Does Anyone Care? (John19:23-27) | Eric Saunders

It is good to be with you. Listen, if It is good to be with you. Listen, if you got a Bible with you, go ahead and you got a Bible with you, go ahead and you got a Bible with you, go ahead and turn to John 19. John 19. turn to John 19. John 19. turn to John 19. John 19. I said John 19 and you might be I said John 19 and you might be I said John 19 and you might be wondering why I did not say 1 Samuel. If wondering why I did not say 1 Samuel. If wondering why I did not say 1 Samuel. If you haven't been here with us, we've you haven't been here with us, we've you haven't been here with us, we've been walking through a series in 1 been walking through a series in 1 been walking through a series in 1 Samuel, Rising Ruin. It's been an Samuel, Rising Ruin. It's been an Samuel, Rising Ruin. It's been an incredible series and we will get back incredible series and we will get back incredible series and we will get back to that series next week. But as I to that series next week. But as I to that series next week. But as I begin, begin, begin, I want to say how encouraged I've been I want to say how encouraged I've been I want to say how encouraged I've been that our church has heard from so many that our church has heard from so many that our church has heard from so many different voices over the years different voices over the years different voices over the years and yet the word of God has remained and yet the word of God has remained and yet the word of God has remained central. central. central. I think about the years that I've been I think about the years that I've been I think about the years that I've been here hearing faithful preaching from here hearing faithful preaching from here hearing faithful preaching from this pulpit from people like Pastor Lon this pulpit from people like Pastor Lon this pulpit from people like Pastor Lon Solomon and Pastor Mike Kelsey and Solomon and Pastor Mike Kelsey and Solomon and Pastor Mike Kelsey and Pastor David Platt. I also think about Pastor David Platt. I also think about Pastor David Platt. I also think about our church over the last couple of our church over the last couple of our church over the last couple of weeks, right? 2 weeks ago we heard from weeks, right? 2 weeks ago we heard from weeks, right? 2 weeks ago we heard from Pastor Tony Evans, an incredible sermon, Pastor Tony Evans, an incredible sermon, Pastor Tony Evans, an incredible sermon, amen? We can give it up for that as amen? We can give it up for that as amen? We can give it up for that as well. well. well. And then last week, I know we had And then last week, I know we had And then last week, I know we had location specific preaching at all of location specific preaching at all of location specific preaching at all of our locations. But I know last week I our locations. But I know last week I our locations. But I know last week I heard at least at the Arlington location heard at least at the Arlington location heard at least at the Arlington location from Pastor Joe Carter, was an from Pastor Joe Carter, was an from Pastor Joe Carter, was an incredible sermon. And then I listened incredible sermon. And then I listened incredible sermon. And then I listened to the sermon here by Pastor James Park to the sermon here by Pastor James Park to the sermon here by Pastor James Park and I was incredibly encouraged by that and I was incredibly encouraged by that and I was incredibly encouraged by that one as well. Appreciate you, Pastor one as well. Appreciate you, Pastor one as well. Appreciate you, Pastor James.

James. James. All that to say, listen, what has united All that to say, listen, what has united All that to say, listen, what has united the many different people who preach the many different people who preach the many different people who preach from this pulpit, from this pulpit, from this pulpit, it hasn't been charisma, it hasn't been it hasn't been charisma, it hasn't been it hasn't been charisma, it hasn't been personality, it hasn't been even personality, it hasn't been even personality, it hasn't been even intellect. What it's been is a shared intellect. What it's been is a shared intellect. What it's been is a shared commitment to faithfully preaching the commitment to faithfully preaching the commitment to faithfully preaching the word of God. word of God. word of God. And that's what we intend to do this And that's what we intend to do this And that's what we intend to do this morning. And so this morning I'm going morning. And so this morning I'm going morning. And so this morning I'm going to read the word of God. I'm going to to read the word of God. I'm going to to read the word of God. I'm going to pray and then we're going to walk pray and then we're going to walk pray and then we're going to walk through it. Is that cool with you guys? through it. Is that cool with you guys? through it. Is that cool with you guys? All right, let's do it. And so this All right, let's do it. And so this All right, let's do it. And so this morning let's read this. morning let's read this. morning let's read this. It's John 19 It's John 19 It's John 19 verses 23 through 37. Here it is. verses 23 through 37. Here it is. verses 23 through 37. Here it is. Says this. Says this. Says this. It says when the soldiers had crucified It says when the soldiers had crucified It says when the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they took his garments and Jesus, they took his garments and Jesus, they took his garments and divided them into four parts. divided them into four parts. divided them into four parts. One part for each soldier. One part for each soldier. One part for each soldier. Also, his tunic. Also, his tunic. Also, his tunic. But, the tunic was seamless, woven in But, the tunic was seamless, woven in But, the tunic was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom. So, they one piece from top to bottom. So, they one piece from top to bottom. So, they said to one another, "Let us not tear said to one another, "Let us not tear said to one another, "Let us not tear it, it, it, but cast lots for it to see whose it but cast lots for it to see whose it but cast lots for it to see whose it shall be." shall be." shall be." And this was to fulfill the scripture And this was to fulfill the scripture And this was to fulfill the scripture which says, "They divided my garments which says, "They divided my garments which says, "They divided my garments among them, among them, among them, and for my clothing they cast lots."

and for my clothing they cast lots." and for my clothing they cast lots." So, the soldiers did these things, but So, the soldiers did these things, but So, the soldiers did these things, but standing by the foot of the cross of standing by the foot of the cross of standing by the foot of the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother's Jesus were his mother and his mother's Jesus were his mother and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. Mary Magdalene. Mary Magdalene. And when Jesus saw his mother And when Jesus saw his mother And when Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing and the disciple whom he loved standing and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, nearby, he said to his mother, nearby, he said to his mother, "Woman, behold your son." "Woman, behold your son." "Woman, behold your son." Then he said to the disciple, Then he said to the disciple, Then he said to the disciple, "Behold your mother." "Behold your mother." "Behold your mother." And from that hour, the disciple took And from that hour, the disciple took And from that hour, the disciple took her into his own home. her into his own home. her into his own home. And this is the word of God. And this is the word of God. And this is the word of God. Now, let's take a moment. Let's pray Now, let's take a moment. Let's pray Now, let's take a moment. Let's pray together this morning as we hear an together this morning as we hear an together this morning as we hear an exposition of God's word. Let's pray. exposition of God's word. Let's pray. exposition of God's word. Let's pray. Father, we love you. Father, we love you. Father, we love you. We thank you for how gracious and We thank you for how gracious and We thank you for how gracious and merciful you are, slow to anger, merciful you are, slow to anger, merciful you are, slow to anger, abounding in steadfast love. We thank abounding in steadfast love. We thank abounding in steadfast love. We thank you for the gift of your word today. you for the gift of your word today. you for the gift of your word today. We thank you that you reveal yourself We thank you that you reveal yourself We thank you that you reveal yourself through your word. And so, Father, I through your word. And so, Father, I through your word. And so, Father, I pray that you would give us ears to hear pray that you would give us ears to hear pray that you would give us ears to hear your word this morning. your word this morning. your word this morning. May your word fall on fresh soil. May we May your word fall on fresh soil. May we May your word fall on fresh soil. May we not be distracted.

not be distracted. not be distracted. May it fall on fresh soil. May we May it fall on fresh soil. May we May it fall on fresh soil. May we receive it. And may we declare, "God, receive it. And may we declare, "God, receive it. And may we declare, "God, whatever you tell me to do today, I am whatever you tell me to do today, I am whatever you tell me to do today, I am willing to do it because your ways are willing to do it because your ways are willing to do it because your ways are always right." always right." always right." We love you, Lord. I pray these things We love you, Lord. I pray these things We love you, Lord. I pray these things in the name of Jesus. If you agree, say in the name of Jesus. If you agree, say in the name of Jesus. If you agree, say Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> Ralph Waldo Ellison, >> Ralph Waldo Ellison, >> Ralph Waldo Ellison, he was a literary one-hit wonder. he was a literary one-hit wonder. he was a literary one-hit wonder. He published only one book during his He published only one book during his He published only one book during his lifetime, and yet that one book became lifetime, and yet that one book became lifetime, and yet that one book became one of the great American literary one of the great American literary one of the great American literary classics. And that work is titled The classics. And that work is titled The classics. And that work is titled The Invisible Man. Invisible Man. Invisible Man. The Invisible Man. The Invisible Man. The Invisible Man. This book follows a man in the 1930s This book follows a man in the 1930s This book follows a man in the 1930s who constantly found himself among who constantly found himself among who constantly found himself among people who refused to see him. Person people who refused to see him. Person people who refused to see him. Person after person, group after group failed after person, group after group failed after person, group after group failed to recognize to recognize to recognize that he was a human being just like that he was a human being just like that he was a human being just like them. them. them. That he too had an interior life That he too had an interior life That he too had an interior life filled with hopes and dreams, loves and filled with hopes and dreams, loves and filled with hopes and dreams, loves and desires. And while people could make out desires. And while people could make out desires. And while people could make out his form his form his form when they looked at him, they could not when they looked at him, they could not when they looked at him, they could not see a real person.

