Pastor Scott Applegate

“Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, “Woman, here is your son,” and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.” John 19:25-27 NIV

Three Questions to Ponder That Should Encourage Our Faith: 

1.If He took care of them then, how much more will He will take care of us now?

“My mother and my brothers are all those who hear God’s word and obey it.” Luke 8:21 NLT

2. If He took care of them during His most difficult hour, how much more will He take care of us now as our resurrected King?

“I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms.” Ephesians 1:19-20 NLT

3. If He provided for the relational needs of John and Mary, how much more has He provided this for us through the Church?

“Peter said, “We’ve left our homes to follow you.” “Yes,” Jesus replied, “and I assure you that everyone who has given up house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the Kingdom of God, will be repaid many times over in this life, and will have eternal life in the world to come.” Luke 18:28-20 NLT

To Love Like Jesus I Must: 

1.Care for my own family

• Pay attention to what’s going on
• Show respect
• Meet practical needs
• Give emotional support
• Stick together

2. Treat fellow believers as family

“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” Galatians 6:10 NIV

“Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but exhort him as if he were your father. Treat younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity.” 1 Timothy 5:1-2 NIV

3. Learn to see the pain of others, even when I am in pain

“Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.” Philippians 2:4-5 NLT

4. Meet the needs of others, even if my needs aren’t met

“We who are strong must be considerate of those who are sensitive about things like this. We must not just please ourselves. We should help others do what is right and build them up in the Lord.” Romans 15:2-3 NLT