There they crucified him, and with him two others, one on either side, with Jesus in the middle. ... When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved, 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 into his home. -John 19:18,26-27 NRSV
It is so easy to get wrapped up in all of the hoopla that is surrounding Jesus as he suffers on the cross and forget that one is watching him with a broken heart. What would it have been like to have been Mary? Can you even imagine watching your son being treated in such a vile fashion? What a nightmarish experience this must have been for Mary.
Yet another is also watching with a broken heart. John, the writer of the gospel, who describes himself as the disciple whom he loved, is standing next to Jesus' mom. He too cannot believe what he is seeing. His soul has been pierced and hope seems so far. To these two hurting souls Jesus speaks sweet words calling them into a family relationship.
With these words Christ speaks to us about finding comfort in each other when life seems out of control. In a sense we are God's familial gifts to each other. Lord, give me a heart for your family. Help us to share our pain with each other.
... this devotion is part of an ongoing series on the Gospel of John.
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