see a real person. see a real person. They only saw a tool that they could use They only saw a tool that they could use They only saw a tool that they could use for their own specific purposes. Matter for their own specific purposes. Matter for their own specific purposes. Matter of fact, in this book of fact, in this book of fact, in this book the man the man the man we never learn his name. we never learn his name. we never learn his name. And that was an intentional move by And that was an intentional move by And that was an intentional move by Ralph Waldo Ellison because to live in a Ralph Waldo Ellison because to live in a Ralph Waldo Ellison because to live in a world world world where it seems like nobody truly loves where it seems like nobody truly loves where it seems like nobody truly loves you or cares for you you or cares for you you or cares for you is comparable to living in a world where is comparable to living in a world where is comparable to living in a world where no one knows your name no one knows your name no one knows your name speaks your name speaks your name speaks your name or even cares to. or even cares to. or even cares to. I wonder if you've ever felt like him. I wonder if you've ever felt like him. I wonder if you've ever felt like him. That you live in a world in which no one That you live in a world in which no one That you live in a world in which no one knows your name. I wonder if you've ever knows your name. I wonder if you've ever knows your name. I wonder if you've ever wondered, does anybody see me? So many of us feel invisible this So many of us feel invisible this morning. morning. morning. And most of modern life, if you look at And most of modern life, if you look at And most of modern life, if you look at it deeply enough, it's person after it deeply enough, it's person after it deeply enough, it's person after person attempting to prove to others, person attempting to prove to others, person attempting to prove to others, prove to the world that they are worthy prove to the world that they are worthy prove to the world that they are worthy to be seen to be seen to be seen and to be cared about.

and to be cared about. and to be cared about. Think about it. How much of our Think about it. How much of our Think about it. How much of our competition competition competition how much of our comparison, how much of how much of our comparison, how much of how much of our comparison, how much of our envy, how much of our likes, how our envy, how much of our likes, how our envy, how much of our likes, how much of our posts, how much of our much of our posts, how much of our much of our posts, how much of our achievements achievements achievements are desperate attempts us to escape are desperate attempts us to escape are desperate attempts us to escape invisibility. How much of our efforts, our attempts to How much of our efforts, our attempts to answer the answer yes to the question answer the answer yes to the question answer the answer yes to the question does anybody see me? And this leads me to John 19 this And this leads me to John 19 this morning. morning. morning. John 19 John 19 John 19 is an account of the darkest day of is an account of the darkest day of is an account of the darkest day of human history. human history. human history. It's the day that Jesus, the incarnate It's the day that Jesus, the incarnate It's the day that Jesus, the incarnate God in the flesh, was tortured. There he God in the flesh, was tortured. There he God in the flesh, was tortured. There he hanged bloody, naked, in agony hanged bloody, naked, in agony hanged bloody, naked, in agony on a Roman cross. There he died on a Roman cross. There he died on a Roman cross. There he died taking upon himself the sins of the taking upon himself the sins of the taking upon himself the sins of the entire world. And in this account, I entire world. And in this account, I entire world. And in this account, I want to point out a brief conversation. want to point out a brief conversation. want to point out a brief conversation. It's a conversation that we're tempted It's a conversation that we're tempted It's a conversation that we're tempted to wonder, why is it even here? It's a to wonder, why is it even here? It's a to wonder, why is it even here? It's a conversation that is easy for us to conversation that is easy for us to conversation that is easy for us to think that we can actually skip over think that we can actually skip over think that we can actually skip over this conversation and the narrative this conversation and the narrative this conversation and the narrative would actually remain more or less would actually remain more or less would actually remain more or less intact.

intact. intact. This morning, we are focusing on a brief This morning, we are focusing on a brief This morning, we are focusing on a brief interaction interaction interaction that Jesus had with his mother. that Jesus had with his mother. that Jesus had with his mother. And this morning, I believe And this morning, I believe And this morning, I believe that God wants us to hear this brief that God wants us to hear this brief that God wants us to hear this brief interaction interaction interaction because if you understand this because if you understand this because if you understand this interaction, if you understand this interaction, if you understand this interaction, if you understand this conversation, you will never have to conversation, you will never have to conversation, you will never have to wonder ever again if anybody ever sees wonder ever again if anybody ever sees wonder ever again if anybody ever sees you, if anybody cares about you. you, if anybody cares about you. you, if anybody cares about you. And listen, as we approach this text And listen, as we approach this text And listen, as we approach this text there are two scenes that I actually there are two scenes that I actually there are two scenes that I actually want you to see in sharp relief. want you to see in sharp relief. want you to see in sharp relief. The first scene, we actually see these The first scene, we actually see these The first scene, we actually see these soldiers. soldiers. soldiers. And I want you to see them as I read the And I want you to see them as I read the And I want you to see them as I read the text yet again. Here it is. text yet again. Here it is. text yet again. Here it is. Verse 23, it says, "When the soldiers Verse 23, it says, "When the soldiers Verse 23, it says, "When the soldiers had crucified Jesus had crucified Jesus had crucified Jesus they took his garments and divided them they took his garments and divided them they took his garments and divided them into four parts, one part for each into four parts, one part for each into four parts, one part for each soldier. soldier. soldier. Also his tunic. Also his tunic. Also his tunic. But the tunic was seamless, woven in one But the tunic was seamless, woven in one But the tunic was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom. So they said piece from top to bottom. So they said piece from top to bottom. So they said to one another, 'Let us not tear it to one another, 'Let us not tear it to one another, 'Let us not tear it but cast lots for it to see whose it but cast lots for it to see whose it but cast lots for it to see whose it shall be.' And this was to fulfill the shall be.' And this was to fulfill the shall be.' And this was to fulfill the scripture which says, scripture which says, scripture which says, "They divided my garments among them, "They divided my garments among them, "They divided my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots."

and for my clothing they cast lots." and for my clothing they cast lots." So, the soldiers did these things. So, the soldiers did these things. So, the soldiers did these things. I want you to catch this. Think about I want you to catch this. Think about I want you to catch this. Think about them. them. them. In the face of incredible suffering In the face of incredible suffering In the face of incredible suffering around them, people are crying, grieving around them, people are crying, grieving around them, people are crying, grieving their crucified loved ones. There were their crucified loved ones. There were their crucified loved ones. There were three people on the cross on the cross three people on the cross on the cross three people on the cross on the cross that is in front of them. that is in front of them. that is in front of them. What do we see in these soldiers? What do we see in these soldiers? What do we see in these soldiers? Here's what I see. Here's what I see. Here's what I see. I see a concern and a care for I see a concern and a care for I see a concern and a care for themselves. themselves. themselves. I want you to catch this. There There's I want you to catch this. There There's I want you to catch this. There There's a man hanging on the cross. There a man hanging on the cross. There a man hanging on the cross. There There's grief all around them, and the There's grief all around them, and the There's grief all around them, and the soldiers are only concerned soldiers are only concerned soldiers are only concerned about which one of them can make a buck about which one of them can make a buck about which one of them can make a buck off of Jesus' clothing. off of Jesus' clothing. off of Jesus' clothing. And listen, before I'm too hard on them, And listen, before I'm too hard on them, And listen, before I'm too hard on them, I want you to understand this. We don't I want you to understand this. We don't I want you to understand this. We don't know really their backgrounds. know really their backgrounds. know really their backgrounds. Maybe it was a regular practice for them Maybe it was a regular practice for them Maybe it was a regular practice for them to see what they could get off a to see what they could get off a to see what they could get off a crucified people. crucified people. crucified people. Maybe the soldiers were simply too numb Maybe the soldiers were simply too numb Maybe the soldiers were simply too numb to care. Maybe they're thinking, to care. Maybe they're thinking, to care. Maybe they're thinking, "Listen, I see grief every day. "Listen, I see grief every day. "Listen, I see grief every day. Seeing a crucified person is a daily Seeing a crucified person is a daily Seeing a crucified person is a daily occurrence for me.

occurrence for me. occurrence for me. This is just one more." This is just one more." This is just one more." Maybe they were simply trying to provide Maybe they were simply trying to provide Maybe they were simply trying to provide for their families. Maybe they're for their families. Maybe they're for their families. Maybe they're thinking, "Listen, thinking, "Listen, thinking, "Listen, I got kids at home, I got kids at home, I got kids at home, and they stay in the fridge eating all and they stay in the fridge eating all and they stay in the fridge eating all their all all the food." I don't know if their all all the food." I don't know if their all all the food." I don't know if you got that experience. I know I do. you got that experience. I know I do. you got that experience. I know I do. They're thinking, "I've got mouths to They're thinking, "I've got mouths to They're thinking, "I've got mouths to feed, and this tunic can actually help feed, and this tunic can actually help feed, and this tunic can actually help me do that." me do that." me do that." All this is said, All this is said, All this is said, maybe they were at the end of their maybe they were at the end of their maybe they were at the end of their capacity to care about all the crying capacity to care about all the crying capacity to care about all the crying all the crying people around them, all the crying people around them, all the crying people around them, and the dying people above them, and the dying people above them, and the dying people above them, because they had other things to be because they had other things to be because they had other things to be worried about. worried about. worried about. Maybe they're just trying to make it Maybe they're just trying to make it Maybe they're just trying to make it themselves. Maybe they've been jaded to themselves. Maybe they've been jaded to themselves. Maybe they've been jaded to the stuff that was in front of them in the stuff that was in front of them in the stuff that was in front of them in the moment. Maybe they didn't have the the moment. Maybe they didn't have the the moment. Maybe they didn't have the capacity to care. capacity to care. capacity to care. Here's my question for you. Here's my question for you. Here's my question for you. Have you ever felt like that? Have you ever thought, Have you ever thought, "Listen, I don't got the strength "Listen, I don't got the strength "Listen, I don't got the strength to carry one more care."

