Oh How Jesus Loves You And Me

Rev. Kathy J. McDow, MDiv
Kathy J. McDow Ministries/St. John Baptist Church
Ingleside, Texas/Corpus Christi, TX

26 When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son!” 27 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)

Jesus suffered the worst form of execution for a crime he did not commit as Pilate found no fault in him (John 19:6).  A crown of thorns was pressed into his head and Jesus was beaten beyond recognition so much so that his flesh ripped.   He also suffered the worst form of degradation as people had spat on him and taunted him saying He was King of the Jews, however, unable to save himself.  The fate of Christ’s death, burial and resurrection had to be fulfilled as all of humanity hung in the balance: separated from a Holy God because of sin and in need of salvation through faith in the work of Jesus Christ on the Cross.

Moreover, while He yet hung on the Cross, Jesus demonstrates His love and concern for all humanity.  We see that Jesus took the time to recognize his family and make provision for them along with John, the disciple whom he loved (John 19:25). In the face of extreme physical agony and personal loss, Jesus saw His mother and dear friend standing nearby.  He told them to look upon each as family and to care for one another. Through this unifying act Jesus has also given to us a family of faith and is teaching us that we must care for one another while He is physically absent from us.  Our Savior ensured we are not alone particularly in the midst of tragic or difficult, and sometimes what would be unbearable circumstances like an unjust crucifixion.

Friends, know along with His ultimate sacrifice, Jesus has gone to prepare a place for us (John 14:3).  Jesus sits at the right hand of the Father and He is still looking out for us.  When we fall into sin, Jesus says Father forgive them: I have given my life for them; my blood paid their sin debt - past, present and future. He could have called down a legion of angels to come and save Himself (Matt 26:53). Oh, but how Jesus proved His love for you and me as He gave His life for us and invited us into our new family!

PRAYER: Our Father in heaven, words cannot begin to express the depth of your love for us.  Thank you for sending your Son as the perfect sacrifice for our sins.  Please empower us by your Holy Spirit that we might give to others this love you have given to us through Jesus Christ.  For it is by this that all shall know we are indeed of the family of God when we show love and care toward one another. In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen.