Feb 07, 2011 The Cry From the Cross: Take Care of Each Other
Originally posted on March 18, 2005
“When Jesus saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing nearby, He said to His mother, Women, behold your son!’ Then He said to the disciple, Behold, your mother!’ From that hour the disciple took her into his own household.” John 19:26-27
From the cross, in physical and emotional anguish, Jesus had the presence of mind to think about the care of His mother. So He entrusted her to one of His closest disciples.
His Natural Family
Mary raised Jesus well. Though Jesus was God’s Son, she was His mother. She nursed Him, clothed Him, and taught Him to walk, speak, and work. Like every mother, she loved her child dearly.
Jesus was her eldest. Jesus had four brothers and more than one sister. His father, Joseph, must have died some time after Jesus was twelve years old (that is the last time Joseph is mentioned). Jesus, being Mary’s first son, had the responsibility for her care.
He did not forget His responsibility. At the last minute, just before He died, Jesus provided for the care of His mother.
His New Family
When questioned about His family one day, Jesus said His brothers, sisters, and mother were those who do the will of God. Jesus has a new family and it is made up of people, who come to the foot of His cross, repent and believe, and do the will of God.
Jesus gave the same instructions to His new family that He did His natural family; love and care for one another.
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, so love one another.” John 13:34
Taking Care of Christ’s Family
To love and care for each other, we must first come to the cross for cleansing of sin, humility, and the assurance that we are loved by Christ. John first fled and left Jesus to face the danger alone. Then he returned to stand by Christ in love. There, at the cross, he was assured that Jesus still loved him.
Second, we must elevate love to its high priority. The Bible says, “ the greatest of these is love.” (I Corinthians 13:13) To love someone is more important than changing them, agreeing with them, or being like them. Love is truly the more excellent way (I Corinthians 12:31).
Third, to love and care for each other, we must make personal adjustments in our lives. Our attitudes, words, motivations, time, and energy will need to be shaped to serve people.
Fourth, we must make it practical. When Jesus entrusted the care of His mother to John, He was thinking about where she would sleep, how she would eat, and who would protect her from evil men. He had her real, daily needs in mind. Our care for each other is a very practical thing.
This Easter season, hear the cry of Jesus from the cross to care for one another.
Pastor Scott