I don't know if you ever felt that way. I don't know if you ever felt that way. So, listen, in my life, I follow an So, listen, in my life, I follow an So, listen, in my life, I follow an unofficial law. unofficial law. unofficial law. I abide by it. I abide by it. I abide by it. This unofficial law states that no This unofficial law states that no This unofficial law states that no matter how many grocery bags you have in matter how many grocery bags you have in matter how many grocery bags you have in your car, you must only use one trip to your car, you must only use one trip to your car, you must only use one trip to get them in the house. get them in the house. get them in the house. Listen, I obey that law faithfully. Listen, I obey that law faithfully. Listen, I obey that law faithfully. Listen, to take two trips to grab Listen, to take two trips to grab Listen, to take two trips to grab groceries in my mind is one trip too groceries in my mind is one trip too groceries in my mind is one trip too many. I follow this law because it's many. I follow this law because it's many. I follow this law because it's efficient. It makes sense. I think it's efficient. It makes sense. I think it's efficient. It makes sense. I think it's a good idea until that moment when I'm a good idea until that moment when I'm a good idea until that moment when I'm halfway to the house halfway to the house halfway to the house and I realize I've got one bag too many. and I realize I've got one bag too many. and I realize I've got one bag too many. You see, it's that moment where you You see, it's that moment where you You see, it's that moment where you begin to make an executive decision. You begin to make an executive decision. You begin to make an executive decision. You begin to have an inner dialogue. begin to have an inner dialogue. begin to have an inner dialogue. You begin to think, "Which bag am I You begin to think, "Which bag am I You begin to think, "Which bag am I going to drop?" going to drop?" going to drop?" You know, you're you're you're walking You know, you're you're you're walking You know, you're you're you're walking in with the groceries and you think, in with the groceries and you think, in with the groceries and you think, "Eggs? No, I can't drop that. Frozen "Eggs? No, I can't drop that. Frozen "Eggs? No, I can't drop that. Frozen pizza? Yeah, you're going on the pizza? Yeah, you're going on the pizza? Yeah, you're going on the sidewalk. I'll come back for you." sidewalk. I'll come back for you." sidewalk. I'll come back for you." Listen, sometimes there's a point in the Listen, sometimes there's a point in the Listen, sometimes there's a point in the journey journey journey where the bags I'm carrying where the bags I'm carrying where the bags I'm carrying outnumber my ability to carry them.

outnumber my ability to carry them. outnumber my ability to carry them. Have you ever felt that way about cares? Y'all, we live in a global world Y'all, we live in a global world where news updates show up to our phones where news updates show up to our phones where news updates show up to our phones and our watches and a lot of it is and our watches and a lot of it is and our watches and a lot of it is heavy. heavy. heavy. Not only that, we got people who are Not only that, we got people who are Not only that, we got people who are close to us who are going through it at close to us who are going through it at close to us who are going through it at the same time. the same time. the same time. They're going through breakups and work They're going through breakups and work They're going through breakups and work issues and grief and loss. It's a lot. issues and grief and loss. It's a lot. issues and grief and loss. It's a lot. And you'll quickly realize in the midst And you'll quickly realize in the midst And you'll quickly realize in the midst of it all that you can't carry all the of it all that you can't carry all the of it all that you can't carry all the cares. cares. cares. You realize that you don't got the You realize that you don't got the You realize that you don't got the emotional bandwidth or physical emotional bandwidth or physical emotional bandwidth or physical bandwidth to care to care for all these bandwidth to care to care for all these bandwidth to care to care for all these people. people. people. It's like me trying to grab all these It's like me trying to grab all these It's like me trying to grab all these grocery bags. How are we supposed to grocery bags. How are we supposed to grocery bags. How are we supposed to care care care about the war in the Middle East, and about the war in the Middle East, and about the war in the Middle East, and the orphan crisis in Africa, and sex the orphan crisis in Africa, and sex the orphan crisis in Africa, and sex trafficking all around the world, and trafficking all around the world, and trafficking all around the world, and about your relatives' health issues, and about your relatives' health issues, and about your relatives' health issues, and about your friend's broken about your friend's broken about your friend's broken relationships, and not to mention your relationships, and not to mention your relationships, and not to mention your own troubles? own troubles? own troubles? You quickly hit up against your capacity You quickly hit up against your capacity You quickly hit up against your capacity to care, to care, to care, and you start to experience compassion and you start to experience compassion and you start to experience compassion fatigue, and then you start to make fatigue, and then you start to make fatigue, and then you start to make decisions to simply drop stuff.

decisions to simply drop stuff. decisions to simply drop stuff. And then you realize, "Hold on, if I'm And then you realize, "Hold on, if I'm And then you realize, "Hold on, if I'm limited, limited, limited, other people are limited, too. other people are limited, too. other people are limited, too. And if they are limited in their ability And if they are limited in their ability And if they are limited in their ability to care about all the things that they to care about all the things that they to care about all the things that they should care about, you begin to think, should care about, you begin to think, should care about, you begin to think, 'How can I expect them to care about 'How can I expect them to care about 'How can I expect them to care about little old me?'" little old me?'" little old me?'" And then it's easy for us to put all of And then it's easy for us to put all of And then it's easy for us to put all of that on Jesus as well. that on Jesus as well. that on Jesus as well. Think about Jesus. Think about Jesus. Think about Jesus. There is a lot of cares that Jesus is There is a lot of cares that Jesus is There is a lot of cares that Jesus is carrying. carrying. carrying. He sees all the cares that we see and He sees all the cares that we see and He sees all the cares that we see and then some. then some. then some. And we tend to think, "Okay, my needs And we tend to think, "Okay, my needs And we tend to think, "Okay, my needs pale in comparison pale in comparison pale in comparison to some of those. to some of those. to some of those. Does Jesus have the capacity to care for Does Jesus have the capacity to care for Does Jesus have the capacity to care for me?" me?" me?" And let me tell you this morning, the And let me tell you this morning, the And let me tell you this morning, the picture that we see in verses 25 through picture that we see in verses 25 through picture that we see in verses 25 through 27 27 27 tells us tells us tells us that he certainly does. that he certainly does. that he certainly does. Look at verse 25. Look at verse 25. Look at verse 25. Verse 25 says it this way. It says, "But Verse 25 says it this way. It says, "But Verse 25 says it this way. It says, "But standing by the cross of Jesus standing by the cross of Jesus standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother's sister, were his mother and his mother's sister, were his mother and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene." This is what I love about Magdalene." This is what I love about Magdalene." This is what I love about this, right? Between the actions of the this, right? Between the actions of the this, right? Between the actions of the soldiers and this account of Jesus' soldiers and this account of Jesus' soldiers and this account of Jesus' conversation with his mother is the word conversation with his mother is the word conversation with his mother is the word but.

but. but. That word is there to declare that there That word is there to declare that there That word is there to declare that there is something different happening is something different happening is something different happening in what Jesus is doing than what the in what Jesus is doing than what the in what Jesus is doing than what the soldiers are doing. soldiers are doing. soldiers are doing. Listen, Jesus is hanging on the cross, Listen, Jesus is hanging on the cross, Listen, Jesus is hanging on the cross, experiencing the greatest suffering that experiencing the greatest suffering that experiencing the greatest suffering that the world has ever known. Listen, not the world has ever known. Listen, not the world has ever known. Listen, not only is he experiencing the physical only is he experiencing the physical only is he experiencing the physical pain of crucifixion, pain of crucifixion, pain of crucifixion, he is experiencing the condemnation, the he is experiencing the condemnation, the he is experiencing the condemnation, the weight, and the shame of the sin of all weight, and the shame of the sin of all weight, and the shame of the sin of all humanity. humanity. humanity. The deepest suffering that anybody has The deepest suffering that anybody has The deepest suffering that anybody has ever experienced. And then look at verse ever experienced. And then look at verse ever experienced. And then look at verse 26. 26. 26. Verse 26 puts it this way. Verse 26 puts it this way. Verse 26 puts it this way. When Jesus saw his mother and the When Jesus saw his mother and the When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, disciple whom he loved standing nearby, disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, he said to his mother, he said to his mother, "Woman, "Woman, "Woman, behold your son." behold your son." behold your son." Do you see it? Do you see it? Do you see it? Jesus is bearing the weight of the sin Jesus is bearing the weight of the sin Jesus is bearing the weight of the sin of all humanity. He's carrying all of my of all humanity. He's carrying all of my of all humanity. He's carrying all of my bags and your bags. All of your sin, all bags and your bags. All of your sin, all bags and your bags. All of your sin, all of your baggage, he has it all. of your baggage, he has it all. of your baggage, he has it all. And he still on that cross has the And he still on that cross has the And he still on that cross has the capacity capacity capacity to care for his mother's needs and meet to care for his mother's needs and meet to care for his mother's needs and meet them.

