John 19:25b “But standing by the cross of Jesus were His mother, and His mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.”
It’s hard to imagine how difficult it must have been for these women to watch Jesus suffer so. We also cannot know what Jesus felt knowing they were there, but knowing God is love gives us insight. We know He wasn’t self-conscious. He was perfectly love-conscious. He knew what they were watching was to result in their salvation, their ultimate union with Him, and change everything in their lives. He was almost finished fulfilling His Father’s will. Within moments, He would be with His Father rejoicing in His love and glory.
I hope you’ll join me in pausing to put yourself at the foot of Jesus’ cross and receive His love. The women didn’t know at that time the significance of what they were watching, but they do now! And so do we! While we were still sinners, Christ died for us, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God. There, He presents us spotless, blameless, and covered in His righteousness.
Can we see His love and joy? Have you entered into it by loving like He loved? By that I mean, have you willingly, intentionally, and lovingly laid down your life so another might stand before you spotless, blameless, and covered in Jesus’ righteousness? Have you loved others with Jesus’ love?
Acknowledgment: Music from “Carried by the Father” by Eric Terlizzi. www.ericterlizzi.com
