Steven A. Bush - May 14, 2023
Mother Mary at The Cross
John 19:26-27 finds Jesus dying on the cross: "So 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 into his own household." (NASB) At the apex of all history, while dying for the sins of mankind, for sinners throughout the ages, Jesus pauses for a moment, looks lovingly down from the cross, and confers the care of His mother to John His trusted disciple. Perhaps John wrapped his arms around a sobbing Mary at that heart wrenching moment. The Scriptures tell us Mary was visited by the angel Gabriel who foretold she'd birth the Messiah. She indeed conceived by the Holy Spirit and laid her Newborn in a Bethlehem feeding trough. She encountered angels and shepherds and Magi and prophets and treasured all they said of her Son in her heart. She heard His teachings and witnessed His miracles. But now she sees her son shamefully crucified. What agony! And yet what love Jesus had for His mother! More astounding is the love He has for us! Romans 5:8 puts it like this: "But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (NIV) So then came Sunday, she'd see her Son again! Risen! And come yet Another Day we will worship with this same Mary before the throne where Her Son reigns forevermore! Glorious Day! Glorious Day!
Scripture References: Genesis 1:26-31, Genesis 2:18-25, John 19:25-35, Romans 5:8-10