Daily devotional · March 25
Standing by the Cross
“Near the cross of Jesus stood His mother and her sister, as well as Mary the wife of Clopas and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw His mother and the disciple whom He loved standing nearby, He said to His mother, “Woman, here is your son.” Then He said to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” So from that hour, this disciple took her into his home. After this, knowing that everything had now been accomplished, and to fulfill the Scripture, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” A jar of sour wine was sitting there. So they soaked a sponge in the wine, put it on a stalk of hyssop, and lifted it to His mouth. When Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished.” And bowing His head, He yielded up His spirit.”
Among the crowd at the crucifixion, John notes a small circle who stayed: Jesus' mother, her sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, Mary Magdalene, and the disciple whom Jesus loved. While dying in agony, Jesus noticed his mother and his friend. He entrusted each to the other, saying, woman, here is your son, and to the disciple, here is your mother. Even at the hour of the world's redemption, he cared for the practical needs of the people he loved. Then he said it is finished, and gave up his spirit. Notice what faithfulness looks like here: it is simply staying present with someone in pain, when there is nothing to fix. Today, think of someone who is going through a hard time. Instead of searching for the right words, offer your presence: a visit, a call, a shared meal. Sometimes love is just showing up and staying.
Prayer
Jesus, thank You for finishing the work of love. Teach me to stay close to those who hurt. Amen.