auction. According to the will of the old man, all of the art
works would be auctioned on Christmas day, the day he had received his greatest
gift.

The day soon arrived and art collectors from around the world gathered to bid on
some of the world's most spectacular paintings. Dreams would be fulfilled this day;
greatness would be achieved as many would claim "I have the greatest collection."

The auction began with a painting that was not on any museum's list. It was the
painting of the man's son. The auctioneer asked for an opening bid. The room
was silent. Who will open the bidding with $100?" he asked. Minutes passed. No
one spoke.

From the back of the room came, "Who cares about that painting? It's just a
picture of his son. Let's forget it and go on to the good stuff." More voices echoed
in agreement.

"No, we have to sell this one first," replied the auctioneer. "Now, who will take the
son?" Finally, a friend of the old man spoke. "Will you take ten dollars for the
painting? That's all I have. I knew the boy, so I'd like to have It."

"I have ten dollars. Will anyone go higher?." called the auctioneer. After more
silence, the auctioneer said, "Going once, going twice. Gone."

The gavel fell.

Cheers filled the room and someone exclaimed, "Now we can get on with it and
we can bid on these treasures!"

The auctioneer looked at the audience and announced the auction was over.
Stunned disbelief quieted the room. Someone spoke up and asked, "What do you
mean its over?. We didn’t come here for a picture of some old guys son. What
about all of these paintings? There are millions of dollars of art here! I demand that
you explain what’s going on here!."

The auctioneer replied, "Its very simple. According to the will of the father,
whoever takes the son.. gets it all."

Romans 8:32 "He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all,
how will He not also with Him, freely give us all things?"

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