Now there stood by the cross of Jesus His mother, and His mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. John 19:25
There is no
Christianity without a cross, for you cannot be a disciple of Jesus without
taking up your cross. Crosses are painful, they forever change your life, but
sometimes the greatest cost will not be to you but to those you love. You may
be prepared to obey the Lord’s commands, whatever they are, because you’ve
walked with Him and know that His way is best. Yet there will be those close to
you who have not related to Jesus in the same way and have not heard His voice
as clearly.
Jesus understood that
His Father’s will for Him led to a cross. The cross would mean a painful death
for Jesus, and it would also bring suffering to those closest to Him. Because
of the cross, Jesus’ mother would watch in agony as her son was publicly
humiliated, tortured, and murdered. Jesus’ aunt and close friends would witness
His excruciating death. His disciples would be scattered in terror and
confusion in what would be the longest, darkest night of their lives. Because
of Jesus’ obedience, there would also be a cross for each of His disciples.
Obedience to your
Lord’s commands will affect others (Luke 14:26). Don’t refuse to obey what you know
God is asking because you fear the cost to your family will be too great.
Beware lest you seek to prevent those you love from taking up the cross God has
for them. Don’t ever try to protect those you love by disobeying God. The cost
of disobedience is always far greater. Rather, look to Jesus, your model, and
see what it cost those around Him for Him to be obedient to His Father.
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