Hidden (Krypto) Treasures

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Tag: Brother Jesus

Woman, behold thy son … Behold thy mother

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On April 19, 2011

In Christian, Seven Sayings

“Woman, Behold thy son” and to the disciple he said, “Behold thy mother”. This is recorded in the Scripture as the third saying of Jesus Christ from the Cross. From  cursorial evaluation of this text, it may seem like Jesus was ensuring that Mary his mother was provided for, however, close inspection of this saying reveals certain profound truths and hidden treasures.

This third saying on the cross establishes two facts
1. The brotherhood of Jesus and
2. The sonship of Jesus

Jesus commissioned his disciples to serve one another, but called them not servants but friends (John 15:15) but then after his resurrection from death,  he told the women to hurry and tell the news about his living, to his disciples, whom he referred to, not as friends but as brothers (John 20:17). Now with Jesus, telling Mary, his earthly mom, that the disciple who stood by her (and him), was her son, Jesus was stating that he was more than just a friend to the disciple; He was his brother. What is more is that all who trust in him are co-heirs with Him (Romans 8:17). In other words, we are adopted into God’s family as sons and daughters, and the Spirit enables us to address God as Abba, Father or in other words address Jesus as our brother (John 20:17).

Now, did you notice that Jesus told the disciple who stood by Mary, “Behold thy mother” and not “Behold MY mother”. In fact, he addresses Mary, as “Woman” and not Mother, though he addresses God as Father in his first and last saying from the Cross. His address of his mother as Woman and his statement to his disciples asserts that He was indeed the begotten and given Son of God and not just the child of Mary. The familiar verse from the book of the Prophet Isaiah establishes this fact as well – For unto us a child (of Mary) is born; unto us a Son (of God) is given.

Points to ponder:
Have you trusted in Jesus and believed in Him so that you can address God as Abba, Father and Jesus as your brother? He is the Son of God given for the salvation of mankind.

John 19:26-27 (KJV)
26 When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son!  
27 Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home. 

Brother Jesus

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On April 7, 2010

In Christian

It is only a few days since we celebrated Resurrection Day 2010, and I wonder as to why we don’t celebrate the Risen Lord Jesus Christ, every day of our lives. Jesus conquered death once and for all, for all those who believe in His Name and that is reason enough for everyone that believes in Him to rejoice always, and yes again I say rejoice (Philippians 4:4). And it is today that I also celebrate the birth of my brother, Ragland Remo Paul. He was named ‘Ragland’ by my missionary parents, Dr. R.A.C. Paul and Dr. Iris Grace Rajakumari Paul, in memory of the English missionary, Rev. Thomas G. Ragland (1815-1858), who gave his life serving Jesus on his mission to the people in Sivakasi, Tamil Nadu, India. My brother’s middle name  ‘Remo’ was given by a lady of the Bondo tribe, to whom my parents had been called and chosen to serve. ‘Remo’ in the Bondo dialect means ‘man’. So ‘Remo’, my brother celebrates his birthday and I thank God for having appointed it so that I would be related to him, who I vividly remember as my friend and protector, while I was growing up, after the death of my earthly missionary father. My other siblings, David Livingston Paul and Mary Smrutha Paul would agree that Remo has also been a provider. But besides, Remo (and David), I want to also remember and celebrate another brother of mine.

John 20 records the appearance of Resurrected Lord Jesus Christ to the Mary Magdalene outside the tomb. Many expositors have preached on this, but I am yet to hear of anyone preach on the conversation that ensued between Mary and Jesus. Jesus tells Mary that she is not to cling on to him but to go to his brothers and tell them that he was to ascend to God, our Father and our God (John 20:17). Did you notice the establishment of a new relationship in those words? Jesus escalates his intimacy with His believers. In John 15:15, he called his disciples, not servants but friends, and now from being friends of His, these disciples had turned to be his brothers (and sisters). Who is it that is the brother (or sister or mother) of Christ Jesus? All those who do the will of God, the heavenly Father (Matthew 12:50).

So today, I thank God for my brother Remo, and his life. And I thank God for Jesus who loves me enough to call me His brother! Happy birthday, brother Remo. Thank you, Brother Jesus.

Point(s) to ponder:
Are you/I doing the will of God the heavenly Father so that Jesus can call you/I His brother or sister or mother?

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