Dear Explorer,
Read Matthew 27:55-56
And
Read Mark 15:40-41
And
Read John 19:25-27
There were many women standing near the cross of Jesus. Apparently, Mary was a very popular name!
Why do you think the women were there, but most of the men had run away to hide?
I don't necessarily think that the women were braver – I think that they were safer from the Roman soldiers. So, they were present, while most of the men were not. We only know of one disciple that remained with Jesus through the crucifixion.
Who is “the disciple that Jesus loved”?
This is the way John referred to Himself. So, Jesus was talking to John (the author of the book of John), one of Jesus' closest apostles and probably His best friend. Notice that John's own mother was there, also. (Mother of the sons of Zebedee)
Jesus, as the oldest son, would have been responsible for His mother's care since according to tradition, her husband Joseph, had died earlier. It is highly likely that she traveled with Jesus and his group of followers.
Why didn't Jesus turn this job over to his younger brothers?
We know that James and Jude (also called Judas) became followers of Jesus after the resurrection and became great leaders in the early church. But at the time of Jesus' death, I don't think any of his brothers were followers.
So, what can we learn from Jesus placing His mother in John's care instead of His brothers'?
Our ties within God's family are stronger than the ties from earthly blood relationships.
Paul later teaches that we should be even closer than “families” – we should be as one body – taking care of the needs of the whole.
It is imperative for the Body of Jesus (the church) to take care of each other – physically, emotionally, financially, as well as spiritually. We must assume the responsibility of caring for each other. Very few churches practice this, but if you continue to study the New Testament, you will see that the followers in the early church did. In Acts we are told that they had all things in common and they took care of each other daily.
David and I have been members and very active participants, sometimes in staff positions, but always serving, in 10 different churches since we got married. Of those, only 3 of them practiced this teaching of Jesus to really care about each other as brothers and sisters in Jesus. It's interesting to me that the 3 churches who practiced loving and caring for each other the most, also more powerfully impacted their communities.
Ideally you will be in a church that practices this kind of caring so that you will be surrounded by God's family. But the fact is, many churches don't understand this level of caring – so our role is to practice it with those around us and let it spread! As you care for those around you, hopefully, they will feel led to care for the people around them and soon you have a church family that is impacting your community.
If you are searching for a church for the first time – visit any church during their posted times of worship. You can also call the church office and speak with a pastor or elder privately. But one thing I encourage you to observe is the way the people relate to each other. If you do not feel “warmth and friendliness and a feeling of family” then you may need to look elsewhere. I am not as impressed by a church that welcomes me – as I am impressed by a church that loves each other! And your primary guide will be listening to God's Holy Spirit as He directs you to the right church.
I believe that John was blessed by being given the privilege of caring for the mother of Jesus. And I believe that Mary was blessed by having someone who shared her belief to care for her.
Is there someone in your current church body who needs your care?
It doesn't have to be financial – it could be praying for them, encouraging them, being a friend, etc.
When I was about 14 years old, a lady in my church that I didn't know very well, came up to me and asked if I would sit down and talk with her. So, I did. She said that she had seen me singing in the choir and she knew my parents and grandparents, but that she wanted to let me know that she had decided to pray for me. She wanted to know what grade I was in, what subjects I liked, what my plans were for the future, etc. I was blown away. I didn't think ANYONE cared about me and here was a lady telling me that she was praying for me. It REALLY made an impact on me. After that I made it a point to see her every Sunday and say hi. It made me feel so special and loved. Mrs. Walker probably never knew how important her caring for me was – but it made a BIG difference.
I hope that when you feel God's tug to care – you'll obey.
In His service, dale
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