JESUS ENTRUSTS MARY AND JOHN TO EACH OTHER – Jesus Walking in the Way of the Cross (VIDEO)

Daily Devotional By Archbishop Foley Beach

JESUS ENTRUSTS MARY AND JOHN TO EACH OTHER – Jesus Walking in the Way of the Cross (VIDEO)

LYRICS TO MUSIC:

Mother look upon your son

My dear friend behold your mother now

MESSAGE SUMMARY:

Often referred to as the ‘Seven Sayings’ of Jesus, there is a long and rich history surrounding the liturgical use of Jesus’ remarks during his crucifixion. Primarily implemented as the focus of meditation during Lent, these seven ‘words’ or phrases are recorded in the gospels, and shed great light on Jesus’ heart in his last hours. Just as a dying loved one’s last words are often highly regarded, so too are Jesus’.

Along his road to the cross, Jesus primarily speaks to his Father in Heaven (Luke 23:46, Matthew 27:46). He also offers words to the thieves next to him (Luke 23:43), and possibly to his murderers (John 19:28, 30). But despite his situation, hung from a cross, wrapped in excruciating pain, he calls out to his mother and the disciple ‘whom he loved.’ Even amidst unbearable circumstances, Jesus is still concerned with what will happen to his mother and friend after his death.

Why would the God of the universe need to entrust his earthly mother to a man? Would Jesus not be able to see, know, and care for every detail of Mary’s life, even beyond his physical body? Of course he would. But he is still interested in her worldly well-being. Though he does not call her ‘Mother,’ but rather ‘woman,’ this is not out of disrespect. It seemingly attempts to lessen the pain caused by the horrific death of her special son, and turn Mary’s focus to her new child, John. Jesus’ words to his mother show his deep respect and commitment, a model of love overflowing.

But Christ’s words also meant a great deal to John. He certainly listened, for as John notes in his own account, ‘from that hour he [John] took his [Jesus’] mother [Mary] into his family.’ John didn’t wait until Mary was in the clutches of old age, he promptly began caring for her. His obedience was immediate, and evidently without second thought. At Jesus’ request, a new family was created, one which shared a unique bond - hearts devoted to Christ.

Written by Jesse Braswell Roberts / Poor Bishop Hooper golgothamusic.com // poorbishophooper.com // Second edition ©2022 Jesse Braswell Roberts / Poor Bishop Hooper

TODAY’S PRAYER: Even in death Jesus was interested in strengthening relationships and creating new community. Ask God for courage to receive those in need into your family, both physically and spiritually. Ask God to help the church follow Jesus’ vision of true community.

TODAY’S AFFIRMATION: Today, I affirm that, because I am in Jesus Christ, I will think like Jesus. (Philippians 2:5f). “I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.”. (Philippians 4:14).

SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): John 19:25-27: “Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, “Woman, here is your son,” and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.” Further Reading: Matthew 27:55-56; Luke 23:49.

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THIS SUNDAY’S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach’s Current Sunday Sermon: “Contemplating the Mighty Acts – Palm Sunday and Holy Week”, at our Website: https://awtlser.podbean.com/

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