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
Scripture tells us that when all the other disciples had forsaken Jesus only these four precious women and John remained. No matter the pain…no matter the price…these lovers of God remained with their Lord at the foot of His cross.
I cannot (and don’t want to imagine) what witnessing a crucifixion would be like. Watching even a true criminal and someone I am not acquainted with face death in such a way would be dreadful and very difficult for me to watch. But the horror (and helplessness) of watching my own beloved Son die this kind of death as Mary, the mother of Jesus did here, is completely and utterly beyond my capacity to even imagine. Truly, as Simeon, by the Spirit of God said:
a sword will pierce through your own soul also…
How did these women and John not collapse under the heaviness of what they faced? The verse that comes to mind is this one.
And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.—2 Corinthians 12:9-10
Beloved, truly the Lord’s grace is sufficient for all we will face here.
Oh Father, May Your grace to me in times of trouble and overwhelming suffering surround me and strengthen me.
