Be Caring to the End!
BE CARING TO THE END!
Rev. Enoch Thompson | November 2 2024 | John 19:25-27
KEY VERSE:
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," John 19:26 (NIV)
MESSAGE:
It is interesting to note how God factored care into the operations of His creation. Humans as well as animals and birds have a sense of responsibility to care for their type, and to provide protection and sustenance, especially in childhood, in sickness and old age. It is unfortunate that among humans some people choose to neglect this natural responsibility, and they may even claim to be Christians while doing this.
As the mother of the Lord Jesus Christ, Mary had great love for her Son, and from the conception of Christ through the exile in Egypt, through His childhood in Nazareth, His ministry throughout Israel and in these final days of extreme hostility towards the Son she loved so much, Mary remained steadfastly close by her Son and was close by His cross at the crucifixion. His interaction with Mary in John chapter 2, at the wedding in Cana of Galilee, betrays a gentle loving relationship between mother and son. Parents, care for your children!
The Lord Jesus must have been a caring person, beyond His public ministry of healing the sick, casting out demons and generally providing for the needs of the people who came to Him. Jesus was a lover of closely associated souls. It is said that John was the disciple whom Jesus loved. He gave nicknames to the disciples as they related to Him. Leaders love your people!
At the cross, when most of His followers had abandoned company for dear life’s sake, Mary remained caring for her dying Son. But most importantly, the Lord Jesus, in spite of His personal agony of soul and body, found it necessary to care for His mother and took time to address that issue before He died. Children, care for your parents.
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
Do you have a caring heart that goes out to others, especially those within your God-given circles? Remember, “If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” 1 Tim 5:8 (NIV).
PRAYER:
Dear Lord Jesus, lover of my soul and my primary caregiver, thank you that you cared not only for your disciple and your mother but for all souls, in your agony on the cross. Please give me a caring heart and help me to show this care always. For your dear Name’s sake, Amen.
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
DAILY word study: SAW
The Greek word for "saw" in this verse is eidō (εἶδον), which means to perceive, notice, or recognize with understanding. Unlike a mere glance, eidō implies a deeper awareness and attentiveness.
The use of eidō (εἶδον) in the key verse for our devotion underscores Jesus' full knowledge of his mother's presence while he hung the cross. He acknowledged her sorrow and her need which prompted His compassionate response, demonstrating how he cared even in His suffering. Jesus shows us that, true care extends beyond our circumstances and seeks to understand and respond to the needs of others regardless of our personal difficulties.
Reflections: Do you model Christ’s care in your relationships? How can you extend His love to those closest to you, even in times of personal difficulty?
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