Caring for Those Left Behind

26When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing beside her, he said to his mother, ‘Woman, here is your son.’ 27Then he said to the disciple, ‘Here is your mother.’ And from that hour the disciple took her into his own home. ~ John 19:26-27

Many who know their hours are not long on this earth have made final arrangements for their wishes to be carried out once they are gone. This may be through a will, giving of cherished items to those they love before they pass on, or through trusts set up to care for their loved ones after they are gone. Some even plan their funerals and have them paid for to save their families the additional stress of having to do it in their moment of grief.

Jesus took care of His mother while in agonizing pain on the cross by seeing to it that His mother would be cared for once He had fulfilled His mission here on earth. His most beloved disciple was entrusted with the care of Jesus’ mother so that she would not be left alone after His death. Widows during Jesus time were left to beg in the streets unless they had a son to care for them. Usually, this was their first born son. Jesus wanted to make sure that His mother would not be left to survive on her own in the streets as a beggar.

Jesus’ love for others did not end on the cross. He continues to love and care for each one of us here on this earth today. His death and resurrection was not just for His people during His time on earth, but for all those throughout eternity. By believing in Jesus and all that He did to save us, we, too, are being taken care of by Him by His preparing a place for us to join Him in His Father’s house one day.

Until the day that Jesus calls us home, we need to carry out His caring for those “left behind” in society. They are not just the widows and orphans, but also the homeless and those that have not yet heard the Word of God. By continuing Jesus’ caring for those He came to save, we can grow His eternal kingdom for His glory.

Where can you serve to spread Jesus’ message of love and care? We all have different gifts and avenues in which to carry out His care to others. Will you look for an avenue to serve Him in this mission today?

Prayer

Dearest Lord Jesus,

We thank You today and always for the love you have shared and continue to share with us through Your ultimate sacrifice on the cross and conquering death. Help us to carry out Your message of love to all who are “left behind” so that they, too, may join You in Your eternal glory one day. Amen.

~ Wendy Miller