A Desolate Mother March 11, 2014 Read John 19: 25-27. TEXT: Woman, behold, your son! ... Behold, your mother! (See John 19:26-27.) The staggering burden of the worlds sins crushes Jesus as He bears the punishment we deserve. Beneath that overwhelming pain, grief and sorrow, Jesus has every reason to tune out the bitter enemies who surround Him and turn within Himself. But instead His eyes scan the hostile crowd, pleading with His Father to forgive them, for they know not what they do. He offers forgiveness and the promise of Paradise to the repentant criminal at His side. Now He scans the crowd again, and His eyes behold two figures standing before Him in shock and grief. One is His mother Mary, her heart pierced by the sword of grief and sorrow (see Luke 2:35). Who will care for her after He has fulfilled His earthly mission and returned to heaven? Marys husband Joseph has died already. If not, he would have charge of Mary and Jesus would not have the responsibility of providing someone to care for her after His death. Jesus could entrust her to one of His four brothers or His unknown number of sisters (see Matthew 13:55). Several of these will become prominent leaders in the church, but at this time none of them believe He is the promised Christ and Savior (see John 7:5). He sees the second figure-the lone disciple of the Twelve to have the courage to stand at Marys side under the cross. Who better to entrust with His mothers keeping than His closest, most loyal disciple John? And from this very hour John lovingly takes her into his own house and faithfully provides for her the rest of her life. THE PRAYER: Lord Jesus, in the midst of Your bitter suffering and agonizing death You loved Your mother enough to provide John to care for her. Move us in joyful thanksgiving for Your salvation to love and care for one another. Amen.
Posted on: Tue, 11 Mar 2014 04:43:05 +0000