Sunday 18 March 2012

Bible Book:
John

"Standing near 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 beside her, he said to his mother, 'Woman, here is your son.' Then he said to the disciple, 'Here is your mother.' And from that hour the disciple took her into his own home." (vv. 25-27)

John 19:25-27 Sunday 18 March 2012

Background

The Synoptic Gospel writers Matthew and Luke begin with Jesus'incarnation (or birth), whereas John begins with Jesus'pre-incarnation (John 1:1-2): "In the beginning was the Word, andthe Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in thebeginning with God."

John goes on to help his readers grasp the uniqueness of Jesus'deity and humanity, and of the relationship with him that could betheirs. "But to all who received him, who believed in his name, hegave power to become children of God ... And the Word became fleshand lived among us ... grace and truth came through Jesus Christ."(John 1:12, 14, 17)

Mary saw Jesus arrive as a baby boy, and was near him as he died,crucified at Calvary, as Saviour for all. From the cradle to thecross; from the Magnificat (Luke1:46-55) to mourning, and beyond (Acts1:14), Mary demonstrated her love for Jesus. With her at thecross, were three other women: Clopas' wife, Mary; Jesus' mother'ssister, whom John does not name, probably because it his ownmother, Salome, wife of Zebedee (Matthew27:56; Mark 15:40); and Mary Magdalene, who rememberedall that Jesus had done for her, in delivering her fromdemon-possession, and lovingly follows Jesus to the end (Mark16:9; Luke 8:2).

From the cross, Jesus, while experiencing excruciating agony andsuffering, selflessly looks down and speaks words of comfort toloved ones (verses 26-27). His words to his mother and 'the beloveddisciple' (traditionally assumed to be John, the author) showJesus' tender loving care, and compassion. He entrusts Mary to hismost loyal friend, John, and John to Mary's care - mother and son,a family of believers, with mutual responsibility.

To Ponder

Do you know Christ as "Jesus" who 'saves you fromyour sins'? How much time will you set aside today to thank Jesusfor his saving grace?

The women, with John, followed Jesus to the end.What steps will you take in order to strengthen your discipleshipwith God (eg prayer, fellowship, Bible study, Holy Communion,worship, service)?

As followers of Jesus, we should treat all people(including our loved ones, and our church family) with lovingcompassion, care and understanding. What will you do today to showyour care, comfort or understanding to a member of your family(church or other), or someone in your community or workplace?

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