Many years ago the artist Stenberg had his artist’s studio in Dusseldorf, in Germany. He agreed to paint a picture of the crucifixion of Christ for a Church. It was to be a masterpiece and he would be paid a large price for his work.Before he began to paint, he carefully read all the details about the death of Christ for several weeks. At last he began to paint. First the background, then the cross. Day by day he added a little more. Then he became tired. “I’ll forget this and walk out in the country and do some sketching.”
At the edge of the forest, Stenberg saw a gypsy girl weaving a straw basket. She had long black hair and large shiny black eyes. “What a painting!” Stenberg thought. The girl stood up and did a gypsy dance before the Artist.
“Stand,” said Stenberg, “this week you must come to my studio ; I’LL paint you.” “But Sir,” the girl replied shyly, “I’m only a poor gypsy girl.”
“Come.” Said Stenberg. And she came at the appointed time. Her name was Pepita. Stenberg was ready for her. “Stand! Sit!” he ordered. Pepita had never seen a studio. She asked many questions.
Then suddenly she saw the painting of the crucifixion. “Who is it?” she asked. “The Christ.” he replied. “But what are they doing to Him?” “Crucifying Him.” he answered. “But who are those cruel people.?”
Stenberg put down his brush and said, “Now look here, you must stand there still and do not move your lips to speak. She remained quiet but her eyes were fixed on the crucifixion. As she left that day, she asked, “Was he bad?” “No, no, very good.” Stenberg replied.
Each day Pepita came she asked another question, “If he was good, why did they do it?” Stenberg answered, “Listen, I will tell you once for all.” Then he quickly explained the story of the crucifixion. As he did, he noticed that her eyes were filled with tears.
At last both paintings were finished. Pepita was delighted with the picture of herself. Then she walked to the other picture and looked silently, and said to Stenberg, “You must love Him very much, Sir, when He has done all that for you; do you not?” Then she left quickly.
Pepita’s words seemed to ring in Stenberg’s ears, “You must love Him very much when He has done so much for you.” He could not forget them. He now felt troubled and unhappy in his heart. He sold the painting to the Church for a fraction of its worth, but he was still troubled.
One evening he went for a walk and people who seemed to be happy entering into a church. He joined them people and there heard the message of the gospel and he came to know Christ as his Saviour.
His painting was hung and people flocked to see it. One day he found Pepita standing in front of the picture weeping. “Oh Sir.” She cried. “if he had but loved me so.” Stenberg sat down and explained to her that Christ died for people of every race who trust in Him. Pepita listened quietly and said “I believe it.” Two years later she died, firmly trusting in Christ.
Stenberg also grew old and died. Years later a young nobleman wandered into the gallery and looked at the painting. He read the words underneath, “All this I did for thee. What hast thou done for me?”
These words spoke to that young man’s heart and that night he devoted his life to serving Christ. That nobleman was Count Zinzendorf (1700-1760) who became a famous missionary for many years. The art gallery was burned down many years ago and with it the famous painting of the crucifixion of Christ.