them. them. Y'all, he's bearing the sin of the Y'all, he's bearing the sin of the Y'all, he's bearing the sin of the entire world and he still has the entire world and he still has the entire world and he still has the capacity to care. And I want you to get capacity to care. And I want you to get capacity to care. And I want you to get the thrust of what I'm trying to say the thrust of what I'm trying to say the thrust of what I'm trying to say this morning. Jesus has the capacity to this morning. Jesus has the capacity to this morning. Jesus has the capacity to care for you right now. Jesus has the capacity Jesus has the capacity to care for you right now. I don't care to care for you right now. I don't care to care for you right now. I don't care how many burdens you have. how many burdens you have. how many burdens you have. Your burdens will never exceed Jesus' Your burdens will never exceed Jesus' Your burdens will never exceed Jesus' ability to care. ability to care. ability to care. Listen, you may be limited Listen, you may be limited Listen, you may be limited uh in your ability and your capacity to uh in your ability and your capacity to uh in your ability and your capacity to care for other people, care for other people, care for other people, but Jesus isn't. but Jesus isn't. but Jesus isn't. Jesus is bearing the sin of the whole Jesus is bearing the sin of the whole Jesus is bearing the sin of the whole world and still has the capacity to care world and still has the capacity to care world and still has the capacity to care for his mother. His capacity to care is for his mother. His capacity to care is for his mother. His capacity to care is endless. He has room for you, y'all. endless. He has room for you, y'all. endless. He has room for you, y'all. He is not too busy for you. He doesn't He is not too busy for you. He doesn't He is not too busy for you. He doesn't have better things to do. He he he he have better things to do. He he he he have better things to do. He he he he doesn't have compassion fatigue. The doesn't have compassion fatigue. The doesn't have compassion fatigue. The things that caused your eyes to well things that caused your eyes to well things that caused your eyes to well with tears this morning, Jesus has the with tears this morning, Jesus has the with tears this morning, Jesus has the capacity to care and he does. capacity to care and he does. capacity to care and he does. He does.

He does. He does. You might be thinking, "All right, Eric, You might be thinking, "All right, Eric, You might be thinking, "All right, Eric, hold on. How is Jesus' capacity to care for his How is Jesus' capacity to care for his mother mother mother an indication that he cares for me? an indication that he cares for me? an indication that he cares for me? That's his mother. That's his mother. That's his mother. I'm some random person." I'm some random person." I'm some random person." I'm glad you asked. I'm glad you asked. I'm glad you asked. Listen, y'all. Jesus thought about Listen, y'all. Jesus thought about Listen, y'all. Jesus thought about family differently than we think about family differently than we think about family differently than we think about family. I want you to remember a passage family. I want you to remember a passage family. I want you to remember a passage from Mark 12. from Mark 12. from Mark 12. Jesus is doing ministry Jesus is doing ministry Jesus is doing ministry and his mothers and brothers pull up on and his mothers and brothers pull up on and his mothers and brothers pull up on Jesus to have a word with him. Jesus to have a word with him. Jesus to have a word with him. Listen, there there there are clues in Listen, there there there are clues in Listen, there there there are clues in the scriptures the scriptures the scriptures that Jesus' family didn't get the point that Jesus' family didn't get the point that Jesus' family didn't get the point of Jesus' ministry. of Jesus' ministry. of Jesus' ministry. They were coming to Jesus saying, They were coming to Jesus saying, They were coming to Jesus saying, "Jesus, you need to calm it down a bit." "Jesus, you need to calm it down a bit." "Jesus, you need to calm it down a bit." Right? So, they pull up to the house. Right? So, they pull up to the house. Right? So, they pull up to the house. Didn't quite understand what Jesus was Didn't quite understand what Jesus was Didn't quite understand what Jesus was up to. They're concerned about him. up to. They're concerned about him. up to. They're concerned about him. Somebody walks up to Jesus and they say, Somebody walks up to Jesus and they say, Somebody walks up to Jesus and they say, "Jesus, listen, your mom and your "Jesus, listen, your mom and your "Jesus, listen, your mom and your brothers they outside. They got to talk brothers they outside. They got to talk brothers they outside. They got to talk to you." to you." to you." And catch what Jesus says to them. And catch what Jesus says to them. And catch what Jesus says to them. Jesus says, Jesus says, Jesus says, "Who is my mother and who are my "Who is my mother and who are my "Who is my mother and who are my brothers?"

brothers?" brothers?" And stretching out his hand towards the And stretching out his hand towards the And stretching out his hand towards the disciples, he said, "Here are my mother disciples, he said, "Here are my mother disciples, he said, "Here are my mother and my brothers, for whoever does the and my brothers, for whoever does the and my brothers, for whoever does the will of my father in heaven is my will of my father in heaven is my will of my father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother." brother and sister and mother." brother and sister and mother." Do y'all catch what Jesus is saying Do y'all catch what Jesus is saying Do y'all catch what Jesus is saying there? there? there? He's saying that the same level of care He's saying that the same level of care He's saying that the same level of care that his mothers and brothers get is that his mothers and brothers get is that his mothers and brothers get is available to anybody who follows him. available to anybody who follows him. available to anybody who follows him. Listen, and right now, Jesus is in a Listen, and right now, Jesus is in a Listen, and right now, Jesus is in a better position to give it. He's not better position to give it. He's not better position to give it. He's not hanging on a Roman cross right now. Our hanging on a Roman cross right now. Our hanging on a Roman cross right now. Our Jesus is sitting at the right hand of Jesus is sitting at the right hand of Jesus is sitting at the right hand of the throne of God exalted right now. He the throne of God exalted right now. He the throne of God exalted right now. He He got the ability to care for you this He got the ability to care for you this He got the ability to care for you this morning. morning. morning. This is good news for you. This is good news for you. This is good news for you. What is that thing that is causing you What is that thing that is causing you What is that thing that is causing you to wonder, "Does Does God care about to wonder, "Does Does God care about to wonder, "Does Does God care about me?" me?" me?" What's that thing that's causing you to What's that thing that's causing you to What's that thing that's causing you to question, "Am I invisible?" question, "Am I invisible?" question, "Am I invisible?" Let me tell you this morning, you got a Let me tell you this morning, you got a Let me tell you this morning, you got a God in heaven. You got Jesus Christ who God in heaven. You got Jesus Christ who God in heaven. You got Jesus Christ who was resurrected and exalted. He sees you was resurrected and exalted. He sees you was resurrected and exalted. He sees you this morning and he cares about you this this morning and he cares about you this this morning and he cares about you this morning. morning. morning. Listen. Listen. Listen. Listen. Listen. Listen. Does your burden feel small and petty Does your burden feel small and petty Does your burden feel small and petty compared to other people? It doesn't compared to other people? It doesn't compared to other people? It doesn't matter. Jesus cares about you this matter. Jesus cares about you this matter. Jesus cares about you this morning.

morning. morning. Jesus is not too busy. He's not too Jesus is not too busy. He's not too Jesus is not too busy. He's not too preoccupied to care about you. He is in preoccupied to care about you. He is in preoccupied to care about you. He is in power. He is infinite in presence. He is power. He is infinite in presence. He is power. He is infinite in presence. He is infinite in love, meaning this, when it infinite in love, meaning this, when it infinite in love, meaning this, when it comes to carrying the cares of the comes to carrying the cares of the comes to carrying the cares of the world, he will not drop you. world, he will not drop you. world, he will not drop you. He won't. He won't. He won't. Jesus has the capacity to care for you Jesus has the capacity to care for you Jesus has the capacity to care for you right now. right now. right now. But you might be wondering, But you might be wondering, But you might be wondering, if Jesus has the capacity to care, if Jesus has the capacity to care, if Jesus has the capacity to care, why does it sometimes feel like he why does it sometimes feel like he why does it sometimes feel like he doesn't? doesn't? doesn't? Why does it feel like that sometimes? Why does it feel like that sometimes? Why does it feel like that sometimes? This is where his wisdom comes in. This is where his wisdom comes in. This is where his wisdom comes in. Listen. Listen. Listen. Not only does Jesus have the capacity to Not only does Jesus have the capacity to Not only does Jesus have the capacity to care for you, care for you, care for you, he has the wisdom to care for you this he has the wisdom to care for you this he has the wisdom to care for you this morning. morning. morning. He has the wisdom to care for you this He has the wisdom to care for you this He has the wisdom to care for you this morning. What do I mean by that? Listen. morning. What do I mean by that? Listen. morning. What do I mean by that? Listen. Jesus' capacity to care for our needs Jesus' capacity to care for our needs Jesus' capacity to care for our needs doesn't mean that he'll always meet our doesn't mean that he'll always meet our doesn't mean that he'll always meet our needs in the way that we think he should needs in the way that we think he should needs in the way that we think he should in the moment that we think he should. in the moment that we think he should. in the moment that we think he should. If you're like me, If you're like me, If you're like me, I do this sometimes.

