Monday, April 3rd

Mother Mary

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.

John 19:26b-27

Read John 19:25-27

In the little town of Bethlehem, a young woman gave birth to her firstborn son. Without the warmth and convenience of her own home, she turned a stable into a reasonable shelter and laid the baby in a makeshift bed that was usually used as a feeding trough. The circumstances around this birth were extraordinary. The visitation of angels, a virgin pregnancy, and the excited praise from shepherds gave plenty for Mary to ponder. Scripture says Mary “…treasured up all these things in her heart.” (Luke 2:51b). Any mother can relate.

In the awful place called Golgotha, an older woman watched her firstborn Son die. She saw the life flowing out of Him. She heard the crowds curse Him. He was just out of reach and there was absolutely nothing she could do. The heart that held a mother’s treasures was breaking.

Could He tell? In the midst of His pain, could He feel her anguish as well?

Seeing His mother, Mary, Jesus instantly tried to meet her need. Standing near her was His most beloved friend, John. With only a few moments of life left, Jesus placed the care of his mother into the loving hands of His disciple. Scripture records that John took her into his home from that hour on.

Something to think about

1. How do you think Mary felt at the foot of the cross?

2. How does this demonstrate the care of our Good Shepherd?

3. Is there someone Christ has called you to care for?