Red Letter Day
Image via WikipediaYesterday, was a great day as we completed our series: Red Letter Day and prepared our hearts for celebrating Easter this coming weekend. Pastor Chris Kahnt encouraged us to be considerate of others, regardless of what trials we have.
“When Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing nearby, He said to His mother, ‘Woman, behold, your son!’'' John 19:26
No matter what trials we have, it is still possible to be concerned for others’ needs.
As the time for Jesus’ death grew closer, His mother’s well–being was on His heart and mind. Here the object of Jesus’ focus shifted to a small group of five friends at the foot of His cross.
And out of this sympathetic band, which included the disciple John, Salome (John’s mother), Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene, Christ’s attention drew especially toward His mother.
Mary, the mother of our Lord, was perhaps the neediest person of any in that cluster that stood beneath the cross. She was most likely a widow by this time; otherwise, Jesus would not have shown so much special concern for her future welfare. Mary saw and felt the fulfillment of Simeon’s prophecy that her soul would be pierced because of Jesus (Luke 2:34–35).
Drawn to the place of her son’s execution by loving concern and sorrow, Mary stood with the others but undoubtedly felt very alone as she suffered quietly. At that moment Jesus graciously intervened and reminded Mary that she needed to regard Him not primarily as her son but as her Saviour. When Jesus called Mary “Woman,” He was using a title of respect. His intent was simply to commit Mary into John’s care.
At Calvary, Christ experienced the agony of the cross, the weight of the world’s sin, and the wrath of God the Father. Yet through all His ordeal, which is beyond our comprehension, Jesus took some moments to show compassion to others who were hurting.
That’s a pattern we are to follow. We should never be so overwhelmed with our own pain and trials—and certainly not life’s routine, daily cares, and burdens—that we lose sight of others’ needs. See you this Good Friday.
