Jesus Devotional - Day 21
Day Twenty-One
Jesus: Real, Relevant, and Radical!
What About Mom?
John 19:25-27(NLT) Standing near the cross were Jesus’ mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary (the wife of Clopas), and Mary Magdalene. 26 When Jesus saw his mother standing there beside the disciple he loved, he said to her, “Dear woman, here is your son.” 27And he said to this disciple, “Here is your mother.” And from then on this disciple took her into his home.
Standing near the cross was Mary. Mary, the woman who birthed the very Son of God. Mary, the mother of Jesus. What is going through her mind as she stands there looking at Jesus? Imagine the pain, the agony, the range of emotions. In my mind’s eye, I see the women holding onto each other for support—Mary holding her sister Mary, who is holding Mary Magdalene. Tears are flowing down their cheeks as they look at the unrecognizable face of Jesus. As Jesus’ blood flows from the cross, Mary’s tears fall to the ground. The urge to do something must have been overwhelming; the anguish within her soul is unbearable. Moms are quick to run to their children when they get hurt or even just scrape a knee. They are always ready to put on a band-aid or kiss the pain away. Mary must have felt helpless. As she weeps, she remembers...
There are very few things that can compare to the joy of being a Mom. (I have it from two reliable sources, my wife and my mother). The joy of having children is one of life's greatest blessings (until they hit their teens). We all enter this world through our mothers' wombs. There’s no other way to get here. Jesus came into this world just like us. He was born of a woman. “But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law.”
For Jesus, that woman is Mary. The gospels don’t record much about Mary because the focus is on Jesus, not Mary. But we know several things about Mary. She was a righteous woman, willing to obey God despite the risks to her life. She knew God's Word and kept the Word of God in her heart. She gave birth under difficult circumstances and had to flee to Egypt with Joseph and Jesus. After they returned, they settled in Nazareth. Everything seemed quite ordinary. They made trips to Jerusalem for sacred festivals, and at one point, losing Jesus during one of these trips. As time passed and Jesus grew older, they were invited to a wedding. John 2:3-5 (NLT): “The wine supply ran out during the festivities, so Jesus’ mother told him, ‘They have no more wine.’ 4 ‘Dear woman, that’s not our problem,’ Jesus replied. ‘My time has not yet come.’ 5 But his mother told the servants, ‘Do whatever he tells you.’”
Mary is quite assertive, and Jesus is very matter-of-fact. Like many moms today, she seems to ignore Jesus’ response and told the servants, “Do whatever He tells you.” The first miracle recorded for us appears to be because of Mary. Mary knew that Jesus was more than just her Son, but He was her Son nonetheless. As Jesus starts His itinerant preaching, Mark records something very interesting for us. Mark 3:20-21 (NLT) “One time Jesus entered a house, and the crowds began to gather again. Soon he and his disciples couldn’t even find time to eat. 21 When his family heard what was happening, they tried to take him away. ‘He’s out of his mind,’ they said.”
Jesus’ family thinks He is crazy, and they try to come and get poor “delusional” Jesus. We don’t know who from the family initially came to try and get Jesus, but Mark records that later on, His mother shows up with all of Jesus’ brothers in tow. Mark 3:31-35 (NLT): “Then Jesus’ mother and brothers came to see him. They stood outside and sent word for him to come out and talk with them. 32 There was a crowd sitting around Jesus, and someone said, ‘Your mother and your brothers are outside asking for you.’ 33 Jesus replied, ‘Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?’ 34 Then he looked at those around him and said, ‘Look, these are my mother and brothers. 35 Anyone who does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.’”
Notice, they stay outside. Maybe Jesus’ brothers and sisters think He has gone over the deep end. I mean, He believes He’s the Messiah. So, let’s get Mom to try and talk some sense into Him. Family can be difficult to love. Mary remembers. She recalls when it was the Sabbath, and they went to the Synagogue. Jesus stood up to read. He read from Isaiah, and when He finished, He claimed to be the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy. Mary remembers how angry the people got. They were so upset they wanted to push Him off a cliff. She could see the tension building. She could hear the angry insults. “We know His family,” the people scoffed. Despite that, she witnessed and heard Jesus healing the sick, and giving mothers back their dead children. She remembered Him feeding the multitudes. She saw the crowds. She heard the words coming out of Jesus’ mouth. Then the glorious entry into Jerusalem... suddenly, everything spiraled out of control.
