Day 4

“My child... My sweet boy... You proclaimed countless times that You were going away. How was I supposed to know this is what You meant? I knew You were destined for greatness the moment the angel came to me. I was told You would be the Savior of all God's children. Is this truly the only way? Standing here, watching them crucify my child. I should have protected You. What more could I have done? What words could I have spoken? In this moment, Your life flashes before my eyes. Nursing You. Holding your hand as You learned to walk. Playing with You in the fields. Joseph and I did all we could to provide for You. I did all I could to listen. I'm sorry I grew weary at times with 

Your followers. I just selfishly wish that we could’ve spent more time together. But, there were miracles that needed to be done. Healing that needed to come. Prophecies that needed to be fulfilled. Now, here I stand, seeing my child beaten beyond the point of  recognition. But, I still recognize You. My baby boy. But more than that, so much more than that. You are my Savior, Jesus Christ.”

Bible Passage:

“Now when the soldiers crucified Jesus, they divided up his clothes into four shares, one for each of them. But his tunic was seamless, woven from the top to the bottom as a single garment. So the soldiers said to each other, “Don’t tear it—let’s throw dice to see who gets it!” The soldiers did all of this not knowing they fulfilled the Scripture that says, “They divided my garments among them and gambled for my garment.” Mary, Jesus’ mother, was standing next to his cross, along with Mary’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. So when Jesus looked down and saw the disciple he loved standing with her, he said, “Mother, look—John will be a son to you.” Then he said, “ John, look—she will be a mother to you!” From that day on, John accepted Mary into his home as one of his own family.” John 19:23-27 TPT

Observation:

Throughout the books of the gospel, we see Jesus' life from four different perspectives. Four different disciples. These men walked with Jesus every single day during the few years of His ministry. But take a step back and try to imagine what it must have been like for Mary, His mother who raised Him, to see our Savior, her son, up on that cross. Her own flesh and blood. Jesus’ death on the cross was absolutely heartbreaking and yet absolutely necessary. May we never take the seriousness of our salvation for granted. Thank you, Jesus, for your sacrifice. No amount of saying "thank you" will ever be enough, but may we live our lives finding ways to always show our thanks. Amen. 

Prayer:

Dear Jesus - 

I take a moment to reflect on that cross. I take a moment to think about how Mary, your mother, must have felt. May I never take for granted the sacrifice that not only you made, but also the sacrifice of the lives that surrounded you. I am forever grateful.