Day 37

His arrest and crucifixion...

Matthew 27:39-40 & John 19:25-27 NIV84

Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads and saying, "You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself! Come down from the cross, if you are the Son of God!"

Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, "Dear woman, here is your son, and to the disciple, "Here is your mother." From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.

What would Mary, Jesus's mother, have heard standing so near the cross? 

Put yourself in Mary's place, what emotions begin to stir? What do you think Jesus felt as He saw His mother standing there?

Jesus, the oldest son of His widowed mother, made sure she would be cared for before He died. Who did He choose? Jesus calls His disciples into close nurturing relationships outside their natural family. How would you respond if He called you to take long-term responsibility for a member of His family, the Church?

Lord Jesus, Your family is made up of those who do Your Father's will. Grow my love for Your family. Keep my heart open to those who are suffering loss and ready me to care for them when You call.

"... By this everyone will know that you are my disciples,

if you love one another."
John 13:35 NIV