Welcome to Day 14 of our 40-day countdown to Easter 2019! Continue in the Faith. “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).”
It was customary that the elder brother took care of his sole remaining parent. As Jesus approached his death, the thought of his mother’s care was a concern for him. James, Jesus’s brother would be next in line to take care of his mother.If so, then why did Jesus select John, an outsider to take care of his mother? John had been traveling with Jesus for the last three years so his earthly possessions were few. James, on the other hand, had possessions but he had not accepted Jesus as the Messiah, just as his other brothers.
Could it be that we have overlooked the significance of Jesus’s decisions to select John over James? You’ve heard the adage, blood is thicker than water. If this is the case, why John?
KEEP GOING
What was Jesus’s rationale for selecting an outsider over a blood relative? After all, James was in a much better financial position to care for Mary. John, like Jesus, had been living off donations for the last three years. But John is known as Jesus’s beloved disciple. John had spiritual qualities that attracted Jesus to him.
Jesus, being perfect in judgement, was more concerned about his mother’s spiritual welfare than her physical and financial security. Jesus chose John because he wanted his mother to continue living in an environment of faith.
Jesus was more concerned with Mary’s eternal life and spiritual growth than her physical life and financial security. James had the financial means to take care of their mother but he lacked faith. Jesus was not about to leave his mother in the hands of someone who was not living in faith. The obvious in the natural was for Jesus to select James, but Jesus was spiritual minded; therefore, He was more concerned about his mother continuing in the faith than her happiness and financial security.
John being a beloved disciple was the perfect choice. John went on to defend the faith and lived longer than any of the disciples. He wrote the book of Revelation before his death. John was the best choice to assume responsibility for Jesus’s mother because he, like Jesus, was spiritual minded.
REFLECTION
Many may not want to hear this but God is more concerned about our soul care than financial care. He's more concerned about our soul care than happiness and health. Does God want us to prosper? Yes. Does God want us to have good health? Absolutely. But, we should never elevate natural considerations above our faith.
Living in happiness, health, and financial security are subordinate in God’s eyes to maintaining a life of faith. God wants us to grow closer to Him and His Son more so than having happiness, health, and a life without financial worries.
Jesus placed his faith above all else even unto death. Now, isn’t this how God wants us to be? Jesus left the example for us to place our spiritual welfare above all else. Our spiritual well being is far greater than any other issues in life (3 John 2).
LET'S PRAY
Heavenly Father, thank you for sending your son, Jesus Christ, so that we could be saved and have eternal life. Help us to know you, love you, and serve you by your Holy Spirit so that we can be perfect in judgment like Christ Jesus. Help us to walk in the Spirit and not in the flesh. Help us continue in the faith.
In the name of Jesus, Amen.
~inspiring hope & seasoning faith, Dr. Regina Daigre, 2nd Lead Pastor