March 29 Crucified, Compassionate Lord

John 19:24-26 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.”
 
THE soldiers who hung 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 are too many days we’d rather look to God to say, “What have you done for me lately?” When we should ask, “What can I do for the One who bore my shame?” Easily we look from the cross to look to our own pleasures. What do must we do to only treasure our Savior?
    As we have seen throughout our lessons from John, we can and must look to live as our Savior lived. See what he does here, even as he died in excruciating pain and shame: So he 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 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? Hebrew widows were without means. Hebrew law said it was the oldest son’s responsibility to care for his widowed mother. Jesus is Mary’s oldest son, isn’t he? Where are Jesus’ brothers? Only his cousin John stands close to the cross and watches his Messiah die. Available to his Lord, John receives one last command from Jesus the Hebrew man. “Take care of my mother.”
    See the compassionate, crucified one. See how Jesus cares for you and me. His love comes from the cross, through all obstacles. Through the soldiers’ selfishness, his pain, suffering, and even unto death, Jesus’ love pours out to his mother.
    Rejoice his love did not stop there. Even more fully, Jesus’ love is with 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 temporary things, let’s stop to remember Jesus’ compassionate example. 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 look to love our neighbors as you have loved us. Amen.