“Standing by the cross of Jesus were His mother and His mother’s sister, 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, behold, your son!’ Then He said to the disciple, ‘Behold, your mother!’ And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home.“
(John 19:25-27 ESV)
Jesus entrusted His mother to John’s care. It was one of the last things He did as He was dying on the cross. He saw Mary’s need for care—and perhaps John’s need as well—and He gave them to each other.
What an honor that was for John, to be so trusted by Jesus! But if we think so, it’s an honor we can share. Because the same Jesus who said “Behold your mother” to John has said to us, “As you did it to one of the least of these My brothers, you did it to Me” (Matthew 25:40b ESV).
This is the honor He gives us: to take care of the poor, the sick, the lonely, the vulnerable, the ones nobody notices or cares about. It may be something great or something minor—a ride to the doctor, a phone call to check on them, a gift of tomatoes from your garden. You might help with someone’s taxes or straighten out a paperwork tangle for them. Whatever you are doing, you are doing for Jesus.
And what an honor that is, to show love to the One who loved us first—so much He lay down His life for us!
We Pray: Dear Savior, show me how to love You through Your people. Amen.
Reflection Questions:
* How much does God notice of the everyday things you do?
* Name one tiny thing someone did for you that showed the love of Jesus.
* What could you do for someone to pass that love along?
Lenten Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo.
Originally published in The Lutheran Hour on March 28, 2024
Used by permission from International Lutheran Laymen’s League, all rights