This is part 3 of our series going through Jesus’ 7 last words. Catch up on part 1 and 2 as well.
“When Jesus saw his mother standing there beside the disciple he loved, he said to her, “Dear woman, here is your son.” And he said to this disciple, ‘Here is your mother.’ And from then on this disciple took her into his home.”
-John 19:26-27 NLT
Throughout His earthly ministry, Jesus led and loved by serving. He washed feet, fed thousands, walked to heal the sick and raise the dead. He stopped to touch and heal a sick woman and spent time with those no one else cared to spend time with. “Jesus also did many other things. If they were all written down, I suppose the whole world could not contain the books that would be written” (John 21:25).
Jesus, the Son of God, the Most High King, and Lord of Lords “came not to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45).
Serving Exemplified
John 19:26-27 exemplifies the servant heart of Jesus even in His last moments of human life. Who but Jesus could be ridiculed, scourged, and hanged on a cross by nails in His hands and feet, suffocating to death, and still look out from His unimaginable pain and anguish to see and provide for the need of another?
Who but Jesus could…look out from his unimaginable pain and anguish to see and provide for the need of another?
Even in His last agonizing moments, His mind and heart were turned outward. The love of God. Selfless and serving to the end. Seeing His mother in deep sorrow for losing her beloved son, He provides for her. He gives her a new son, a man whom He knows is obedient to the word of God and who He knows will take care of her well.
Free to Serve
Our servant King showed His love for the Father and for us, by serving even unto death. His death and victory over the grave freed us from sin; a costly yet free gift of God’s grace for those who will receive it. And if we have received Salvation by faith through Jesus, how can our response be anything but to follow Him and His example? “If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow me” (Matthew 16:24). “For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” (Galatians 5:13)
- Discipleship Resources for Quarantine - April 1, 2020
- I Entrust My Spirit - March 30, 2018
- Here is Your Son - March 26, 2018
Thank you, Marcy, for these word of truth. It is in the “coming down” that we begin to serve others. When we “rise up” we are in serving ourselves. Help us, dear Lord, to come down at the foot of the cross to love and serve free from self.