"My Older Brother"

While being on my mission I received this story of our Savior Jesus Christ. This story has really helped me realize the tremendous sacrifice my elder brother, Jesus Christ has made for me and everyone else.

"My Older Brother"

When I was just a small boy, I had a favorite big brother. He was great to me. He would put his arms around me and we would go scampering down some cool dirt path. At times like this I felt ten feet tall. He didn't seem to mind me tagging about one bit; and there was nothing I enjoyed more.

I was so proud of him! When I was with him I felt like I was beaming stronger than the sun. He was good at everything. I never could seem to match the mountains he would make out of sand.  Mine would always seem to crumble and sag, but his would stand as firm as the Rocky Mountains.

Dad always tried not to show how proud he was of him, he being the oldest and all. His smile seemed to beam a little brighter when my brother was around.
 I felt my world had collapsed when he went on his mission. Dad and Mom had to both fight the tears back. He called up Dad regularly and let us know how much he loved us. He even told us how great his mission mother was so Mom would not worry.

The persecution was really bad there as the Church was just getting started. But he never seemed to let himself get down, even though the people would not believe his messages. We would share in his joy when he would get some new converts, but I don't mind saying I was scared that the non-believers would do something to him. It even got to the point where men were plotting to take his life. But dad never seemed to be worried, for some reason.

Then, one day, we received a word that his mission had ended but not as most men's do. I was struck sick by the terrifying news.

They finally got a hold of my big brother. My big brother that I played with. The one that never seemed to be capable of doing anything wrong. My big brother who loved everyone he knew, and whom most everyone loved.

 They beat him and mocked him. He suffered all they did to him without striking back. Why would anyone want to hurt my big brother? I could not understand.

 A mob took him to a hill just outside of town and spitting on him, they nailed him to a wooden cross. My soul moaned as I heard that he begged Father to forgive them. Wracked with unbearable pain, he gave up his life for what he believed. My big brother, my king, my idol was dead. I cried through what to me seemed like the darkest day of my life.Where was my big brother with whom I had shaped mountains of sand? Why did he, of all my brothers have to die like this?

I felt Dad's strong arm upon my shoulder and heard him say,"He did it for you, son. For you and your brothers and sisters."

Time passed and I was called on my mission. Sometimes I forget what happened so long ago, but every Sunday a small piece of bread and a small cup of water remind me of my big brother and what he did for me, and assures me that he yet lives.

I bear my witness that Jesus Christ lives and that he is our Savior and Redeemer. As we grow a personal relationship with him we will feel his love and the cleansing power that comes with it. I am truly grateful for him and his infinite Atonement.