At The Cross With a Heartbroken Mother
John 19:25–27 (NLT) — 25 Standing near the cross were Jesus’ mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary (the wife of Clopas), and Mary Magdalene. 26 When Jesus saw his mother standing there beside the disciple he loved, he said to her, “Dear woman, here is your son.” 27 And he said to this disciple, “Here is your mother.” And from then on this disciple took her into his home.
What can we learn from Mary about following Jesus?
1. Following Jesus begins with ________.
Luke 1:38 (NLT) — 38 Mary responded, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.” And then the angel left her.
John 14:15 (NLT) — 15 “If you love me, obey my commandments.
John 14:21 (NLT) — 21 Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them.”
2. Following Jesus leads to both ________ and _________.
Luke 2:27–28 (NLT) — 27 That day the Spirit led him to the Temple. So when Mary and Joseph came to present the baby Jesus to the Lord as the law required, 28 Simeon was there. He took the child in his arms and praised God, saying,
Luke 2:34–35 (NLT) — 34 Then Simeon blessed them, and he said to Mary, the baby’s mother, “This child is destined to cause many in Israel to fall, and many others to rise. He has been sent as a sign from God, but many will oppose him. 35 As a result, the deepest thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your very soul.”
John 16:33 (NLT) — 33 I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”
3. Following Jesus is filled with __________.
Luke 2:46–49 (NLT) — 46 Three days later they finally discovered him in the Temple, sitting among the religious teachers, listening to them and asking questions. 47 All who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. 48 His parents didn’t know what to think. “Son,” his mother said to him, “why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been frantic, searching for you everywhere.” 49 “But why did you need to search?” he asked. “Didn’t you know that I must be in my Father’s house?”
Luke 2:51 (NLT) — 51 Then he returned to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. And his mother stored all these things in her heart.
4. Following Jesus requires _________.
Mark 3:21 (NLT) — 21 When his family heard what was happening, they tried to take him away. “He’s out of his mind,” they said.
Mark 3:31–35 (NLT) — 31 Then Jesus’ mother and brothers came to see him. They stood outside and sent word for him to come out and talk with them. 32 There was a crowd sitting around Jesus, and someone said, “Your mother and your brothers are outside asking for you.” 33 Jesus replied, “Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?” 34 Then he looked at those around him and said, “Look, these are my mother and brothers. 35 Anyone who does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.”
Hebrews 3:14 (NLT) — 14 For if we are faithful to the end, trusting God just as firmly as when we first believed, we will share in all that belongs to Christ.
5. Following Jesus demands _________.
Matthew 16:24 (NLT) — 24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me.
Romans 6:13 (NLT) — 13 Do not let any part of your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin. Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life. So use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God.