Daily Devotional for Friday, November 17

By the Cross of Jesus

“When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home,” John 19:26, 27.

During His earthly ministry, Jesus continually directed people’s attention toward God. In fact, with some of the comments He made about family you would think family relationships were not important. For instance, in Matthew 19:29 Jesus says, “And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name’s sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.” Jesus also said unless you forsake your family, you are not worthy to be my disciple.

In this context, this means the most important relationship you have is with the Father. If any man, friend or family entices you not to follow after the Lord in sound doctrine then it is better to not have fellowship with them. “For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household” (Matthew 10:35-36).

Even though Jesus was the Son of God, He did respect and obey His earthly parents. On the cross, He showed great compassion for His mother. Jesus was hanging there in pure agony and one of the last things He did was to show care for others. He said to Mary that John would now be her Son, and Mary would be His mother. Jesus did not just entrust anyone with His mother but with the disciple whom He loved. John and Jesus had a special bond, and He knew Mary would be safe with John and His family.

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT: In today’s world, it can be hard to care for parents. Remember as Jesus did it is the responsibility of children to do so.

Karry Irizarry