By HIS Immense Grace, had the privilege to share thoughts on the 3rd Saying of Jesus from the Cross. Do listen or read at your leisure. To God be all the Glory.

Transcript

Pastor started Service saying we are here to celebrate Good Friday, On this Good Friday Morning, I want to take you all to a Christmas Scene. It’s scene lesser spoken during Christmas. It’s the scene of Baby Jesus brought to be presented in the temple. Please turn with me to Luke 2: 25. There was this elderly man Simeon, the Bible describes him righteous and devout. the elderly Simeon cradles the infant Jesus in the temple and prophesies profound things about the child’s destiny. He Proclaims Jesus as “Salvation for all people” …we read in v30


30 For my eyes have seen your salvation,
31 which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:
32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and the glory of your people Israel.” Luke 2:30-32

Good Friday is synonymous to Salvation. We heard about the Greatest need of humanity Forgiveness offered on the cross, we saw the Promise of Eternal life provided to the repentant thief. As we are about to dwell into the 3rd word of Jesus on the cross, I want to read one more verse from this passage in Luke, Let’s read Luke 2:35


34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, 35 so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.” Luke 2:34-35

The second part of the verse 35 – And a sword will pierce your own soul too foreshadows the deep anguish Mary would experience in connection with her Son’s work. Fast-forward about 33 years to John 19:25–27, and we find Mary standing at the foot of the cross, watching her beloved son Jesus suffer and die. Simeon’s ominous prophecy is coming to pass – a figurative sword of sorrow is indeed piercing Mary’s soul as she beholds Jesus on the cross
In that very moment of agony, Jesus speaks from the cross to tenderly provide for His mother’s well-being , “Woman, here is your son,” 27 and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.”
Today, we will spend some time on the 3rd word of Jesus on the cross, reflecting on Simeon’s prophecy in the temple and Jesus’ provision on Calvary. Let’s look at three prominent characters here at the Cross – Mary, John and Jesus. Their behavior and interactions at the cross have much to teach us.
The first character is Mary, I have titled this part as a Pierced Heart
Mary’s presence at the foot of the cross is one of heartbreaking loyalty. Despite the horror of the scene, Mary does not flee. In this moment, Simeon’s prophecy is dramatically fulfilled. Mary’s soul is pierced with grief as she beholds Jesus’ torment. The “sword” of sorrow Simeon predicted decades earlier “struck through her tender heart, and pierced her very soul”. Mary’s faith did not waver she endured the present sorrow with hope.
Mary at the cross – speaks to anyone who has wept over their family

Mother’s love is sacrificial, It’s closer to the Agape love God has for us. Mary exemplifies that self-giving love, staying when the disciples had scattered. Her behavior – standing near Jesus despite her anguish – teaches us about persevering faith and love in the face of suffering.
Mary’s pain reminds us that Christian discipleship, involves a share in Christ’s sufferings (I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, Philippians 3:10. . Like Mary we are called for stead fast faith
We see with a pierced heart, as Mary stands unfaced with perseverance and faithfulness, she received Jesus’s Compassion and provision, that leads to the second part of the devotion as we focus on Jesus himself, The Providing Saviour.
A pierced heart is met by the providing Savior.


Even in extreme agony, Jesus “saw” His mother – he is attentive to her. We can imagine the blood, sweat, and tears obscuring His human eyes, yet our Lord’s gaze finds Mary. What compassion and presence of mind!
26 When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, “Woman, here is your son,” 27 and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” John 19:26-27

Let’s reflect on Jesus’ behavior here. First, He addresses Mary as “Woman.” This is the same term He used at the wedding in Cana (cf. John 2:4 “Woman, what have I to do with you? My hour has not yet come.”). Far from being disrespectful, “Woman” was a formal and respectful address in Jewish culture. Early theologians saw deeper significance in it: Jesus calling Mary “Woman” links her to Eve – the “woman” in Genesis – hinting that Mary is the “New Eve” whose offspring (Jesus) will defeat sin.
Next, Jesus says, “here is your son!” – effectively telling Mary to see John as her own son now. And to John He says, “Here is your mother!” By these words, Jesus entrusts Mary and John to one another’s care. This is a touching act of worldly provision
Jesus demonstrates divine love: in His deepest suffering, love triumphed over pain. This is our Savior – at once completing the heavenly work of atonement and attending to the intimate needs of His family. We see here a glimpse of how Jesus cares for us as well: if He could provide for Mary in the moment of His death, how much more can we trust Him to provide for us now that He lives and reigns! As believers of St Mark’s family, we can take comfort that Jesus knows our every need (cf. Matthew 6:31–33) and cares about our practical concerns. Our Lord is compassionate and mindful of us, even when we feel alone.
First we saw A Pierced Heart, Second part was about The Providing Savior & thirdly we see a Pious Disciple in John
We see John as Faithful disciple and as a True Son. What we see is John’s obedience and his Love for Jesus. We don’t have time to go deep into John’s behavior. For John, love for Christ translated into love for the people Christ loves. This is the learning for us. The Christian community (the Church) is has to be a caring family, especially for those who have no one.

When we view these events at the cross through the lens of Simeon’s prophecy, we see a rich interplay of suffering and salvation. Simeon had foreseen both the universal salvation Jesus would bring (“a light for revelation to the Gentiles”) and the personal cost to Mary’s heart. At the cross, both are present. Salvation is being accomplished: Jesus’ death on the cross is the atoning sacrifice for the sins of the world (1 John 2:2). In that very context, Simeon’s words echo as Mary’s soul is pierced by grief. This teaches us that salvation comes through suffering – Christ’s suffering foremost, but also a share of suffering for those who are close to Him. As we read in Luke 9:23, we as believers need to “take up the cross”
But, The “sword” that pierced Mary’s soul did not have the final word – the resurrection of Jesus would turn her mourning into joy three days later. Likewise, our sufferings in Christ are not the end of the story; God’s salvation brings hope beyond the pain.
As Mary stood at the foot of the cross, her heart pierced with sorrow, she showed us what persevering faith looks like — faith that stays even when the soul is bleeding.
As John, the Pious disciple stood beside her, he showed us what it means to remain faithful and obedient when others run.
And as Jesus, in the depth of His agony, looked down and made provision — we saw a Savior Who was Compassionate.
The third saying in the cross is A divine moment – where A pierced heart is met by the providing Savior, through his Pious disciple
So what do we take away from this holy moment?
Christ doesn’t ask for strength, perfection, or answers.
He simply asks us to persevere in faith. Come what may !! Persevere in Faith
Because when we remain in Him, He will take care of all the rest.

Like Mary, there could be a sword that’s piercing your soul right now. Jesus is asking us, Are you ready to persevere in faith? We can be assured that – He Will Provide. Are you ready to persevere in faith?
Shall we pray?