55 And many women were there beholding afar off, which followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering unto him: 56 among which was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedee’s children. matthew 27: 55-56
25 Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene. 26 When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! 27 Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home. John 19:25-27
If you’re reading this then you probably already know how the crowds cried crucify, you know they released Barabbas instead of Christ, you know that Christ was beaten beyond recognition and you know he died a painful death He didn’t deserve. You’ve heard the story your whole life, but can you picture what actually took place? Can you imagine seeing His mother, Mary? I have so many questions about Mary on that day. Joseph is nowhere to be found. Why? Where is he, is he dead? She had at least seven children, where are the other six? Why aren’t they there? Why aren’t they mourning their brother or comforting their mother. Why does Jesus tell John Behold thy mother? Seriously, where are her other children! What does she feel as she watches this nightmare unfold? Did she ever really understand this is how it was going to end? I’ve tried to envision her and although I can see her I know it is nothing like what actually happened. I can’t begin to fully comprehend what she felt, what any of them felt, as they watched Him die. Have you ever watched someone die? It doesn’t matter what the death was like, it was nothing compared to what they saw that day.
I have the Word and know the rest of the story. I don’t just mean that in a few days He would rise again. I mean I know what was accomplished that day on the cross. I know that each and every stripe that was across His body was for my healing. It was His blood that purchased the church. He became the propitiation for our sins, He took God’s wrath for me. Reconciliation is possible because of His death. I am given the opportunity of eternity with Him because of what was accomplished on the cross, not just atonement for my sins as in the Old Testament.
I’ll never be able to really grasp what they saw that day, but I don’t believe they were able to fathom what I know. When I focus on all the torment He suffered it’s agony, but today is called Good Friday for a reason. Along with the grief there is a mix of excitement, not just for the resurrection, but in the knowledge of what was accomplished on the cross and to know it was for me!
Luke 23:1-56, Matthew 27:1-61, Mark 15:1-47, John 18:25-19:42