The trial, flogging and crucifixion of Jesus became the most painful episode in the life of His mother, Mary. The prophetic words of Simeon to Mary at Jesus’ dedication would have come alive again, "This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too." (Luke 2:34-35). Watching Jesus on the cross, she felt a mother’s agony like a sword.
And yet Jesus chose the cross out of loving obedience towards His Heavenly Father, and out of love for all sinful humanity including His human mother, Mary. But that love also separated Him from Mary and from His Heavenly Father who could not even look upon the Son of God bearing the sins of the world. “About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice … "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46). Yet at the same time, Jesus had loving compassion for His mother and asked the Apostle John to take care of her – protecting her from ridicule and destitution (as it appears that Joseph had died by that time).
How can love both divide and unite, expose and protect? It is the love of a parent who disciples a child. It is the way real love works in a sinful world, because love never eliminates pain – love provides the reason to bear it. Love is not blind to what is right, and does not ignore duty. Real love is a choice based on what is right – giving priority to obeying the Lord. However, love does not ignore compassion. On the contrary, love is willing to give and protect (1 Corinthians 13:4-7). So where true love causes pain and appears to divide people, you should see compassion and self-sacrifice. A sinful world makes our choices harder. In order to please God we may need to bear seeing loved ones in pain or distress. The Lord has the right to be our first-love; in the end He will honour all our choices made in faith and help us to see that He will provide a good path for those who we cannot satisfy.
When Love Divides And Unites
John 19:25-27
Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing near by, he said to his mother, "Dear woman, here is your son," and to the disciple, "Here is your mother." From that time on, this disciple took her into his home. (NIV)
Prayer
Loving Heavenly Father. Thank You that Jesus was so full of love for me that He was willing to sacrifice Himself, His human relationship with His mother and be cut off from You as He bore my sins. Thank You for His example of compassion in providing protection for His mother, Mary. Please forgive me when I seek to please people who are close to me but disregard Your demands upon me. May I learn to love You first of all; please show me how to be compassionate towards those whose needs I cannot satisfy. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Bible Book
© Dr Paul Adams
