Words From the Cross (3), Duty

Chuckle: "When you become dissatisfied and wish you were young again, think about algebra!" --Will Rogers

Great Hymn: “When I survey the wondrous cross On which the prince of glory died, My richest gain I count but loss, And pour contempt on all my pride.” –Isaac Watts

WORDS FROM THE CROSS -- DUTY TO FAMILY

When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple (John) 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, the disciple took her into his home (John 19:26-27 NIV).

Much about the relationship of Jesus with his mother remains a mystery, however, there must have been a deep love between them. Mary was the only person that knew by experience that Jesus was virgin born. Everyone else, including Joseph, had to accept that truth by faith. After all the events leading up to Jesus' birth, Mary "treasured all these things and pondered them in her heart" (Luke 2:19 NIV). Mary suffered great grief and heartache as she watched her firstborn Son condemned and hanging on a cruel cross. However, she received some kind and loving words from Jesus when he said to John, "here is your mother." In his dying hours, he was mindful of her and made provision for her by entrusting her care into the hands of a trusted disciple and friend.

Even though Jesus' third utterance from the cross may seem to have a less profound and important message for our spiritual lives than the others, it may, in reality, have the most. Our love and concern for our families and the weakest around us exemplifies the attitude of Jesus when he reached out to those many others would have shunned as less important and not worthy of their attention. Have you observed that quite often, we treat those closest to us with less courtesy, compassion, and kindness than we do for casual acquaintances?

Even as He died, Jesus, as the eldest son, considered it his duty to provide for the welfare of His mother. His earthly father, Joseph, must have been dead by then, and Jesus asked John to care for his mother. In his time of agony, Jesus saw not only the weak men but the weeping women, especially His mother. With tenderness and love, he made certain she would be properly cared for and respected. He fulfilled his duty as her son and set an example for us in how we should relate to our mothers and fathers. Other than salvation, our families are our most precious gifts from God, and we should value them and care for them no matter the circumstances. This means putting their welfare ahead of our own. We should never neglect our loved ones.

Today, let's think of ways we can show exceptional love and kindness to those who are most precious to us -- our spouses, our parents, our children, and other family members. By doing so, you will bring them great joy and comfort, and God will bless you with joy of your own.

Love, Jerry & Dotse