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April 26, 2024
- By Ed Powell
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"Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother...and Mary Magdalene...and the disciple standing by, whom he loved." John 19:25-26
It is interesting to notice three profound witnesses at His crucifixion. There was MARY, the mother of Jesus, whose heart was pierced as she witnessed the crucifixion of her son, whom she conceived by the Holy Spirit. Dr. Dennis Kinlaw gives some interesting thoughts on this scene. Mary and Joseph made their way to the Temple to present Jesus to God according to the Law. God had revealed to Simeon that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ. Consider the miracle of this occasion. In the specific service Simeon was to render in the Temple, he would be called upon to take part only once in his lifetime. It was on this given day that Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to be dedicated to God and offer their sacrifices. Was this just a coincidence? Not at all! This was God's appointed time.
Simeon was a holy man, who came "by the Spirit" to the Temple just when Mary and Joseph brought Jesus. God brought together the key people to fulfill a promise He had made to Simeon. What if Simeon had come an hour later, or if Mary and Joseph had come an hour earlier, or if Simeon had not been sensitive to and led by the Holy Spirit to go to the Temple at this specific time? God has His appointed time and place to accomplish His divine will. But listen to the prophetic words of Simeon to Mary. "Then he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said, Lord, let your servant depart in peace according to your word. For my eyes have seen your salvation which you have prepared before the face of all people. A light to lighten the Gentiles and the glory of your people Israel. And Joseph and Mary marveled at those things that he spoke unto them. Behold this child is set for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which shall be spoken against. Yea, a sword shall pierce through your own soul also, that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed" (Luke 2:28-35). The words of Simeon fell upon her heart, but also the infinite magnitude of God's salvation was being wrought before her at the cross!
There was MARY MAGDALENE, who was delivered from being possessed of seven devils, who became a friend and companion of Mary and shared in ministering to Jesus when He was in Galilee. Much had been forgiven her and she proves the depth of her love to Christ by standing with Mary at the cross. When all the disciples, except John, had forsaken Him, these two pious women stood faithfully in loving support of Him.
There was JOHN. His heart must have been broken as he heard Jesus say, "Woman, behold thy son." And then to John, "Behold thy mother." His thoughts recalled the many occasions when Jesus spoke words of comfort to the distressed, peace to those in anxiety, healing to the sick, and hope to those in great need. John remembered the words of Jesus: "No man takes my life from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have authority to lay it down and I have authority to take it up again." "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him, shall not perish but have everlasting life."
Three profound witnesses stood at the foot of the Cross. Have you been there?
© 2007 by Ed Powell. Used by permission.
This page was reprinted by permission from: http://litmin.org/dare.php?date=2024-04-26&print=1
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