Once upon a time, a man fell into a ditch. He could not get out no matter how high he jumped, or how hard he tried to climb. He knew he would certainly die if left there.

Eventually, a Hindu wise man passed by and heard the man’s cries. “Clearly, you are there because of your karma. You must meditate, and fast. The hole is just an illusion. Perhaps in your next life, you’ll have it better.” And he left.

Then came a Buddhist monk. “You are suffering because you want to get out of that hole. You must learn to not want to get out. Once you have overcome your desire to be up here, then you’ll know bliss.” He also then went on his way.

A Muslim Imam soon came by. “Allah has willed you there. Declare he is the only God, and that Muhammad is his prophet. Submit to him, and it may go well with you at the Judgment Day.” He too, left.

A Jewish rabbi followed. “I’m giving you a copy of God’s torah. Obey these 613 commandments, and everything will be fine.”

But in the end, no matter what these people offered, the man was alone, still in the pit.

Then Jesus walked by. He saw the man, and came down into the pit with him. He lowered himself so the man could stand on him like a stool. He lifted the man out of the pit on his own shoulders. The man was finally free.