Part 3, The Word On The Cross Sermon Series
John 19:23-27, Luis Cruz, GCF Durham
Lent highlights both forgiveness and divine love. Divine love is the underlying current that moved God to send Jesus for the forgiveness of sins. Jesus is God’s greatest affection ever expressed to us. In this study, we will see Christ’s love and care for His mother and His warm affection to His disciple, even to those who rejected Him. Indeed, in His dying, Jesus continued to show us how to live our life.
1. Overcoming hate with love.
“23 When the soldiers crucified Jesus, they took his clothes, dividing them into four shares, one for each of them, with the undergarment remaining. This garment was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom. 24 “Let’s not tear it,” they said to one another. “Let’s decide by lot who will get it.” John 19:23-24
The shame of hanging on the cross was horrendous.
His remaining garment was gambled at the foot of His cross.
But Christ overwhelmed such wickedness and injustice with His love.
He showed the supremacy of His love by bearing the pain of forgiving countless souls whom He purposed to bring to His paradise.
“27 But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” Luke 6:27-28.
As believers, how can we overcome persecution with love? What practical steps can you take this week to start forgiving those who’ve hurt you or caused injustice to you?
2. Not cold but affectionate.
“Woman, here is your son…”John 19:26b
The cross is the greatest testament to the greatness of His affection for others.
He suffered and died for others; His mother included.
Jesus loved her, cared for her and looked after her even after the death of His earthly father Joseph.
Joseph probably died long before His first ministry in Cana (Jn.2).
Last time we heard of Joseph was when Jesus was seen teaching in the Temple. (Luke 2:41-51).
Jesus did not do any public ministry from that time on until the wedding in Cana. He was probably 30 years old by this time.
He took care of Mary as required in the Scripture (e.g. Psalm 68:5, Deut. 16:11-15).
Calling Mary “woman” wasn’t cold or impolite.
It was a change in relationship from mother and son, to sinner and Savior.
Luke 1:47-48, Mary said, “My soul glorifies the Lord 47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 48 for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant.”
Jesus cared for Mary even in His dying.
Jesus gave John the beloved the responsibility of caring for Mary.
How can we best show our love to our parents?
3. Love transformed the son of thunder.
“27 and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.” John 19:27
John was the brother of James -sons of Zebedee. (Lk. 5:10)
Son of Salome, Mary’s sister. (Jn. 19:25, Matt. 27:56, Mk. 15:40). John was therefore a cousin of Jesus.
John had a “thunder-like attitude”. See Luke 9:54
Discipled John for about 3 ½ years, making him Jesus’ close friend.
John saw Jesus’ great affection for people and great love for God.
Jesus’ love transformed John from son of thunder to John the beloved, then later, John the apostle of love.
Evidence was when John reclined on the chest of Jesus, when he took Mary to his home, and in his old age, John wrote this gospel of love.
Most popular verse is John 3:16.
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34b-35
How can we show the love of God to a person who cannot love us back?