John 19:18-42

Be Still: Lord, open my heart to hear from Your word. Amen

Read:  John 19:18-42

When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, He said to her, 'Woman, here is your son,' and to the disciple, 'Here is your mother.' From that time on, this disciple took her into his home. (vv.19:26-27)

Encounter: At the start of the year, I was struck with a severe illness – man flu. Convinced I was not long for this world, I took one last glance at its beauty, confined myself to my room, and awaited the Lord calling me home. Three days later, I was fine – Jehovah Rapha did it again–Hallelujah, Amen!

My point is this: when I had a bit of a sore throat, I became incredibly inward-focused. My compassion and empathy almost completely disappeared during those three days I was slightly unwell, and you’d probably forgive me for being that way. After all, we often say, 'Take care of yourself' to the sick, and we don’t expect empathy from the ailing.

Yet here we see Jesus, hanging on the cross in agony, exhibiting extraordinary empathy for his mother and disciple.

Despite his excruciating physical pain, Jesus was concerned about the welfare of his mother and the pain she was experiencing. With his thoughts on Mary’s future security and protection, Jesus entrusted her into the care of John, his beloved disciple. Mary found provision at the Cross

John, the disciple who lingered when all the rest had scattered, who had given his life to following Jesus and whose greatest desire was to be used by the Lord for his kingdom's cause, received an assignment. 'Behold your mother' – John found purpose at the Cross.

In his pain, Jesus tends to the concerns of others: for his mother, provision; and for his disciple, purpose.

Apply: Ask yourself: what would it look like to linger a little longer today, to pause before closing your Bible or saying Amen? To contemplate Christ at Calvary and receive his provision and purpose. Both await those who linger.

Devote: God, help me remain in you, increase my spiritual stamina, and create in me a desire to linger in your presence.