Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother Mary. Not her own safety, the sadness of the spectacle, nor the hostile crowd could restrain her from performing the ultimate and final act of motherly love and tenderness toward her Divine Son on the Cross. After the days of His infancy and childhood we lose sight of and hear very little of Mary the mother of Jesus. During His public ministry her life was lived in the shadows—But now, when comes the supreme hour of her Son’s agony and suffering, when the world has cast out the Child of her womb, she stands there by the cross! Shocked, perhaps, at the unprecedented scene, paralyzed at His sufferings, yet bound by love to her dying son, there she stands. His disciples may have abandoned Him, His friends may have forsaken Him, His nation may despise Him—But His mother is there, where all might see her—near to Him in death as in birth. Who can fully appreciate the mothers-heart?
Marvelous fortitude was Mary’s. There was no hysterical or demonstrative sorrow—No show of weakness. No wild outcry of uncontrollable anguish—Or falling to the ground in a swoon. Not a word recorded coming from her lips on this occasion in any of the four Gospels, apparently, she suffered in silence. The crowds were mocking, the thieves taunting, the soldiers callously occupied with His garments, the Savior was bleeding — and there was His mother beholding it all! Who would have cast blame if she had turned away from such a spectacle! Who would have questioned if she had fled from such a scene! But no! She did not crouch away nor fall in a faint. She stood by the cross and by her son. What tremendous courage! What unfailing love! What reverence for the Savior!
Join us this week at Sedona United Methodist Church as the Rev. Fred Mast continues a series of Lenten messages walking with Jesus and his followers on a journey that will ultimately take them and all of us to the cross in a message entitled “Journey to Eternity—Behold, Your Mother”. Sunday mornings we enter the spirit of worship at 9:30 am featuring uplifting music, special times of prayer and passionate life changing messages designed to move you closer in your relationship with Jesus Christ and others. Immediately following worship, you are encouraged and invited to stay and join us in our Fellowship Hall for the friendliest and best fellowship time anywhere featuring delicious snacks and great coffee and always friendship.
February 20th—March 27th, your invited to join in our Lenten Study on Tuesdays at two locations: Join Pastor Fred at the Church at 10:30—11:30 a.m. & West Sedona—Join Jan Shuman at The Gathering Place from 2:00-3:00 p.m. Our study will feature Adam Hamilton’s—”Final Words from the Cross”. All are welcome and invited. We offer a number of book and bible studies: Wednesday’s our Men’s Bible Study at 9am; and Thursday’s our Women’s Bible Study at 9:45am. Coming Soon—A new study on the Psalms—Call for Information!
So many great missions, ministries and events happening at Sedona UMC a great place for ALL people—Visit our website at us on www.sedonaumc.org and “Like” us on Facebook. We would love to pray for you!—Prayer requests may be submitted online or by calling us at 928-282-1780. We are conveniently located at 110 Indian Cliffs Road off the Back O’Beyond roundabout on Route 179 in Sedona. Come and grow with us!
