JOHN 19:25-27 JESUS LOVES YOU

Written by , Rector of St. Matthew's Episcopal Church, Richmond, Virginia
 

²⁵ Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. ²⁶ When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, “Dear woman, here is your son,” ²⁷ and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.

The compassionate heart of God encompasses not only the cosmic problem of sin, suffering and death, but also the very domestic and local concerns of caring for a bereaved mother and a broken hearted friend. Even at the excruciating moment of strangulation on the cross, Jesus provides for the emotional and social needs of those who love him. As if he were the elderly patriarch of the family lying on his bed surrounded by his family, Jesus makes provision for his closest kin from the cross.

So often when we have a “great task” to perform our focus is on the “greater good” at the expense of the smaller things. It may be a corporate merger, a capital campaign in the church, or making someone the fall guy for a mistake by the organization, but the individual is the one sacrificed at the altar of our “greater good.” As the high priest Caiaphas said, “It is better for you that one man die for the people than the whole nation perish” (John 11:50).

This, however, is not the way of God. Jesus not only died for the sins of the world, but to deliver you and me from the second death. The words of Jesus to his mother and his disciple are the antidote to our fear that we do not count and are mere pawns on the chess board of creation. God not only listens to the prayers of his people gathered, but also those of his people scattered. Your prayers and your needs are as important to God as those of Elijah, David, St. Augustine or the combined prayers of the biblical nation of Israel. These words of the dying Savior are both a comfort and an encouragement. Through them we can know that as we live in relationship with Jesus in this world, he cares to meet our needs. In addition, whatever we are called to do in God’s will, God’s provision will be given.

Lord Jesus, your provision for your Mother and beloved disciple from the cross remind me of your abundant love and compassion for each of those who believe in you. Grow my faith, encourage my obedience and transform my weakness into an opportunity to be the vehicle of your loving strength in the world. Thank you for loving me. Help me to love others. Amen.

Attachment	Size
Download and Print This Devotion	67.73 KB