Beautifully Surrendered: God's Heart for His DaughtersSample

Read: John 19:20–30

SOAP: John 19:26–27

So when Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing there, he said to his mother, “Woman, look, here is your son!” He then said to his disciple, “Look, here is your mother!” From that very time the disciple took her into his own home.

Into the text

God chose Mary to be the mother of Jesus. She is introduced in Scripture when she was only a teen, but it is clear she was faithful and loved the Lord, even in the face of an uncertain future. Mary was present as Jesus performed His first miracle, and she stood by Him as He was nailed to the cross. God loved the world so much that He sent His only Son, who was carried, loved, and raised by Mary, to die on the cross so we could live with Him forever.

As He was dying, Jesus showed His great love and compassion by ensuring that—like the widow in Luke 7—Mary would be cared for and protected. Jesus knew Mary would need provision, and He appointed John to care for her as if she were his mother. Immediately, the disciple welcomed Mary into his home.

Jesus endured incredible suffering in His final hours. He was beaten, ridiculed, stripped naked, and nailed to a cross. He endured the most gruesome form of punishment by the Romans. Yet, even in His horrific suffering, Jesus cared for His mother. Jesus ensured Mary would be protected and provided for. His actions displayed His great care and love for the woman who carried, birthed, and raised Him. After this, He acknowledged that everything had been done according to Scripture, and He bowed His head and gave up His spirit.

Jesus loves and cares for women, and He showed this even as He was dying on the cross. You are not a number to Him or a stranger He will one day meet in heaven. You are a beloved daughter of God. He knows your name, and He knew you would be part of the family of God long before you were born. When it feels like the rest of the world doesn’t care, when you feel cast aside or ignored, know that Jesus sees you. He loves you.

God’s plan of salvation and restoration for humanity began before the beginning of time. When you accepted Christ as your Savior, you were welcomed into a forever relationship and a promise and love that lasts for eternity. Jesus took you in to protect you and provide for you. He loves you with the same intensity that He loved Mary. Today, whether you face your brightest or darkest day, may you experience the loving comfort, hope, and presence of Jesus.