Care

When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, "Woman, behold your son!"

John 19:26


What would your last words be? Some profound philosophical statement? Or something more simple, like "I've had a good innings!"? Jesus to the very end was always thinking of others.


As in any healthy culture, the responsibility of looking after the elderly rested with their children. They didn't just cart them off to a home, but would take them into their own homes. But as Mary's eldest son died aged 33, he made sure she'd be looked after.


Mary had other children, but at this stage they didn't share her faith in the Son of God. So Jesus called upon one of his closest friends John to look after her. From that time on, John took Mary into his home to look after her.


How amazing that as he died in agony at the hands of sinners, Jesus' first thought was for others. His care for others was always perfectly timed: just what they needed. Do we have the same care for the needy in our midst? The mark of a healthy society is how well it looks after the weak and vulnerable.


"Father God, please give me your heart for others. Thank you for your Son who gave his life for me. Forgive me my selfishness and help me to give myself for others. In Christ's name, amen"


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