GIVING WHAT OTHERS NEED
Jenna Worsham
Today’s Scripture: “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 19:26-27, ESV
Theme: When we love like Jesus, we care for others’ needs.
LOVE LIKE THANKSGIVING
One year, we spent Thanksgiving with my grandma Claire in Las Vegas, where she lived. Many people visited her because it was fun and easy to fly into town. She would make sure we knew about the family-friendly activities and shows, of which there were many. This particular year, her health was concerning enough that her doctor forbade her to travel. I quizzed her about her health until she admitted she couldn’t leave and then I convinced my family to meet me there. I even brought my then fiancée (now husband) Mike for the occasion. I wanted us to be together and my grandma did it up big. There were our favorite cookies, bakery items, cheesy potatoes, and she taught me to prepare and roast the turkey! She had such energy and vitality.
GO WITH MY BLESSING
Mike and I were the last to pack up and leave. As we loaded up the car, she told me her favorite things about our relationship and how much she loved me, gave me a Christmas ornament with our upcoming wedding date the following April, and packed a box of tissues for Mike, who had a sniffle. I hugged her hard and she cried and waved. A few days later, she passed away. I think she knew she was going to die. She gave me approval for my upcoming marriage, a personalized token I still have today, and tissues for my car. It felt like a benediction. Looking back, it is eerie how well she wrapped up our life-long relationship. I still think she must have known.
LOVE FROM A SON
When Jesus spoke to His mother, He was on the cross, actively dying. He saw His mother and thought of her need to be loved and cared for by a son. Knowing He would soon die, He asked her to consider John as her son. Jesus then asked John to care for His mother. This was a responsibility He felt for both parties. Not only did Jesus love His mother and disciple, but He offered a solution to the grief they would soon feel by giving each of them a role: “mother” and “son.” Jesus’ last considerations were for others’ needs. He prayed for His tormentors. He prayed for the criminal next to Him. He took care of His mother.
Make It Personal: What pain are you in? How can you look past your own pain to give others what they need?
Pray: Father God, help me to see past my own hurt and notice the needs around me. Thank You for the honor and opportunity to serve others. I want to be the kind of person who doesn’t feel sorry for myself. Rather, I’d like to focus on meeting needs as they arise, even if the timing doesn’t seem convenient. I want to be looking ahead for ways to bless others. Father, You are so good to me. Thank You for supplying answers and solutions. You are faithful. Amen.
Read: John 19:25-27; 1 Timothy 5:8; Proverbs 31:15
Weekly Memory Verse: “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:44-45a, NIV