GOOD NEWS ABOUT THE CROSS
John 19:23-30 When the soldiers crucified Jesus, they took his clothes, dividing them into four shares, one for each of them, with the undergarment remaining. This garment was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom. “Let’s not tear it,” they said to one another. “Let’s decide by lot who will get it.” This happened that the scripture might be fulfilled which said, “They divided my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing.” So this is what the soldiers did. Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, “Dear woman, here is your son,” and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home. Later, knowing that all was now completed, and so that the Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips. When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.
Kevin Murphy
Saint Matthew Lutheran
PERCEPTION // What I see/hear God saying/doing:
Father, what I see You saying is that in light of the cross, there are people who are my family beyond biology, and they should be included in those who gather in my home as family.
PLAN // What I am going to do about it:
In the coming week, I am going to find ways to tell my family how much I care about them and how important they are to me (express my gratitude). I am going to tell people who are my extended family that that’s how I regard them.
PRAYER // Seal the deal:
Father, in the same way I am always giving You thanks and praise, let me always express my gratitude to those whom You have given me as family – both biological and spiritual. In Jesus’ name and for His sake, Amen.
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What Kevin said.