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You’re the Disciple Jesus Loves!

In the darkness and torture of Good Friday’s crucifixion, if we look carefully we see the light of Jesus dying so gracefully.

Jesus’ invisible source of love and life that overflowed to all, even his enemies, came from his being with the Father in the kingdom of God even as he hung on the cross. This life burst through sin, death, and hell when Jesus rose from the dead on Easter Sunday!

I’d like to share with you another meditation from the Stations of the Cross. My message is that because of what Jesus did for us we can each base our identity with the Apostle John on the wonderful news: “I am the disciple Jesus loves!”

Jesus Dies on the Cross with John as Witness

Read Scripture

“From the sixth hour until the ninth hour darkness came over all the land. About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice… ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’” (Matthew 27:45-46).

“And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Jesus called out with a loud voice, ‘Father, into your hands I commit my spirit’” (Luke 23:45-46).

“Jesus said, ‘It is finished.’ With that he bowed his head and gave up his spirit” (John 19:30).

“One of the soldiers pierced Jesus’ side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water. The man who saw it has given testimony, and his testimony is true. He knows that he tells the truth, and he testifies so that you also may believe” (John 19:34-35).

Pray Scripture

Lord Jesus Christ, as you hung on the cross out of love for all people you were abandoned by the very people you fed, healed, forgave, and taught — even all twelve of your disciples left you except for John. He saw you spill your blood and give up your spirit into your Father’s hands.

O Jesus, forgive me for the ways that despite your generosity to me I’ve been unfaithful to you. Like John, I want to join you in submitting everything into the Father’s hands until all that’s left for me is to live by his words, “I am the disciple Jesus loves!” (John 13:23; 19:26; 20:2; 21:7, 20).

Reflect

What situation or person in your life are you trying to control? How about letting go and relinquish this into the Father’s hands? How might this help you be faithful to Jesus and base your identity on being the disciple he loves?

Take up your cross to follow Jesus

Give up trying to control things — submit them into the Father’s hands by abandoning all outcomes to him and discover that being the disciple Jesus loves is enough for you to be happy.

Breath a prayer

“Father… into your hands I commit __________” (Psalm 31:5, Luke 23:46).

More Soul Shepherding

Little Breath Prayers can be powerful! Learn how you can use Jesus’ cross prayer of submission: “Father… into your hands I commit __________

A few words on the ancient Stations of the Cross

At the Cross of Christ You are Forever Unforsaken!

You can go deeper in your appreciation for Christ Jesus. Forgiveness, unfailing love, and the power to become like the Lord are available.

The path is laid out for you in the Gospel stories, meditations, and prayers of Unforsaken: With Jesus on the Stations of the Cross by Bill Gaultiere.

This 68 page booklet will warm your heart and inspire your faith. It’s great for personal devotions, small groups, and retreats.

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