NEAR THE CROSS

Standing near the cross were Jesus' mother, and his mother's sister, Mary (the wife of Clopas), and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother standing there beside the disciple he loved, he said to her, "Woman, he is your son." And he said to this disciple, "She is your mother." And from then on this disciple took her into his home. ??“ John 19:25-27 (NLT)

            Years ago, Fanny Crosby wrote these words that are found in most hymnals ??“ ???Near the cross! O Lamb of God, Bring its scenes before me.??? I wonder, could those who gathered around Calvary have sung, "Bring its scenes before me"? I suspect that as they saw what happened at that place of horror, they might have said, "Take these scenes away from me. I never want to think of them again."

            The one scene at the cross that could be looked upon as a pleasant memory is the one depicted above. Even in the moment of torture, and during His experience of agony and pain, Jesus is able to share His love and grace with those closest to Him. Here we have one of the most touching scenes in the entire Bible, as Jesus gives the responsibility of caring for His mother to His disciple John. And John, in turn, shows His love and grace by accepting Jesus??™ charge and caring for Mary until the end. During the event that could be labeled the greatest occurrence in all of theological history, time and effort is given to take care of those whom Jesus loves.

PRAYER THOUGHT: Lord, giving no thought to Your own circumstances, You have demonstrated time and again Your love for others. Thank You for giving Your life for me. Thank You for letting us near the cross.