Pastor Lonnie’s sermon Sunday was titled “The Women at the Foot of the Cross.” The text was John 19:25 John picked four women out of the crowd that was watching the spectacle of the crucifixion. At the end of His life, as at the beginning, Jesus was surrounded by women. They were willing to risk their lives to be with Him.
Mary, the mother of Jesus, remembered all the things about the beginning of His life—the star, the kings, the angels—and treasured them in her heart. She also remembered the gossip, the other children, the death of her husband, Jesus’ ministry. Maybe Mary didn’t understand, but she could love, and she believed. If we dare to stand at the foot of the cross, we’ll be reminded that we don’t always understand our children, either. But we must do everything we can to point them to Kingdom priorities.
The second woman was Salome, the sister of Jesus’ mother, Mary. Matthew and Mark tell about her coming to Jesus and asking Him if her two sons, James and John (sons of Zebedee) could sit at His right and left hand when He comes into His kingdom. Jesus had rebuffed her request, asking if they would be able to drink the cup of bitterness, hatred and anger that He faced. She wanted the blessings without the burdens, but she was there at the cross. She accepted the rebuff.
Mary from Magdala was also there. Jesus had cast out seven devils from her. They represent the seven deadly sins: lust, gluttony, greed, sloth, wrath, envy, and pride. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus talks about the danger of worse demons coming back to the clean and swept-out heart. Mary Magdalene kept this from happening by following Jesus. Seven demons may make you the life of the party, but when the party’s over, no one wants to take you home! Jesus had redeemed, cleansed and saved her. She is a testimony to God’s love and forgiveness. When we follow Him, He calms the storm when the things of our past haunt us, and comforts us. He doesn’t take away the marks of sin—but they are not scars any more, they are beauty marks. Those beauty marks are how we can minister to others.
Mary, the wife of Clopas, who is mentioned here, and also on the road to Emmaus. The relationship seems to be that Clopas was the brother of Joseph: Jesus’ mother’s husband’s brother’s wife. We know she did not believe Jesus at first, but later she and Clopas were missionaries to the Jews. Desposanoi—those that belong to the Master. Her being here at the cross tells us that there is room for US at the cross. The ministry of Jesus is a family business. We are the Master’s people, sons and daughters of the King!
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