Stepping Into Mary's Shoes

As I ponder Good Friday's approach, I am struck by what might have been going through Mary's mind as she stood at the foot of the Cross watching the injustice.

I imagine what I would feel...
"STOP! THIS IS MY SON!"
In her grief, does she pause from her tears in shock to see the soldiers strip Jesus and then cast lots for His tunic? Does anger temporarily replace the tears as she shouts, "STOP! THIS IS MY SON!" While the other two Mary's and her sister hold her back, does she then collapse in their arms weakly sobbing, "Father, make them stop, this is my son."

Unaware, the One who made her looks down from the Cross with compassion. Mary stares at a dark spot in the dirt and looks up to His hand dripping blood.

• Does she remember holding that little baby's hand as she nursed Him?
• Does she remember holding that little boy's hand as He stopped her to stare at a rainbow?
• Does she remember touching His hand as a young man when He seemed so distracted by a lamb being led to slaughter?
• That hand now nailed to a tree.

She gasps as she follows that dripping hand to the face of Jesus realizing His gaze is locked onto her. Even in all His pain, she sees the love not of her son, but her Savior.

• As the disciple John draws near to comfort her, all she had pondered in her heart becomes clear and Jesus speaks, "Woman, behold your son!" And to John, "Son, behold your mother."
• Jesus provided for Mary's welfare He provides for us, too.

Like Mary, we can ponder and keep all He is in our hearts and be eager for His will to be accomplished in our lives. Then, like Mary, as we remember this day and bear witness to all Jesus has done.

God's Son, my Savior!