Christian Reflection and Prayer

Read John 19: 25-27.

TEXT: "Woman, behold, your son!" ... "Behold, your
mother!" (See John 19:26-27.)

The staggering burden of the world's sins crushes
Jesus as He bears the punishment we deserve. Beneath
that overwhelming pain, grief and sorrow, Jesus has every
reason to tune out the bitter enemies who surround Him
and turn within Himself. But instead His eyes scan the
hostile crowd, pleading with His Father to forgive them,
"for they know not what they do." He offers forgiveness
and the promise of Paradise to the repentant criminal at
His side.

Now He scans the crowd again, and His eyes behold two
figures standing before Him in shock and grief. One is His
mother Mary, her heart pierced by the sword of grief and
sorrow (see Luke 2:35). Who will care for her after He has
fulfilled His earthly mission and returned to heaven?

Mary's husband Joseph has died already. If not, he would
have charge of Mary and Jesus would not have the
responsibility of providing someone to care for her after
His death. Jesus could entrust her to one of His four
brothers or His unknown number of sisters (see Matthew
13:55). Several of these will become prominent leaders in
the church, but at this time none of them believe He is the
promised Christ and Savior (see John 7:5).
 
He sees the second figure-the lone disciple of the Twelve to
have the courage to stand at Mary's side under the cross.
Who better to entrust with His mother's keeping than His
closest, most loyal disciple John? And from this very hour
John lovingly takes her into his own house and faithfully
provides for her the rest of her life.

THE PRAYER:

Lord Jesus, in the midst of Your bitter suffering and
agonizing death You loved Your mother enough to provide
John to care for her. Move us in joyful thanksgiving for Your
salvation to love and care for one another. Amen.

(Lenten Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries)

Read Luke 23: 39-43.

TEXT: "Jesus, remember me when You come into Your
kingdom" (see Luke 23:42).

As Jesus hangs on the bitter cross, cruel laughter,
mockery and ridicule are flung at Him from all sides: from
the crowds, the Jewish leaders, the Roman soldiers, and
even the criminals hanging to His right and left. One
criminal shouts, "Are You not the Christ? Save Yourself
and us!"
 
That taunt brings a surprising response-a lone voice
speaking up in Jesus' defense. "Do you not fear God,
since you are under the same sentence of condemnation?
And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward
of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong."
 
What changed this condemned criminal from mocker to
defender? Has he realized he will not come off this cross
alive-but in a few hours must stand before God his Judge?
Did the quiet, kingly dignity of Jesus' prayer, "Father,
forgiven them" change his mind? One thing is clear; the
Holy Spirit has convinced him of his guilt and given him
faith that Jesus is the innocent Son of God, who alone
can save him from the eternal torments of hell.

Through the eyes of faith the criminal looks beneath the
bloody crown of thorns and sees the King of kings, the
Savior of the world. Turning to Jesus he pleads, "Jesus,
remember me when You come into Your kingdom."

Our Lord replies "Truly, I say to you, today you will be
with Me in Paradise." In the midst of His bitter sufferings
Jesus receives the reassurance His bloody sacrifice is
not in vain. This repentant criminal is just one of a
countless multitude who will turn from their sins, trust in
Him, and spend eternity with Him in Paradise.

THE PRAYER:

Lord Jesus, thank You for assuring the repentant criminal
and me of Your gracious forgiveness and for promising us
eternal life with You in Paradise. Amen.

(Lenten Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries)

Read Luke 23: 32-38.

TEXT: And Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they
know not what they do" (see Luke 23:34).

In agony Jesus looks upon the Roman soldiers who
savagely flogged Him, crowned Him with thorns, spat
upon Him, and mocked Him as King. They don't realize
they nailed their God and Creator to the cross.

He looks at the Jewish crowds that had hailed Him as
the Messiah when He entered Jerusalem on Sunday.
Now, passing by on their way into the city, they deride
Him as a fraud and fake. They have no idea they are
mocking God's only Son, their Promised Savior and
King.

He looks at the Jewish leaders who vehemently opposed
Him throughout His ministry, who dogged His steps,
twisting and distorting His teachings. They condemned
Him to death, and then pressured the Roman governor to
crucify Him. They do not know they have driven their High
Priest to His death. He looks upon the criminals hanging
at His side, railing at Him out of their pain and anger. At
first, neither of them is aware they are spurning the
innocent Son of God, their King.
 
He looks at you and me, who quickly forget the price He
paid for our sins and repeatedly offend Him by our thoughts
and desires, and harm our neighbor by our words and deeds.

He thinks of all we deserve for what we have done. Yet,
rather than seek revenge, Jesus prays, "Father, forgive
them, for they know not what they do." What prayer was
ever so gracious-or so difficult to ask? For Jesus knows there
is only one way His holy Father can turn His fiery wrath away
from us-and that is by unleashing it on Him.

THE PRAYER:

Jesus, my Savior, You have every right to lash out at me for
my sins. Thank You for taking my guilt on Yourself and
suffering and dying in my place. Amen.

(Lenten Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries)