June 16 Crucified, Compassionate Lord

John 19:23-27 When the soldiers crucified Jesus, they took his clothes, dividing them into four shares, one for each of them, with the undergarment remaining. This garment was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom. 24 The soldiers said to one another, “Let’s not tear it; let’s throw dice to see who will get it.” 25 Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 26 Jesus saw his mother and the disciple he loved standing there; so he said to his mother, “He is your son.” 27 and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home
 
THE soldiers who nailed Jesus on the cross now await his death. It’s not enough to be beaten to the bone, a mass of blood, torn flesh and searing pain. Our Lord hangs naked, the object of cursing and shame. His crucifiers do not care. In fact, they now see how they can profit from this dying man. His robe is the prize.
   Is that our view of God? Are there too many days we’d rather look to God to say, “What do you have to give me today?” Should we be more eager to ask, “What can I do for the One who bore my shame?” Easily we look from the cross to look to our own desires. What must we do to more richly desire our Savior?
   As we have seen throughout John, we can and must look to live as our Savior modeled for us.
   See his love in action here, even as he died in excruciating pain and shame: So Jesus said to his mother, “He is your son.” Oh, he’s dying. Pain we can’t imagine, a thirst beyond understanding grips his body. How is he even alive? Yet, his compassionate love comes down to the one who bore his human body.
   Do you remember the angel Gabriel’s announcement to Mary? Luke 1:30 “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.” Favor is God’s unmerited love and mercy. Favor is blessing and salvation. Now Jesus offered one more favor to Mary. Declaring to Mary “He is your son.” Jesus assures Mary that John will care for her.
   Why is this important? Essentially, poor Hebrew widows were without means. Hebrew law declared the oldest son was to care for his widowed mother. Jesus is Mary’s oldest son, isn’t he? Who now will support her needs? Where are Mary’s other sons? They don’t believe, yet and are likely afraid, too, of being so closely connected to their condemned brother. Only his cousin, friend and disciple John stands close to the cross and watches his Messiah die. Available to his Lord, John receives one last command, “Take care of my mother.”
   Yes, our Lord is the compassionate, crucified One. That day, his love flowed from the cross, through the shame, suffering and all obstacles. Through the soldiers’ selfishness, his pain and even unto death, Jesus’ favor pours out to his mother.
   Rejoice his love did not stop there. Even more fully, Jesus’ love is flows into you now. The crucified, compassionate Savior has sent his Spirit to comfort and care for you. John 14:16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever, 17 the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.  
   When we become too focused on worldly desires, let’s stop to remember Jesus’ desire to die for us. He has given himself to you. What will you give him in return?
 
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for your example of love, mercy and compassion. I pray we receive your favor to offer it to others. In your name I pray, amen.