The Visitor

One day, a man went to visit a church. He arrived
early, parked his car, and got out. Another car pulled
up near him, and the driver told him, "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 from the church approached him and stated,
"That's my seat! You took my place!" The visitor was
somewhat distressed by this rude welcome, but 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 still said nothing.

Later, as the congregation was praying for Christ to
dwell among them, the visitor stood, and his appearance
began to change. Horrible scars became visible on his
hands and on his sandaled feet. Someone from the
congregation noticed him and called out, "What happened
to you?"

The visitor replied, "I took your place."