Now standing at the foot of the cross, she wonders, “Why?” Little does she know, it was for her. “Why would anyone do this to my Son? He did nothing but heal and bless. Sure, He made some others mad, but to do this to Him...” It feels like someone stuck a knife in her heart. Then she remembers. She remembers when they took Jesus to the Temple. Luke 2:34-34(NLT) “Then Simeon blessed them, and he said to Mary, the baby’s mother, ‘This child is destined to cause many in Israel to fall, and many others to rise. He has been sent as a sign from God, but many will oppose him. 35 As a result, the deepest thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your very soul.’”
Simeon told her, and he was right. Her heart is broken; her soul is pierced. Then Jesus sees her, and their eyes lock. Next to Mary is the disciple Jesus loved (John). Jesus then utters some of the most loving words a child can say to their mother. “Mom, I will make sure that you are taken care of.” No one has to wonder what will happen to Mom. Jesus, up to His final breath, obeys the law. Honor your father and your mother. Not at any moment of Jesus’ life or death does He live for Himself. He was destined to die on that cross, and He did so willingly. He demonstrates His love through every word He speaks and every action He takes. In His greatest moments of pain, He forgives, He promises eternal life, and He takes care of His natural responsibility—His mother.
Family can be difficult to love. Sometimes they think you’re crazy. Sometimes they all show up, including mom, to stop you. But we are called to love, just like Jesus. Can we love like that? Or do we protest and say, “But I am not Jesus?” You are right. But if we say we love Him, we must love others, including those we find difficult to love.
Jesus entrusts the care of the woman who cared for Him to someone He trusts. Love can be trusted to do what needs to be done. Can you be trusted? Do you love Jesus enough for Him to trust you with His bride? He trusted John with His mother. Now, He is trusting us with His bride.
John 13:34(NLT) “So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other.”
The next time you are tempted to mistreat a brother or sister in Christ, remember that they are Jesus’ bride. As members of God's family, one day we will all participate in the marriage supper of the Lamb. I assure you: we won't run out of wine, but just in case, make sure you sit close to Mary...
Prayer:
Jesus: Real, Relevant, and Radical!
What About Mom?
John 19:25-27(NLT) Standing near the cross were Jesus’ mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary (the wife of Clopas), and Mary Magdalene. 26 When Jesus saw his mother standing there beside the disciple he loved, he said to her, “Dear woman, here is your son.” 27And he said to this disciple, “Here is your mother.” And from then on this disciple took her into his home.
Standing near the cross was Mary. Mary, the woman who birthed the very Son of God. Mary, the mother of Jesus. What is going through her mind as she stands there looking at Jesus? Imagine the pain, the agony, the range of emotions. In my mind’s eye, I see the women holding onto each other for support—Mary holding her sister Mary, who is holding Mary Magdalene. Tears are flowing down their cheeks as they look at the unrecognizable face of Jesus. As Jesus’ blood flows from the cross, Mary’s tears fall to the ground. The urge to do something must have been overwhelming; the anguish within her soul is unbearable. Moms are quick to run to their children when they get hurt or even just scrape a knee. They are always ready to put on a band-aid or kiss the pain away. Mary must have felt helpless. As she weeps, she remembers...
There are very few things that can compare to the joy of being a Mom. (I have it from two reliable sources, my wife and my mother). The joy of having children is one of life's greatest blessings (until they hit their teens). We all enter this world through our mothers' wombs. There’s no other way to get here. Jesus came into this world just like us. He was born of a woman. “But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law.”
For Jesus, that woman is Mary. The gospels don’t record much about Mary because the focus is on Jesus, not Mary. But we know several things about Mary. She was a righteous woman, willing to obey God despite the risks to her life. She knew God's Word and kept the Word of God in her heart. She gave birth under difficult circumstances and had to flee to Egypt with Joseph and Jesus. After they returned, they settled in Nazareth. Everything seemed quite ordinary. They made trips to Jerusalem for sacred festivals, and at one point, losing Jesus during one of these trips. As time passed and Jesus grew older, they were invited to a wedding. John 2:3-5 (NLT): “The wine supply ran out during the festivities, so Jesus’ mother told him, ‘They have no more wine.’ 4 ‘Dear woman, that’s not our problem,’ Jesus replied. ‘My time has not yet come.’ 5 But his mother told the servants, ‘Do whatever he tells you.’”
