Friday, February 16, 2018
John 19:25 … but standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.
LENT IS . . . THE BLESSING OF STANDING BY HIS CROSS
Helpless they stood there, unable to help their dearest relative and friend. Mary His mother stood with the others-- and yet more alone. Helpless they stood there, and now Jesus Himself appeared helpless, too, paralyzed hand and foot, His life draining away.
And yet, He had so much to give to them! At that very moment He was giving His life as an offering for sin. And in that hour, He also turned to care for His mother. Seeing John standing there, He said, "Woman, behold your son!" And to John, "Behold your mother!"
With that He gave Mary a precious care-giver and John a way to show his love for Jesus. They both received something more precious than silver and gold: a family.
As we stand by the cross again this year, we too have nothing to give Him, but He gives us a full pardon, peace with God, and eternal life. He also gives us a family, the family of believers. In this family we have brothers and sisters, mothers and fathers, to stand with us and encourage us with the mighty Word of our loving and faithful God. And in this family He also gives us opportunities to show our love to Him as we serve, care for, help, understand, suffer with and for one another-- forgiving one another as Christ has forgiven us.
What a blessing came to Mary and John at the foot of the cross! May we also be found there, and may we also see in this blessing an opportunity to bear the stress and strain of serving one another-- as an offering to our King.
