Read John 19:25-27

 

 

“Woman, behold your son.” These words drip with tender emotion. As death approaches, Jesus has the presence of mind and the depth of heart to consider the welfare of His earthy mother, Mary. In doing so, He models for us the fifth commandment that says, "Honor your father and your mother so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you" (Exodus 20:12). Many speculate that Joseph, Jesus's earthly father, was dead.

 

Honoring our parents is a life-long responsibility. The New Testament reiterates the fifth commandment by instructing children to "obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 'Honor your father and mother'which is the first commandment with a promisethat it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth" (Ephesians 6:1-3). Proverbs 23:22 says, "Listen to your father, who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old." These wise words from the ancient Scriptures still apply to us today.

 

From the cross, Jesus honored His mother by making arrangements for her care, entrusting Mary to John, the beloved disciple. Reflecting on Jesus's kind gesture toward His mother, Charles Haddon Spurgeon makes this larger application to life and ministry, "He selects those whom He loves best today, and puts His poor people under their wing. Take them gladly, and treat them well."

 

Reflect

 

Are you obeying the fifth commandment? What are some specific ways you can honor your father and mother today? Are there other people around you who need compassion and care?

 

Pray

 

God, I thank you that you are the perfect Father to me. I also thank you for my parents, who birthed me into this world. Show me ways to honor them even though they are imperfect. Make me more sensitive to their needs and to other people around me who need compassion and care. Amen.

 

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“Every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good.”

Romans 8:28 MSG