The doctor came into the room and sat down with 10-year-old Marcus. Marcus was an active little boy who was a joy to his parents, sister, and teachers. He was active in church and always helped other students with schoolwork. Marcus was outgoing and had no trouble making friends. He simply was a blessing from God!
But Marcus had a little sister, Lizza. Lizza, too, was a joy to have around but had few friends and was not outgoing. But this was not any fault of Lizza’s; it was because she was sick.
Lizza had a rare blood disorder and a depressed immune system. Her parents were told she would not live past eight years old if she did not have a blood transfusion from a 100% donor. That meant her mother, father, cousins, or grandparents could not supply the transfusion, only Marcus.
So Marcus and his parents went to the hospital to talk with Lizza’s doctor. The doctor told Marcus that his little sister needed a blood transfusion, or his little sister would die. He explained to Marcus that he was the only 100% blood match since he and Lizza had the same mother and father. The doctor further explained that other family members had only parts of the same type of blood, but he and Lizza were an exact match, and he was the only one who could save her life.
A technician then explained how the transfusion worked. He said that he would take blood out of Marcus and put it into his sister. The tech further explained that it was a painless process and would only take about four hours. The doctor then asked Marcus if he had any questions, and Marcus asked if he could think about it overnight.
Marcus’s parents were shocked and upset. The doctor told them NOT to talk to Marcus or persuade him in any way. The doctor further explained that he would NOT do the transfusion without the complete cooperation of Marcus, and neither he nor Marcus’s parents needed to pressure him.
That night, Marcus stayed in his room, not watching TV or playing his Xbox. His parents looked in on him and found him praying multiple times, but his parents obeyed the doctor and left him alone.
The next morning, the family went back to the hospital, and Marcus told the doctor he was willing to do the transfusion. His parents were delighted, but Marcus was troubled. The hospital was set to do the transfusion that day, so off the family went to the hematology clinic. Marcus did not even notice when they hooked up the machine to his IV port; he was still troubled and not speaking.
Marcus lay there for approximately 2 hours, clenching his hands and furrowing his forehead. Next, tears started running down his cheeks. The technician asked if he was hurting, and Marcus replied that he felt nothing. But the grimacing and the tears increased. Immediately, the technician went to get the doctor.
When the doctor entered the room, he asked Marcus, “Son, are you in pain?”
Marcus replied, “No, I am happy.”
So the doctor asked, “Why the tears then?”
Marcus replied, “Doctor, I am happy to help my sister and save her life, but when will it happen to me?”
The doctor questioned, “When will what happen?”
Marcus sadly replied, “When will I die?”
Marcus did not understand the full meaning of a transfusion, but Marcus loved his sister so much that he was willing to die for her. He never complained or tried to back out; he was willing to sacrifice his life for the person he loved so much! (Original story source is unknown.)
How much do you truly love Jesus? That love should fill your heart to capacity, overflowing with compassion and self-sacrifice! What are you willing to sacrifice for the God who gave his life for you?
Are you a Marcus?
Jeri Lynn Daniel
Lean into Jesus Ministries
#jerilynndanielblogs
“Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” John 15:13