Issue 1571 – Seven Sayings – Part 6 – October 10, 2024
This morning, we move on to the third of the seven sayings, the “Word of Affection.”
… standing by 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 nearby, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son!”Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home John 19:25-27
I cannot imagine the agony of Mary as she watched her son die on that cross. To know all that had been done to Him, to see him naked, bleeding, and dying in humiliation and not be able to do a thing about it.
Perhaps someone who has lost a child, particularly in an especially gruesome or tragic way, would have some understanding. I have lost friends and family over the years, and I have walked beside both the dying and their families, but I truly cannot comprehend the depth of Mary’s sorrow.
Jesus death that day fulfilled a prophecy given by Simeon, on Jesus’ eighth day of life, when the family took Jesus to be circumcised in accordance with the Mosaic Law (See Luke 2:25-35)
And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him. And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.” Luke 2:33-35
Even though Mary knew her Son was anointed by God to be the savior of Israel and was counted amongst his followers, it is doubtful that she would have yet understood the promise that He would rise again. Like the disciples she must have thought that His work ended too soon.
Too soon, He was gone in an unimaginably ugly way … truly a sword had pierced her own soul, too.
We see some important things in Jesus’ words to John.
Jesus says, “Woman, behold, your son!” There are two interpretations of this phrase, and we will consider both. First, Jesus is talking about himself. Second, Jesus is pointing out his disciple, John.
This morning, we will examine what it means if Jesus speaks of Himself. This is a less common view but has merit, so we will look at it.
There is incredible power in those few words. Mary was an incredibly devout woman, so much so that God chose her to carry His Son. Still, she was human and a sinner by nature and nurture. She knew that as much as anyone …“And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior” Luke 1:46-47
Mary’s own testimony negates any thoughts that she was somehow sinless. More devout than most? Perhaps she was. Sinless? She certainly was not.
Jesus declares the need of every human born of natural descent to look to the Savior by faith. John the baptizer said, “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world”. John also said, “And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.”
Jesus was lifted up for all those who would open their spiritual eyes and behold Him. Salvation is not by works or religious ritual. Forgiveness of sin and eternal life come from beholding and responding to the Lamb.
Have you looked upon Christ? Not in a physical sense as Mary and the crowds did that awful day, but in the sense of looking to Him to forgive you and make you clean of your sin. Don’t delay, do it today, no one is guaranteed a tomorrow.
Be blessed
Hallelu Yah / Praise God
Kevin
Gleanings From The Word
Experience an extraordinary God in ordinary life.
Soli Deo Gloria (For the glory of God alone)
Never let the enemy tell you that you are worthless or insignificant. Your value in God’s eyes is so great that it was worth dying for. You are a blessing to the world. You are so precious to God that his plan for heaven will not be complete without you.
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