I do this sometimes. I do this sometimes. I often think, "God, if you cared, you'd I often think, "God, if you cared, you'd I often think, "God, if you cared, you'd do it this way." do it this way." do it this way." God, if you cared about me, you'd erase God, if you cared about me, you'd erase God, if you cared about me, you'd erase the debt right now. the debt right now. the debt right now. God, if you cared about me, you'd send God, if you cared about me, you'd send God, if you cared about me, you'd send the spouse to me right now. God, if you the spouse to me right now. God, if you the spouse to me right now. God, if you cared about me, you'd heal the sickness cared about me, you'd heal the sickness cared about me, you'd heal the sickness right now. God, if you cared about me, right now. God, if you cared about me, right now. God, if you cared about me, you'd send the prodigal child home right you'd send the prodigal child home right you'd send the prodigal child home right now. And certainly, God can do that. now. And certainly, God can do that. now. And certainly, God can do that. And yet, when Jesus This is what faith And yet, when Jesus This is what faith And yet, when Jesus This is what faith is. When Jesus is not expressing his is. When Jesus is not expressing his is. When Jesus is not expressing his care to you in the way that you think he care to you in the way that you think he care to you in the way that you think he should right now, what it means to trust should right now, what it means to trust should right now, what it means to trust Jesus is to remember that he's wiser Jesus is to remember that he's wiser Jesus is to remember that he's wiser than you. than you. than you. And that he's caring for you even when And that he's caring for you even when And that he's caring for you even when you can't see it. you can't see it. you can't see it. To this point, I want you to think about To this point, I want you to think about To this point, I want you to think about it from Mary's point of view. it from Mary's point of view. it from Mary's point of view. Mary is standing at a foot of a cross, Mary is standing at a foot of a cross, Mary is standing at a foot of a cross, and she's in grief. and she's in grief. and she's in grief. She is watching the one whom she She is watching the one whom she She is watching the one whom she birthed, birthed, birthed, she nursed, she nursed, she nursed, she taught, and she raised. She's she taught, and she raised. She's she taught, and she raised. She's watching that one being executed by the watching that one being executed by the watching that one being executed by the Roman government.

Roman government. Roman government. And there are so many times in which in And there are so many times in which in And there are so many times in which in the past Jesus talked about, frankly, the past Jesus talked about, frankly, the past Jesus talked about, frankly, that he would die, that he would rise, that he would die, that he would rise, that he would die, that he would rise, and nobody seemed to believe him, and nobody seemed to believe him, and nobody seemed to believe him, including his mother. including his mother. including his mother. And it seemed to so many, including his And it seemed to so many, including his And it seemed to so many, including his mother, mother, mother, that Jesus would be forever dead, and that Jesus would be forever dead, and that Jesus would be forever dead, and the movement would be forever over. the movement would be forever over. the movement would be forever over. She's grieving the death of her son. She's grieving the death of her son. She's grieving the death of her son. I can imagine she's thinking, "God, if I can imagine she's thinking, "God, if I can imagine she's thinking, "God, if you cared, you cared, you cared, you would remove Jesus from the cross you would remove Jesus from the cross you would remove Jesus from the cross right now." right now." right now." Catch this, y'all. Catch this, y'all. Catch this, y'all. In that moment, In that moment, In that moment, Mary wasn't wise enough to see how the Mary wasn't wise enough to see how the Mary wasn't wise enough to see how the cross was an expression of God's care cross was an expression of God's care cross was an expression of God's care for her in that moment. for her in that moment. for her in that moment. She couldn't see that God was actually She couldn't see that God was actually She couldn't see that God was actually caring for her deepest need, caring for her deepest need, caring for her deepest need, and that and him caring for her actually and that and him caring for her actually and that and him caring for her actually required required required for Jesus, the Son of God, to die. for Jesus, the Son of God, to die. for Jesus, the Son of God, to die. She wasn't wise enough to see that a She wasn't wise enough to see that a She wasn't wise enough to see that a resurrection was coming, and then resurrection was coming, and then resurrection was coming, and then eternal life and eternal joy eternal life and eternal joy eternal life and eternal joy would be available to all, including would be available to all, including would be available to all, including her. her. her. She couldn't see that God was actually She couldn't see that God was actually She couldn't see that God was actually working in the dark.

So listen, y'all, when I was a kid, So listen, y'all, when I was a kid, I remember getting a basketball hoop I remember getting a basketball hoop I remember getting a basketball hoop for Christmas. for Christmas. for Christmas. Um I started about it, Um I started about it, Um I started about it, and yet it was April, and yet it was April, and yet it was April, and that hoop still wasn't up yet. and that hoop still wasn't up yet. and that hoop still wasn't up yet. And I get it. Listen, my dad was busy. I And I get it. Listen, my dad was busy. I And I get it. Listen, my dad was busy. I asked him to put it up by a certain asked him to put it up by a certain asked him to put it up by a certain date. We had family coming into town. I date. We had family coming into town. I date. We had family coming into town. I had my cousins coming into town. I had had my cousins coming into town. I had had my cousins coming into town. I had been bragging that I got a basketball been bragging that I got a basketball been bragging that I got a basketball hoop that we can play, hoop that we can play, hoop that we can play, and the furthest that my dad had gotten and the furthest that my dad had gotten and the furthest that my dad had gotten was a hole in the ground. was a hole in the ground. was a hole in the ground. Dad kept saying, "Listen, I got you. I Dad kept saying, "Listen, I got you. I Dad kept saying, "Listen, I got you. I got you. I got you." got you. I got you." got you. I got you." But it was literally two nights before But it was literally two nights before But it was literally two nights before they were due to show up. It's like 7:00 they were due to show up. It's like 7:00 they were due to show up. It's like 7:00 p.m. It's dark outside, p.m. It's dark outside, p.m. It's dark outside, and all I see is this hole. and all I see is this hole. and all I see is this hole. I'm mad. I'm frustrated. I'm mad. I'm frustrated. I'm mad. I'm frustrated. I don't say it to him, cuz daddy would I don't say it to him, cuz daddy would I don't say it to him, cuz daddy would have knocked me out, right? But I'm have knocked me out, right? But I'm have knocked me out, right? But I'm thinking, "Yo, he does not care. thinking, "Yo, he does not care. thinking, "Yo, he does not care. It's already dark outside. It's already dark outside. It's already dark outside. Concrete actually needs a couple of days Concrete actually needs a couple of days Concrete actually needs a couple of days to set. to set. to set. It's not happening. But apparently my dad had a flair for But apparently my dad had a flair for the for the dramatic.

the for the dramatic. the for the dramatic. Because I woke up the next morning Because I woke up the next morning Because I woke up the next morning and there it stood in all its glory. and there it stood in all its glory. and there it stood in all its glory. My dad literally had broken out his My dad literally had broken out his My dad literally had broken out his tools and set it up during the night. tools and set it up during the night. tools and set it up during the night. I want y'all to catch this. I was so I want y'all to catch this. I was so I want y'all to catch this. I was so frustrated because I thought that my dad frustrated because I thought that my dad frustrated because I thought that my dad couldn't work in the dark. couldn't work in the dark. couldn't work in the dark. I was so frustrated because I thought I was so frustrated because I thought I was so frustrated because I thought that he didn't care about what I wanted that he didn't care about what I wanted that he didn't care about what I wanted and neither of those things were true. and neither of those things were true. and neither of those things were true. I thought that darkness meant that my I thought that darkness meant that my I thought that darkness meant that my dad couldn't be working. dad couldn't be working. dad couldn't be working. But darkness But darkness But darkness only meant that I couldn't see him only meant that I couldn't see him only meant that I couldn't see him working. working. working. I had to wait until the morning to see I had to wait until the morning to see I had to wait until the morning to see that he had been working and caring for that he had been working and caring for that he had been working and caring for me all along. me all along. me all along. Hey, hey with me this morning. That's Hey, hey with me this morning. That's Hey, hey with me this morning. That's what the cross is like. what the cross is like. what the cross is like. Listen, we got a savior that's able to Listen, we got a savior that's able to Listen, we got a savior that's able to work in the dark, y'all. work in the dark, y'all. work in the dark, y'all. He can. In the darkness of Mary's He can. In the darkness of Mary's He can. In the darkness of Mary's moment, moment, moment, Jesus was working. Jesus was caring. Jesus was working. Jesus was caring. Jesus was working. Jesus was caring. And in the darkness of your moments, And in the darkness of your moments, And in the darkness of your moments, even when you don't sense, even when you even when you don't sense, even when you even when you don't sense, even when you question, God, do you care about me? question, God, do you care about me? question, God, do you care about me? God is still working, y'all. God is still working, y'all. God is still working, y'all. He's still caring.

He's still caring. He's still caring. Y'all, on the cross, Jesus cared for Y'all, on the cross, Jesus cared for Y'all, on the cross, Jesus cared for Mary in a better way than Mary could Mary in a better way than Mary could Mary in a better way than Mary could imagine even though she couldn't imagine even though she couldn't imagine even though she couldn't recognize it in that moment. recognize it in that moment. recognize it in that moment. It was dark, It was dark, It was dark, but she had no understanding that she but she had no understanding that she but she had no understanding that she Easter morning was coming. Easter morning was coming. Easter morning was coming. And listen, on the cross, Jesus shows And listen, on the cross, Jesus shows And listen, on the cross, Jesus shows that he cares about you better than you that he cares about you better than you that he cares about you better than you can imagine too. can imagine too. can imagine too. I listen for for many of those who are I listen for for many of those who are I listen for for many of those who are here, here, here, and you might be exploring what it means and you might be exploring what it means and you might be exploring what it means to be a follower of Jesus. to be a follower of Jesus. to be a follower of Jesus. I want to take a moment to articulate I want to take a moment to articulate I want to take a moment to articulate the good news of the gospel. the good news of the gospel. the good news of the gospel. Uh the gospel is good news. The gospel Uh the gospel is good news. The gospel Uh the gospel is good news. The gospel declares that there's a God above declares that there's a God above declares that there's a God above that cares about you so much. that cares about you so much. that cares about you so much. He made you for himself out of love. The He made you for himself out of love. The He made you for himself out of love. The scripture says that he was intricately scripture says that he was intricately scripture says that he was intricately involved in your birth. No matter the involved in your birth. No matter the involved in your birth. No matter the circumstances of it, he was knitting you circumstances of it, he was knitting you circumstances of it, he was knitting you together in your mother's womb. He made together in your mother's womb. He made together in your mother's womb. He made you. you. you. And then instead of trusting his love And then instead of trusting his love And then instead of trusting his love and care, every single person, all of and care, every single person, all of and care, every single person, all of us, us, us, we pushed him away.

we pushed him away. we pushed him away. You know what we've done? You know what we've done? You know what we've done? We decided that his commands were not We decided that his commands were not We decided that his commands were not loving and caring loving and caring loving and caring and that we could love ourselves and and that we could love ourselves and and that we could love ourselves and care for ourselves better than God. care for ourselves better than God. care for ourselves better than God. We disobey God. The Bible calls that We disobey God. The Bible calls that We disobey God. The Bible calls that sin. And because of our sin sin. And because of our sin sin. And because of our sin and the holiness and perfection of God, and the holiness and perfection of God, and the holiness and perfection of God, we deserve God's just wrath. we deserve God's just wrath. we deserve God's just wrath. And yet God has been gracious to us and And yet God has been gracious to us and And yet God has been gracious to us and guess what, y'all? He never stopped guess what, y'all? He never stopped guess what, y'all? He never stopped caring about you. caring about you. caring about you. He cared about you so much that he sent He cared about you so much that he sent He cared about you so much that he sent his son Jesus Christ for you. his son Jesus Christ for you. his son Jesus Christ for you. Listen, Jesus came and he lived the Listen, Jesus came and he lived the Listen, Jesus came and he lived the perfect life, the life that you did not perfect life, the life that you did not perfect life, the life that you did not live. live. live. And he died on the cross taking the And he died on the cross taking the And he died on the cross taking the punishment that you deserve for your punishment that you deserve for your punishment that you deserve for your sin. He rose again proving that he's God sin. He rose again proving that he's God sin. He rose again proving that he's God and that he has victory over sin, Satan, and that he has victory over sin, Satan, and that he has victory over sin, Satan, death, and the grave. death, and the grave. death, and the grave. Now, listen. Now, listen. Now, listen. If anybody simply comes to Jesus If anybody simply comes to Jesus If anybody simply comes to Jesus confessing their sin confessing their sin confessing their sin and trusting that Jesus is Lord, we can and trusting that Jesus is Lord, we can and trusting that Jesus is Lord, we can be forgiven of all that we've ever done. be forgiven of all that we've ever done. be forgiven of all that we've ever done. And we can experience the kind of care And we can experience the kind of care And we can experience the kind of care that comes that comes that comes for being called a son and daughter of for being called a son and daughter of for being called a son and daughter of the living God.

the living God. the living God. Y'all, that's good news this morning. Y'all, that's good news this morning. Y'all, that's good news this morning. That's good news. We can clap for that. That's good news. We can clap for that. That's good news. We can clap for that. Amen. The scriptures tell us this, that in the The scriptures tell us this, that in the gospel, God proves that he is able and gospel, God proves that he is able and gospel, God proves that he is able and willing to provide for our deepest willing to provide for our deepest willing to provide for our deepest needs. We need forgiveness and he's needs. We need forgiveness and he's needs. We need forgiveness and he's provided that. And catch this, y'all. If provided that. And catch this, y'all. If provided that. And catch this, y'all. If God has cared for you God has cared for you God has cared for you at the point of your deepest need at the at the point of your deepest need at the at the point of your deepest need at the cross, he can care for you right now cross, he can care for you right now cross, he can care for you right now with whatever need you have. with whatever need you have. with whatever need you have. He can. He can. He can. I know life might be hard for you. I know life might be hard for you. I know life might be hard for you. I know things might be a little dark I know things might be a little dark I know things might be a little dark right now. I know you might be suffering right now. I know you might be suffering right now. I know you might be suffering right now. And I know you might be right now. And I know you might be right now. And I know you might be wondering, does God care about me? wondering, does God care about me? wondering, does God care about me? And if you were ever in a moment where And if you were ever in a moment where And if you were ever in a moment where you were tempted to believe that God you were tempted to believe that God you were tempted to believe that God doesn't care about you, you know what doesn't care about you, you know what doesn't care about you, you know what God invites you to do? He invites you to God invites you to do? He invites you to God invites you to do? He invites you to look back to the cross. look back to the cross. look back to the cross. On the cross, Jesus was working in the On the cross, Jesus was working in the On the cross, Jesus was working in the darkest moment of human history. darkest moment of human history. darkest moment of human history. And if he was working through that And if he was working through that And if he was working through that moment, he's working through your moment, he's working through your moment, he's working through your darkest moments right now. So, I want to darkest moments right now. So, I want to darkest moments right now. So, I want to encourage you, my claim Bible church, encourage you, my claim Bible church, encourage you, my claim Bible church, hold on. hold on. hold on. Morning is coming.

Morning is coming. Morning is coming. And you'll see what God was doing all And you'll see what God was doing all And you'll see what God was doing all along. Hold on to Christ even in the along. Hold on to Christ even in the along. Hold on to Christ even in the midst of your depression, midst of your depression, midst of your depression, because he's still working in the dark. because he's still working in the dark. because he's still working in the dark. HOLD ON TO CHRIST EVEN WHEN YOU FEEL HOLD ON TO CHRIST EVEN WHEN YOU FEEL HOLD ON TO CHRIST EVEN WHEN YOU FEEL BETRAYED, BETRAYED, BETRAYED, because he still works in the dark, because he still works in the dark, because he still works in the dark, y'all. y'all. y'all. Hold on to Christ when you feel Hold on to Christ when you feel Hold on to Christ when you feel frustrated, when people don't appreciate frustrated, when people don't appreciate frustrated, when people don't appreciate you, when life feels like IT'S TOO MUCH. you, when life feels like IT'S TOO MUCH. you, when life feels like IT'S TOO MUCH. HOLD ON BECAUSE JESUS is still working HOLD ON BECAUSE JESUS is still working HOLD ON BECAUSE JESUS is still working in the dark. The cross and the in the dark. The cross and the in the dark. The cross and the resurrection proves that we can trust resurrection proves that we can trust resurrection proves that we can trust the wisdom of Christ the wisdom of Christ the wisdom of Christ even when life gets dark. even when life gets dark. even when life gets dark. Trust him, y'all. Trust him, y'all. Trust him, y'all. You will not be disappointed. You will not be disappointed. You will not be disappointed. Morning is coming. Morning is coming. Morning is coming. Jesus has the wisdom to care for you Jesus has the wisdom to care for you Jesus has the wisdom to care for you today. He has the capacity to care for today. He has the capacity to care for today. He has the capacity to care for you today. And catch this, y'all. you today. And catch this, y'all. you today. And catch this, y'all. Jesus has the means to care for you Jesus has the means to care for you Jesus has the means to care for you right now. right now. right now. He has the means to care for you right He has the means to care for you right He has the means to care for you right now. now. now. I want you to look at how Jesus cares I want you to look at how Jesus cares I want you to look at how Jesus cares for his mother real quick. I love this for his mother real quick. I love this for his mother real quick. I love this part. Look Look at verses 26 and 27 part. Look Look at verses 26 and 27 part. Look Look at verses 26 and 27 again. again. again. It says, "When Jesus saw his mother and It says, "When Jesus saw his mother and It says, "When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing the disciple whom he loved standing the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, 'Woman, nearby, he said to his mother, 'Woman, nearby, he said to his mother, 'Woman, behold your son.'" behold your son.'" behold your son.'" And he said to the disciple, "Behold And he said to the disciple, "Behold And he said to the disciple, "Behold your mother."

your mother." your mother." And from that hour, the disciple took And from that hour, the disciple took And from that hour, the disciple took her her her to his own home. to his own home. to his own home. What I love about this text is that this What I love about this text is that this What I love about this text is that this shows how God provides care to his shows how God provides care to his shows how God provides care to his children. children. children. Y'all, look at the text. I want you to Y'all, look at the text. I want you to Y'all, look at the text. I want you to think about something. Remember, think about something. Remember, think about something. Remember, Jesus had brothers. Jesus had brothers. Jesus had brothers. And yet Jesus doesn't tell his brothers And yet Jesus doesn't tell his brothers And yet Jesus doesn't tell his brothers to care for his mother, he tells John. to care for his mother, he tells John. to care for his mother, he tells John. And listen, I don't know the reason for And listen, I don't know the reason for And listen, I don't know the reason for this, but the fact of the matter is this, but the fact of the matter is this, Jesus is establishing a new relationship Jesus is establishing a new relationship Jesus is establishing a new relationship between John and Mary, between John and Mary, between John and Mary, showing us the way that he provides care showing us the way that he provides care showing us the way that he provides care for us right now. for us right now. for us right now. I I I I love this. I I I I love this. I I I I love this. Jesus is creating a family that Jesus is creating a family that Jesus is creating a family that transcends biology. transcends biology. transcends biology. Let me show you something real quick. Let me show you something real quick. Let me show you something real quick. Luke 18. Luke 18. Luke 18. There's this passage where Jesus tells There's this passage where Jesus tells There's this passage where Jesus tells this rich man to sell everything you got this rich man to sell everything you got this rich man to sell everything you got if you want to follow me. if you want to follow me. if you want to follow me. And Peter gets a little shook by that. And Peter gets a little shook by that. And Peter gets a little shook by that. Peter tells Jesus, hold on Jesus. Peter tells Jesus, hold on Jesus. Peter tells Jesus, hold on Jesus. We left everything to follow you.

