Today was my turn to lead staff devotions. Weeks ago I already thought of sharing about the good soil. But this being passion week I am obligated to focus on that instead. I enjoyed my own devo, I hope others did too. I usually enjoy my own lessons, which is a good sign I think. I grow from God’s Word as I study it and then distill it all down to a short lesson. Indeed the teacher gains more than the students, it is more blessed to give than to receive.
In preparation for Good Friday service, here’s my part of sharing the 7 last words of Jesus –
Third Word John 19:25-27
Woman, behold, your son!
Jesus was concerned about others even when he himself was suffering. In this case, he was devoted to care for his mother.
When Jesus said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son!” and to John the disciple, “Behold, your mother!”, the new relationship between Mary and John illustrates for us that He is creating the new covenant community—an expanded family that transcends earthly human bonds of blood and kinship. That family is the church.
Christ “purchased the church of God with his own blood (Acts 20:28) Jesus gave us a loving, caring, sustaining, encouraging church family.
Our church is a community of 5 congregations purchased by the blood of Christ, all represented here tonight – English, Mandarin, Cantonese, Youth and Children.
How are you embracing this new community bond by salvation? How can you reach across the aisle and care for someone in another congregation?
Take a moment now to greet those around you – and say “God’s peace be with you!”