Make a toll-free call and "Jesus can be yours." That's the guarantee in an advertisement for a 2-foot tall, machine-washable "Jesus doll." The doll wears a scarlet robe over a white tunic with a red heart emblazoned on it.

The ad says that children will love to hug the doll, and the elderly and emotionally distressed will find it a source of comfort. So for only $29.95, "Jesus can be yours."

Would you want one? Or do you feel, as I do, that this would be a violation of the Second Commandment, which forbids the making of any idol? (Ex. 20:4-5). Certainly the Redeemer of the world and the comfort He offers cannot be purchased at the bargain-basement price of 5 cents less than $30! To me, this contradicts the message of the gospel.

"Jesus can be yours"--yes, indeed. But you can't buy Him. Actually, He purchased us! Jesus becomes ours not with the payment of "corruptible things, like silver or gold" (1 Pet. 1:18), but by simply trusting the forgiveness and grace He gives to us through His precious blood (v.19). With His blood He paid the penalty for sin. And through our faith in Him we gain access to all of heaven's riches.

You can't buy Jesus. But He can be yours for free.  — Vernon C. Grounds