Devotion: Mary
Please read the scriptures from the weekend: John 2:1-11 & John 19:25b-29
When Mary tells Jesus, “They have no more wine” at the wedding at Cana, she’s not simply stating a fact. She’s asking Jesus to do something to spare their host the perpetual shame of having entertained his guests poorly.
Jesus is reluctant to act: “My hour has not yet come.” He hadn’t planned to make his divinity known by providing refreshments at a banquet. But he acts with compassion and generosity, turning water into choice wine when the First Century equivalent of “Two Buck Chuck” would’ve met the need. And because of this miracle, his disciples believe in him.
Professor Paul Gilbert of the University of Derby in England, describes compassion as “being sensitive to the suffering of self and others with a deep commitment to try to prevent or relieve it.” Compassion for others is a form of sacrifice, meaning it costs the giver something: time, money, inconvenience, changing your plans. It also requires you to be aware of the suffering around you, seeing the lost and the lonely and the downtrodden and others who need a helping hand – or a friend.
On Sunday, Pastor Michelle spoke about the compassion of Jesus on the cross, delaying the time he would give up his spirit so that he could put Mary and his beloved disciple John into each other’s care. But Mary is also compassionate: the last thing she wants is an image in her mind of her beloved son suffering and dying from torture. But she knows he will need her strength to do what he must, and her face is the one he most needs to see. She trusts God to give her what she needs to be present for Jesus.
Compassion to the least among us defined Jesus’ ministry. When we are compassionate toward others, we do what Jesus said in Matthew 16:24 “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.”
Let’s do what Jesus said.
God of compassion, in your mercy you gave your son Jesus to save me from my sins. Help me be compassionate to others and show them the light of Jesus. Amen
Written by Cheryl Stubbendieck
Cheryl Stubbendieck is a member of Sheridan’s Devotion Writing Team. She was the public relations department head for Nebraska Farm Bureau before retiring in 2012. She and her husband Jim are the editors of a quarterly journal about antique side-by-side shotguns and Cheryl is the co-leader of Sheridan’s new Card Makers group. Their family includes their son Aaron and his wife Chaitra of San Francisco, CA, and their son Reed of Madison, WI.
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