Excerpted from Follow Jesus on the Stations of the Cross
There is comfort for you in the cross of Christ if you seek it properly.
Many people won’t let themselves feel sad about what they should feel sad about. When they or a loved one suffer from a hurt, lose something important, or struggle with a sin they tell themselves to “be strong” or they busy themselves. They miss out on God’s comfort and may become depressed because they don’t understand the cross.
The cross ministers God’s grace and mercy to us if we grieve in the right way, putting our trust in Jesus Christ and opening our hearts to him. This is the message in the 8th Station of the ancient Stations of the Cross.
Jesus Comforts the Weeping Women
Read Scripture
“A large number of people followed Jesus, including women who mourned and wailed for him. Jesus turned and said to them, ‘Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep for yourselves and for your children’” (Luke 23:27-28).
“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing” (Matthew 23:37).
Pray Scripture
Lord Jesus Christ, even as you were suffering under the weight of your cross you offered comfort to the mothers and children who were weeping as they followed behind you. The mothers didn’t understand your cross — they were grieving over the injustice and pain you were experiencing when they needed to grieve for themselves and their children. You showed them that they needed your mercy and forgiveness to begin a new life and so like a mother hen you opened your wings to gather these women and their children close to your heart.
O Jesus, forgive me when I have not relied on you for comfort in my times of need. I pray that I would find refuge under your wings and invite others to join me there.
Reflect
When you’re hurt, disappointed, or struggling do you let yourself feel sad? Where do you tend to go for comfort? Maybe to food, alcohol, unhealthy relationships, busyness, television, or Facebook? What would it look like for you to seek refuge under the wings of the Lord Jesus, making him the center of your thoughts, desires, and activities?
Take up your Cross to Follow Jesus
Deny yourself something you turn to for comfort (or to avoid feeling sad) in order that you would learn to rely on Christ alone as your source of true comfort and then be in a better position to share his comfort with others.
Breathe a Prayer
“Lord Jesus… cover me with your wings.”
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.
My heart has been warmed and my life re-shaped by the stories of Jesus and his cross during Holy Week. I invite you to join me on the life-changing journey of my 68-page booklet: Unforsaken: With Jesus on the Stations of the Cross.
This 68 page booklet will lay out for you Gospel stories, meditations, and prayers that will warm your heart and inspire your faith. It’s great for personal devotions, small groups, and retreats.
