Day 39 | Jesus is crucified

Reflection

What must it have been like to be there on that day, the darkest day in human history, when the Son of God was led out to die on a Roman cross?

Amidst all the confusion, chaos, darkness, and despair, John records a moment of quiet beauty, tenderness, and love that might otherwise have gone unnoticed.

While on the cross, in pain, dying, Jesus spoke to his mother and his friend, the beloved disciple, and told them to look after each other. Mary was to be like a mother to him now, and he like a son to her. In fact, this disciple took her into his home from that moment on.

In the midst of all that was happening, Jesus saw the immediate needs of his friend and family. He saw them – and cared for them.

When I’m busy and stressed, I can just about concentrate on the one thing I need to be doing. This kind of tunnel vision often stops me from being the best or kindest I can be for others. I don’t think I’m alone in this. Noticing other people and their needs is hard when whatever is dominating our immediate thoughts looms so large.

But in the everyday places we find ourselves each day, we’re still called to remain faithful and undistracted to our identity and purpose as followers of the crucified and risen Jesus.

Reflecting on Jesus’ saving work, spending time at the foot of the cross, and receiving his grace into our own lives gives us a new vantage point. Through Jesus we’re called to see his world, and the people in it, differently. Whatever you’re doing today, we can be people through whom God’s love and grace flow to others. What will that look like for you today?

Heavenly Father, thank you that Jesus died on the cross for me. Thank you that you see me in my everyday places. Please help me to see others and love them as you have loved me. Amen.