Mary is quite assertive, and Jesus is very matter-of-fact. Like many moms today, she seems to ignore Jesus’ response and told the servants, “Do whatever He tells you.” The first miracle recorded for us appears to be because of Mary. Mary knew that Jesus was more than just her Son, but He was her Son nonetheless. As Jesus starts His itinerant preaching, Mark records something very interesting for us. Mark 3:20-21 (NLT) “One time Jesus entered a house, and the crowds began to gather again. Soon he and his disciples couldn’t even find time to eat. 21 When his family heard what was happening, they tried to take him away. ‘He’s out of his mind,’ they said.”
Jesus’ family thinks He is crazy, and they try to come and get poor “delusional” Jesus. We don’t know who from the family initially came to try and get Jesus, but Mark records that later on, His mother shows up with all of Jesus’ brothers in tow. Mark 3:31-35 (NLT): “Then Jesus’ mother and brothers came to see him. They stood outside and sent word for him to come out and talk with them. 32 There was a crowd sitting around Jesus, and someone said, ‘Your mother and your brothers are outside asking for you.’ 33 Jesus replied, ‘Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?’ 34 Then he looked at those around him and said, ‘Look, these are my mother and brothers. 35 Anyone who does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.’”
Notice, they stay outside. Maybe Jesus’ brothers and sisters think He has gone over the deep end. I mean, He believes He’s the Messiah. So, let’s get Mom to try and talk some sense into Him. Family can be difficult to love. Mary remembers. She recalls when it was the Sabbath, and they went to the Synagogue. Jesus stood up to read. He read from Isaiah, and when He finished, He claimed to be the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy. Mary remembers how angry the people got. They were so upset they wanted to push Him off a cliff. She could see the tension building. She could hear the angry insults. “We know His family,” the people scoffed. Despite that, she witnessed and heard Jesus healing the sick, and giving mothers back their dead children. She remembered Him feeding the multitudes. She saw the crowds. She heard the words coming out of Jesus’ mouth. Then the glorious entry into Jerusalem... suddenly, everything spiraled out of control.
Now standing at the foot of the cross, she wonders, “Why?” Little does she know, it was for her. “Why would anyone do this to my Son? He did nothing but heal and bless. Sure, He made some others mad, but to do this to Him...” It feels like someone stuck a knife in her heart. Then she remembers. She remembers when they took Jesus to the Temple. Luke 2:34-34(NLT) “Then Simeon blessed them, and he said to Mary, the baby’s mother, ‘This child is destined to cause many in Israel to fall, and many others to rise. He has been sent as a sign from God, but many will oppose him. 35 As a result, the deepest thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your very soul.’”
Simeon told her, and he was right. Her heart is broken; her soul is pierced. Then Jesus sees her, and their eyes lock. Next to Mary is the disciple Jesus loved (John). Jesus then utters some of the most loving words a child can say to their mother. “Mom, I will make sure that you are taken care of.” No one has to wonder what will happen to Mom. Jesus, up to His final breath, obeys the law. Honor your father and your mother. Not at any moment of Jesus’ life or death does He live for Himself. He was destined to die on that cross, and He did so willingly. He demonstrates His love through every word He speaks and every action He takes. In His greatest moments of pain, He forgives, He promises eternal life, and He takes care of His natural responsibility—His mother.
Family can be difficult to love. Sometimes they think you’re crazy. Sometimes they all show up, including mom, to stop you. But we are called to love, just like Jesus. Can we love like that? Or do we protest and say, “But I am not Jesus?” You are right. But if we say we love Him, we must love others, including those we find difficult to love.
Jesus entrusts the care of the woman who cared for Him to someone He trusts. Love can be trusted to do what needs to be done. Can you be trusted? Do you love Jesus enough for Him to trust you with His bride? He trusted John with His mother. Now, He is trusting us with His bride.
John 13:34(NLT) “So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other.”
The next time you are tempted to mistreat a brother or sister in Christ, remember that they are Jesus’ bride. As members of God's family, one day we will all participate in the marriage supper of the Lamb. I assure you: we won't run out of wine, but just in case, make sure you sit close to Mary...
Prayer:
- Pray for God’s family to love one another.
- Ask the Lord who you should reach out to this week. Do it!
- Pray for the family members you find it difficult to get along with.
- Ask the Lord to empower you with His love so that you can focus on your responsibilities instead of your rights.
Posted in Jesus Devotional