John 19:26-31
“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.
After this, Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfill the Scripture), “I thirst.” A jar full of sour wine stood there, so they put a sponge full of the sour wine on a hyssop branch and held it to his mouth. When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.
Since it was the day of Preparation, and so that the bodies would not remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a high day), the Jews asked Pilate that their legs might be broken and that they might be taken away.”
Jesus’ death on the cross itself was a selfless act. But, more amazing is that every moment while on the cross was selfless. He prayed for the soldiers that nailed his hands and feet to be forgiven. He spoke forgiveness to the thief hanging next to him. Then, Jesus, in unimaginable pain, took the time to care for His mother.
We do not know why his siblings were absent from this responsibility and we are not their judges. Yet, we do know that Jesus had a responsibility and He handed that responsibility over to John. What makes this moment so powerful is that while John substituted for Jesus’ responsibility to His mother, Jesus substituted for John’s sin on the cross. What a trade!
Think about this, Jesus needed John, because John needed Jesus. John substituted for Jesus because Jesus substituted for John. Our work for Him is a direct result of His work for us. We are His hands and feet because His were pierced for us.
Jesus’ command to serve Him is not an empty request. He already substituted for our sin to give us forgiveness and freedom. So, whatever He commands is the least we can do for Him.
The result is that our work for Him should be in gratitude for His work for us. As I walk in the newness of life, may my prayer always be, “Jesus, what can I do for you, for what you have done for me?”
- How will you be Jesus’ hands and feet today?
- Take some time to meditate on the substitution Jesus made for us.