GIVER
TEXT: Standing by the cross of Jesus were His mother and His mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw His mother and the disciple whom He loved standing nearby, He said to His mother, “Woman, behold, your son!” Then He said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home. (John 19.25-27)
At this point Jesus has very little left that belongs to Him. His reputation, His freedom, and His safety are all gone. His disciples have scattered. Even His clothes have been taken from Him.
But one thing remains. At the foot of Jesus’ cross stands His mother, along with His disciple John. Jesus doesn’t want either of them to be alone with their grief. And so He gives them to each other.
It comforts me to see the care Jesus takes, to make sure both of them have a fellow believer to be with them. Jesus could have left John to find his own way-could have left Mary to the tender mercies of His unbelieving brothers. He does neither. Instead, He creates a new family of love out of the two of them.
This is so like Him, isn’t it? It’s not enough for Him to give us life, joy, salvation, forgiveness, and peace through His death and resurrection. No, He has to give us even more-the love and support of one another in the church, of which He is the Head. And He says, “By this all people will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13.35).
WE PRAY: Thank You, Lord, for meeting our needs. Amen.
——————— Reflection Questions
• When has the church been a comfort to you?
• What can we do when the church fails to be loving and supportive?
• Why is it not a good idea to try to live your whole life as an individual Christian apart from the church?
Responses