When I speak to the Jews about Christ, I often illustrate the significance of what he has done for us by telling them the story of how the Rothschild dynasty of multi millionaires began. Its founder, Mayer Amshel Rothschild, had been a poor boy who served in the house of Rabbi David Moshe of Chortkov. This rabbi had set aside in a drawer 200 golden coins as a dowry for his daughter. Rothschild married a girl from another town, where he opened a little shop that did quite well.

Years passed, and the time came for the rabbi’s daughter to marry. As the wedding approached, the rabbi opened the drawer to take out the coins to give to the bridegroom, only to discover to his horror that the money was not there. No one in the house had any explanation as to how it could have disappeared. The suspicion fell on Rothschild. They asked themselves: Where did he get the money to open his shop? Surely he was the thief.

The rabbi defended him: “It is not right to accuse anyone without proof.”

But the family insisted, “You must go and speak to him. Otherwise we will be disgraced. The guests have started to arrive, and the wedding will not take place.”

Reluctantly the rabbi went, apologized for having to ask such an embarrassing question, but explained the terrible predicament in which he found himself. Looking his former employee in the eye he asked, “Do you know something about the money?”

Rothschild was silent a few minutes, then said, “I have stolen it. I will repay it here and now. Please forgive me.”

The rabbi, who had an understanding for human sin, gladly forgave him. The wedding took place, and he officiated with great joy. Rothschild went broke. Many years later it was discovered that the 200 gold coins had been stolen by a servant girl, who shared it with a lover. At a drunken party the lover bragged how he came to possess the money. He was arrested, and both acknowledged their theft. The rabbi went to Rothschild and asked him pointedly, “Why did you confess to a sin you had not committed? And why did you give me the money?”

He replied, “I saw you terribly sad. I imagined the weeping of your wife and of the girl. I was ready to give you all my money immediately to make up for the loss, but I knew you would not accept such a sacrifice from me. So I had to say it was your money, which I stole. So you were peaceful and had joy.”

Then Rabbi David Moshe blessed him: “May God reward this deed of yours by giving you and all your descendants great riches.” The blessing was fulfilled. The Rothschilds are among the richest men in the world. One can only admire such a deed. But should we stop at admiration, or should we strive to become heroes ourselves in some area of life?

This Rothschild’s deed has the fragrance of our inspiration from Jesus. To make His message and gift more acceptable to us, Jesus took the lowliest appearance of a man, allowing Himself to be born not only into a poor family but in a humble stable for beasts. Even more, He became sin for us and ended His earthly life crucified among thieves. He went so far as to declare that our sins are His.

Wurmbrand, Richard. In the Face of Surrender. North Brunswick, NJ, Bridge-Logos Publishers, 1998, p. 3-5. Www.persecution.com