We left everything to follow you. We left everything to follow you. In other words, he's saying this, we In other words, he's saying this, we In other words, he's saying this, we left everything, so what do we get? left everything, so what do we get? left everything, so what do we get? And what does Jesus tell them? And what does Jesus tell them? And what does Jesus tell them? Luke 18:29. Luke 18:29. Luke 18:29. And Jesus said to them, truly I say to And Jesus said to them, truly I say to And Jesus said to them, truly I say to you, you, you, there is no one who has left house or there is no one who has left house or there is no one who has left house or wife or brothers or parents or children wife or brothers or parents or children wife or brothers or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God, for the sake of the kingdom of God, for the sake of the kingdom of God, who would not receive many times more in who would not receive many times more in who would not receive many times more in this time this time this time and in the age to come, eternal life. and in the age to come, eternal life. and in the age to come, eternal life. Here's the question. Here's the question. Here's the question. How does a person who has left behind How does a person who has left behind How does a person who has left behind brothers or parents or children receive brothers or parents or children receive brothers or parents or children receive many times more that many times more that many times more that during this time? during this time? during this time? Y'all, Jesus clearly says this to Y'all, Jesus clearly says this to Y'all, Jesus clearly says this to comfort Peter and the disciples, so he comfort Peter and the disciples, so he comfort Peter and the disciples, so he has to be be referring to real people has to be be referring to real people has to be be referring to real people that can provide that can provide that can provide what they're missing from being from what they're missing from being from what they're missing from being from from from from what they left behind. from from from what they left behind. from from from what they left behind. So, how does somebody get more brothers, So, how does somebody get more brothers, So, how does somebody get more brothers, more parents, more children in this more parents, more children in this more parents, more children in this life? life? life? Peter is saying, listen, I left my Peter is saying, listen, I left my Peter is saying, listen, I left my family behind to follow you, Jesus. I've family behind to follow you, Jesus. I've family behind to follow you, Jesus. I've left my circle of care behind.

left my circle of care behind. left my circle of care behind. Who will care about me? Who will care about me? Who will care about me? Who will know my name? Who will know my name? Who will know my name? And Jesus is saying this here, And Jesus is saying this here, And Jesus is saying this here, I've given you a bigger family. I've given you a bigger family. I've given you a bigger family. I've enlarged your circle of care. I've enlarged your circle of care. I've enlarged your circle of care. I've given you a family called the I've given you a family called the I've given you a family called the church. church. church. And this church is one of God's primary And this church is one of God's primary And this church is one of God's primary means in order to express his love for means in order to express his love for means in order to express his love for you, McLean Bible Church. you, McLean Bible Church. you, McLean Bible Church. Listen, this is what it This is why what Listen, this is what it This is why what Listen, this is what it This is why what Jesus does in John 19 is beautiful. Jesus does in John 19 is beautiful. Jesus does in John 19 is beautiful. He takes two people that aren't blood He takes two people that aren't blood He takes two people that aren't blood and makes them family. and makes them family. and makes them family. Listen, what I love about this TEXT IS Listen, what I love about this TEXT IS Listen, what I love about this TEXT IS I'M NOT sure if Jesus I'M NOT sure if Jesus I'M NOT sure if Jesus had that in mind before he came to the had that in mind before he came to the had that in mind before he came to the cross. cross. cross. I don't know before he went to the cross I don't know before he went to the cross I don't know before he went to the cross he already thought, "Listen, I'm going he already thought, "Listen, I'm going he already thought, "Listen, I'm going to I'm going to hook John up with Mary to I'm going to hook John up with Mary to I'm going to hook John up with Mary so they can care for one another." so they can care for one another." so they can care for one another." Part of me wonders if Jesus was hanging Part of me wonders if Jesus was hanging Part of me wonders if Jesus was hanging on the cross on the cross on the cross and he looked out and he saw John and and he looked out and he saw John and and he looked out and he saw John and Mary standing beside one another. Mary standing beside one another. Mary standing beside one another. He said, "Y'all both love me. He said, "Y'all both love me. He said, "Y'all both love me. So, why don't you guys now love one So, why don't you guys now love one So, why don't you guys now love one another?" another?" another?" And listen, I surely believe that God And listen, I surely believe that God And listen, I surely believe that God wants to do the same exact thing with wants to do the same exact thing with wants to do the same exact thing with us.

us. us. Listen, the local church is one of God's Listen, the local church is one of God's Listen, the local church is one of God's primary means to care for you. And when primary means to care for you. And when primary means to care for you. And when we refuse to enter into caring we refuse to enter into caring we refuse to enter into caring relationships with one another, we are relationships with one another, we are relationships with one another, we are slapping the hand of God slapping the hand of God slapping the hand of God because he's reaching out and caring for because he's reaching out and caring for because he's reaching out and caring for us through his body, the local church. us through his body, the local church. us through his body, the local church. Y'all hang with me this morning. Y'all hang with me this morning. Y'all hang with me this morning. Some of you have been praying your cares Some of you have been praying your cares Some of you have been praying your cares to God for years to God for years to God for years while ignoring the people through whom while ignoring the people through whom while ignoring the people through whom he's trying to answer your prayer he's trying to answer your prayer he's trying to answer your prayer requests. requests. requests. He wants to reach out to you and care He wants to reach out to you and care He wants to reach out to you and care through his local church. God in his through his local church. God in his through his local church. God in his sovereignty has brought so many people sovereignty has brought so many people sovereignty has brought so many people here who love Jesus that darken the here who love Jesus that darken the here who love Jesus that darken the doors of all of our locations every doors of all of our locations every doors of all of our locations every single Sunday. And if we're not careful, single Sunday. And if we're not careful, single Sunday. And if we're not careful, we can walk into the doors of the church we can walk into the doors of the church we can walk into the doors of the church every single Sunday and our first every single Sunday and our first every single Sunday and our first question is this, "Who will care about question is this, "Who will care about question is this, "Who will care about me?" me?" me?" It's a valid question. It's a valid question. It's a valid question. But what if we ask another question But what if we ask another question But what if we ask another question first? first? first? What if we ask this question? What if we ask this question? What if we ask this question? What if we said Jesus, you have cared What if we said Jesus, you have cared What if we said Jesus, you have cared about me so much. You have sent your son about me so much. You have sent your son about me so much. You have sent your son to die for me. You placed your spirit to die for me. You placed your spirit to die for me. You placed your spirit inside of me. You have given me every inside of me. You have given me every inside of me. You have given me every single spiritual blessing in the in the single spiritual blessing in the in the single spiritual blessing in the in the heavenly places. You have given me so heavenly places. You have given me so heavenly places. You have given me so much mercy. You have given me so much much mercy. You have given me so much much mercy. You have given me so much grace. I don't deserve any of it all.

instead of who would care for me, instead of who would care for me, God, I'm asking this question. God, I'm asking this question. God, I'm asking this question. Who do you want me to care for? Who do you want me to care for? Who do you want me to care for? Y'all, Y'all, Y'all, what if we show up to church what if we show up to church what if we show up to church and we said, "You know what? and we said, "You know what? and we said, "You know what? I'm going to leave my lunch time open on I'm going to leave my lunch time open on I'm going to leave my lunch time open on Sunday Sunday Sunday and I'm going to simply ask God, and I'm going to simply ask God, and I'm going to simply ask God, is there anyone I can invite invite to is there anyone I can invite invite to is there anyone I can invite invite to take out to eat so I can get to know take out to eat so I can get to know take out to eat so I can get to know them and encourage them? them and encourage them? them and encourage them? Who can I care for?" Who can I care for?" Who can I care for?" What if I What if I What if I showed up to showed up to showed up to church group. I signed up to one. church group. I signed up to one. church group. I signed up to one. And I walked in not just simply thinking And I walked in not just simply thinking And I walked in not just simply thinking who would care for me. who would care for me. who would care for me. But I walked in and I started listen, But I walked in and I started listen, But I walked in and I started listen, God, help me to see the needs. God, help me to see the needs. God, help me to see the needs. Help me to see the pain around me. Help me to see the pain around me. Help me to see the pain around me. And give me wisdom on how I can care for And give me wisdom on how I can care for And give me wisdom on how I can care for somebody else. somebody else. somebody else. What if I let a church group and I did What if I let a church group and I did What if I let a church group and I did the same thing. I don't know what God the same thing. I don't know what God the same thing. I don't know what God might be calling uh you to do. might be calling uh you to do. might be calling uh you to do. But I do know if everybody showed up But I do know if everybody showed up But I do know if everybody showed up somewhere like that, somewhere like that, somewhere like that, people would be tearing down the doors people would be tearing down the doors people would be tearing down the doors of this church to come in.

