FRIDAY, MARCH 13
And from then on this disciple took her into his home.
John 19:27 (NLT2)
THE MINISTRY OF PRESENCE
Jesus knew that His mother was a widow facing much uncertainty about the days ahead. In Jesus’ culture, a widow’s best hope for security would be her son’s ability to provide for her. Society did not provide for them, and the law did not let them inherit her husband’s estate. So, they had to depend on hand-outs and were objects of pity.
When He told Mary that John would be her son, a huge burden lifted from her shoulders. John didn’t sign up to bring a hot meal over to her house one night. This was bigger. In John’s words, “from then on this disciple took her into his home.” John provided for Mary’s material needs, but most of all, he gave her companionship. Mary would need someone to remind her of the words Jesus said, and the miracles Jesus did. She would want someone to go with her to the empty tomb and tell her all the promises Jesus made. Mary would be like a mom to John, and John would be like a son to Mary. In bringing her into his home for the rest of her life, John gave Mary the best gift of all – his presence. Even when he couldn’t find the right words to say, his presence said it all.
Can you think of a time when someone’s presence meant a lot to you during a difficult time? Can you remember what they said or just that they were there with you? Who do you know that is going through an especially difficult time? How can you exercise the ministry of presence in their life this week?
