In the face of widespread panic, we see both the best and worst in people.  Some people look for ways to care for others.  Many look out for themselves at least initially.  This is fear manifesting as selfishness.  Today’s text is highly relevant because Jesus not only taught but also modeled a community of love on the Cross.  He said in John 12:32, “when I am lifted up from the earth [on the Cross], I will draw all people to myself.”

The Cross of Jesus creates a new community of love among his followers.

This is exactly what happened with Mary his mother and John his disciple.  They followed him all the way to the Cross along with many other believers in addition to the scoffers.  Jesus had already forgiven his executioners and promised paradise to a criminal.  Now, he is concerned with the new community of the faithful.  Despite his own pain, Jesus was thinking of others.  He commends Mary and John to each other as surrogate mother and son, and from that hour John took her into his home.

What’s odd about this is that John’s own mother was standing there in the crowd (see Matthew 27:56), and Mary had several other children who would typically provide for her (see Matthew 12:46).   

The point is that faith in Christ creates an even greater family of love than a person’s biological family.  The ideal, of course, is that our biological family would also be included in the spiritual family.  Regardless, the new family of faith finds its unity at the Cross, which reveals God’s love and models it powerfully while also dealing with our sin problem.  The result is love for others like Christ loved us (See John 13:31-35).

Taking It Home:  During this coronavirus outbreak, make plans to care for your family, your church and your immediate neighbors.