of this church to come in. of this church to come in. Why do I know that? Why do I know that? Why do I know that? Because that's exactly what happened in Because that's exactly what happened in Because that's exactly what happened in the early church. the early church. the early church. Y'all, when you look at Acts 2, the Y'all, when you look at Acts 2, the Y'all, when you look at Acts 2, the early church rocked the known world at early church rocked the known world at early church rocked the known world at that time because a whole bunch of that time because a whole bunch of that time because a whole bunch of strangers got together and the spirit of strangers got together and the spirit of strangers got together and the spirit of God blew on them and strangers became God blew on them and strangers became God blew on them and strangers became family. family. family. They started selling everything. They They started selling everything. They They started selling everything. They started caring for one another in ways started caring for one another in ways started caring for one another in ways that caused the world to say, "God must that caused the world to say, "God must that caused the world to say, "God must truly be there." truly be there." truly be there." God made them family. God made them family. God made them family. And at Mclain Bible Church, I believe And at Mclain Bible Church, I believe And at Mclain Bible Church, I believe this is all my heart. this is all my heart. this is all my heart. I believe God ain't done. I believe God ain't done. I believe God ain't done. I believe God ain't done and it's time I believe God ain't done and it's time I believe God ain't done and it's time for us, y'all, to be the new kind of for us, y'all, to be the new kind of for us, y'all, to be the new kind of family that demonstrates family that demonstrates family that demonstrates the same thing that Jesus demonstrated the same thing that Jesus demonstrated the same thing that Jesus demonstrated by bringing John and Mary together by bringing John and Mary together by bringing John and Mary together because the local church is one of because the local church is one of because the local church is one of Jesus' primary ways Jesus' primary ways Jesus' primary ways to demonstrate his care for us to demonstrate his care for us to demonstrate his care for us and his glory to the watching world. And and his glory to the watching world. And and his glory to the watching world. And I get it, y'all. For many of us, we come I get it, y'all. For many of us, we come I get it, y'all. For many of us, we come to the doors of the church to the doors of the church to the doors of the church because you can be invisible. because you can be invisible. because you can be invisible. We come here simply to get a good word We come here simply to get a good word We come here simply to get a good word and to leave and to go about our and to leave and to go about our and to leave and to go about our business. But let me tell you today, God business. But let me tell you today, God business. But let me tell you today, God desires to care for you through the desires to care for you through the desires to care for you through the local church. He wants more for you.

local church. He wants more for you. local church. He wants more for you. Where's God calling you to care for Where's God calling you to care for Where's God calling you to care for somebody else? somebody else? somebody else? God has given you specific spiritual God has given you specific spiritual God has given you specific spiritual gifts to build up the body of Christ and gifts to build up the body of Christ and gifts to build up the body of Christ and you are being selfish right now by not you are being selfish right now by not you are being selfish right now by not using those gifts in order to care for using those gifts in order to care for using those gifts in order to care for the people around them. I can be kind of direct like that cuz I I can be kind of direct like that cuz I don't appreciate every single Sunday. But God wants to use you But God wants to use you to be his hands and feet to care for the to be his hands and feet to care for the to be his hands and feet to care for the people around him, to show his glory to people around him, to show his glory to people around him, to show his glory to the watching world. Would you do that? the watching world. Would you do that? the watching world. Would you do that? Listen, y'all. In 1952, Listen, y'all. In 1952, Listen, y'all. In 1952, Ralph Ellison wrote a book about a man Ralph Ellison wrote a book about a man Ralph Ellison wrote a book about a man who walked through life who walked through life who walked through life and he was called the invisible man. and he was called the invisible man. and he was called the invisible man. Here's my prayer, Here's my prayer, Here's my prayer, that you will know that you don't have that you will know that you don't have that you will know that you don't have to walk through life the same way. to walk through life the same way. to walk through life the same way. Jesus sees you. He cares about you. He Jesus sees you. He cares about you. He Jesus sees you. He cares about you. He knows your name. Listen, y'all. One of knows your name. Listen, y'all. One of knows your name. Listen, y'all. One of my favorite songs describes it perfectly my favorite songs describes it perfectly my favorite songs describes it perfectly and if I could sing, I'd sing it to you. and if I could sing, I'd sing it to you. and if I could sing, I'd sing it to you. But the song goes like this. But the song goes like this. But the song goes like this. I have a maker. I have a maker. I have a maker. He formed my heart.

He formed my heart. He formed my heart. Even before Even before time began, Even before Even before time began, Even before Even before time began, my life was in his hands. my life was in his hands. my life was in his hands. He knows my name. He knows my name. He knows my name. He knows my every thought. He knows my every thought. He knows my every thought. He sees each tear that falls. He sees each tear that falls. He sees each tear that falls. And he hears me when I call. And he hears me when I call. And he hears me when I call. Jesus has the capacity to care for you Jesus has the capacity to care for you Jesus has the capacity to care for you this morning. this morning. this morning. Jesus has the wisdom to care for you Jesus has the wisdom to care for you Jesus has the wisdom to care for you this morning. The gospel proves that. this morning. The gospel proves that. this morning. The gospel proves that. Jesus has the means to care for you this Jesus has the means to care for you this Jesus has the means to care for you this morning. He's giving you his church. And morning. He's giving you his church. And morning. He's giving you his church. And my question for you this morning is, my question for you this morning is, my question for you this morning is, will you believe that? will you believe that? will you believe that? Will you believe it? Will you believe it? Will you believe it? Hey, let's do this, y'all. Hey, let's do this, y'all. Hey, let's do this, y'all. I want to actually put some questions on I want to actually put some questions on I want to actually put some questions on the screen this morning. the screen this morning. the screen this morning. And I'm going to let you prayerfully And I'm going to let you prayerfully And I'm going to let you prayerfully process them. process them. process them. And after you do, And after you do, And after you do, either I or someone at your location either I or someone at your location either I or someone at your location will take it from there. Let's process will take it from there. Let's process will take it from there. Let's process this together. Let's pray.

Oh, Father, we come before you this Oh, Father, we come before you this morning. And we thank you that you surely do And we thank you that you surely do care. care. care. You said in your word in Psalm 94:19, You said in your word in Psalm 94:19, You said in your word in Psalm 94:19, you said, "When the cares of my heart you said, "When the cares of my heart you said, "When the cares of my heart are many, are many, are many, your consolations cheer my soul." your consolations cheer my soul." your consolations cheer my soul." And I know under the sound of my voice, And I know under the sound of my voice, And I know under the sound of my voice, there are so many people who need the there are so many people who need the there are so many people who need the consolation of your care. consolation of your care. consolation of your care. So many people who are wondering, "Am I So many people who are wondering, "Am I So many people who are wondering, "Am I invisible? Does somebody see me? invisible? Does somebody see me? invisible? Does somebody see me? Does somebody care about me?" You do. You do. So, Father, would you meet them right So, Father, would you meet them right So, Father, would you meet them right where they are where they are where they are with the realization that you have been with the realization that you have been with the realization that you have been there for them all along? You said in your word that if you take You said in your word that if you take care of the lilies of the field and the care of the lilies of the field and the care of the lilies of the field and the birds of the air, how much more valuable birds of the air, how much more valuable birds of the air, how much more valuable are we than they? are we than they? are we than they? You are with us, Father. You are with us, Father. You are with us, Father. So, help us to know we can come to you So, help us to know we can come to you So, help us to know we can come to you with all of our burdens. You said, "Cast with all of our burdens. You said, "Cast with all of our burdens. You said, "Cast all of our all of our anxieties on you all of our all of our anxieties on you all of our all of our anxieties on you because you care for us." because you care for us." because you care for us." You said that we could present our You said that we could present our You said that we could present our request to you and that the peace of God request to you and that the peace of God request to you and that the peace of God that transcends all understanding guards that transcends all understanding guards that transcends all understanding guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. So, I pray for the hearts of the people So, I pray for the hearts of the people So, I pray for the hearts of the people underneath my care. underneath my care. underneath my care. God, I pray that they will know that you God, I pray that they will know that you God, I pray that they will know that you care for them, that you love them, that care for them, that you love them, that care for them, that you love them, that you are with them, that you uphold them you are with them, that you uphold them you are with them, that you uphold them with your mighty right hand. with your mighty right hand. with your mighty right hand. And Father, I pray for those who don't And Father, I pray for those who don't And Father, I pray for those who don't know you this morning. know you this morning. know you this morning. They would come to know that you have They would come to know that you have They would come to know that you have cared for them by sending your only son, cared for them by sending your only son, cared for them by sending your only son, your precious son, to come and die for your precious son, to come and die for your precious son, to come and die for them. them. them. I pray that they will know the I pray that they will know the I pray that they will know the forgiveness that's available in you if forgiveness that's available in you if forgiveness that's available in you if we will simply confess our sin and trust we will simply confess our sin and trust we will simply confess our sin and trust in you as Lord. And God, I pray for in you as Lord. And God, I pray for in you as Lord. And God, I pray for those who know you who feel weary and heavy laden right now who feel weary and heavy laden right now by the cares of this world. I pray that by the cares of this world. I pray that by the cares of this world. I pray that we will come to Jesus, we will come to Jesus, we will come to Jesus, all who are weary and heavy laden, all who are weary and heavy laden, all who are weary and heavy laden, and that you will give us your rest this and that you will give us your rest this and that you will give us your rest this morning. God, we need you. We trust you. We love God, we need you. We trust you. We love you. you. you. We thank you. We thank you. We thank you. Thank you for caring about us. Thank you for caring about us. Thank you for caring about us. I pray these things in the name of I pray these things in the name of I pray these things in the name of Jesus. If you agree, say Jesus. If you agree, say Jesus. If you agree, say Amen. Amen.