Standing near the cross were Jesus’ mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary (the wife of Clopas), and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother standing there beside the disciple he loved, he said to her, “Dear woman, here is your son.” And he said to this disciple, “Here is your mother.” And from then on this disciple took her into his home. [John 19:25-27 NLT]
It is so easy to get wrapped up in all of the hoopla that is surrounding the crucifixion.
As Jesus suffers on the cross it is easy to 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.
She was so powerless as she watched her innocent son be nailed to the cross.
Words escape me as I try to come to grips with her feelings.
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 there.
He is standing next to Jesus' mom and he too cannot believe what he is seeing.
His soul has also been pierced and hope now seems so far.
To these two hurting souls Jesus speaks sweet words calling them into a family relationship.
With these words Christ seems to be speaking to us about finding comfort in each other.
In a sense we are God's familial gifts to each other made to bear each others pain.
Lord, give me an open heart for your family. Help us to share our pain with each other.
... this devotion is part of the Red Letters series. Click here to read more.
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