You may have heard this story. It’s a great story: Many years ago, when Hitler’s forces occupied Denmark, the order came that all Jews in Denmark were to identify themselves by wearing armbands with yellow stars of David. The Danes had seen the extermination of Jews in other countries and guessed that this was the first step in that process in their countries.
The King did not defy the orders. He had every Jew wear the star and he himself wore the Star of David. He told his people that he expected every loyal Dane to do the same. The King said, “We are all Danes. One Danish person is the same as the next.” He wore his yellow star when going into Copenhagen every day in order to encourage his people. The King of Denmark identified with his people, even to the point of putting his own life on the line.
It’s a wonderful story with a powerful point. The only problem is it isn’t true. It’s an urban legend. It’s been around for a long time and told many times over, but it never happened. What a shame! It’s a beautiful image of a king identifying with his people.
Fortunately, there is another story which is even more beautiful, which makes the same point of a king identifying with his people. It’s the story of Jesus Christ, the king of the universe, coming to this earth to become a man by taking on human flesh, to experience all the temptations and trials that this world has to offer, and ultimately to place his own life on the line so that his people could be saved.
“Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. For indeed He does not give aid to angels, but He does give aid to the seed of Abraham. Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren.” (Heb. 2:14-17)
Praise be to our Lord and King for his willingness to identify with us! How blessed we are!
Alan Smith
