What Jesus Did! 'Family at the Foot of the Cross' — John 19:25-27

Wednesday, December 2, 2026

Standing near the cross were Jesus' mother, and his mother's sister, Mary (the wife of Clopas), and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother standing there beside the disciple he loved, he said to her, "Dear woman, here is your son." And he said to this disciple, "Here is your mother." And from then on this disciple took her into his home.
— John 19:25-27 NLT

Key Thought

We find our spiritual family at the foot of the cross. Jesus' death brings us all together, destroying any and every barrier that would keep us from coming home and being family with each other.

Today's Prayer

Holy and righteous Father, bind us together as your church into your family. Together, as we look at the cross and what it should mean to us, we commit to living as that family. Unify us as we all draw more closely to your Son Jesus, in whose name I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

7 Related Resources by Heartlight

'My Child, Get Up!'
Article by Phil Ware
Most of our earth-bound explanations are shallow and trite in the face of life's harshest realities. Phil Ware pauses and looks at the pain of grieving parents at the loss of a child and reminds us to forgo easy answers and cling to the stories and promises of Jesus.
Thirsty
Article by Phil Ware
How can so much be caught up in one word? Phil Ware continues his seven sayings of Jesus on the Cross and talks about how the words "I thirst" make Jesus' incarnation real.
James
Article by Phil Ware
How can the younger brother of Jesus help us find our way to hope? Phil Ware lets us journey with James, the half brother of Jesus, through the cross and resurrection to find our way to hope and confidence about our future.
You Have Always Been Drawn to Wood
Article by Phil Ware
What would Mary have thought in such painful times? Phil Ware writes a meditation on what Mary may have thought as she stood at the foot of Jesus' cross as he died, using the theme of wood in his life to connect the story.
See All 7 Related Resources about John 19:25-27

Illustration

Illustration of John 19:25-27 NLT — "Dear woman, here is your son." —— "Here is your mother."

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Wednesday, December 2, 2026

Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by Author Unknown:
"Oh forgive us Lord, for so often we seek the things in your hand rather than the things of your heart."
Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Morning Thought: Acts 5:31
"Jesus, our Lord, once crucified, dead and buried, now sits upon the throne of glory. The highest place that heaven affords is his by undisputed right...."
Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
Proverbs 18:8
"The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to a man's inmost parts."
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'The Tumbleweed Phenomenon' (Acts 8:1-4)
"Saul was one of the witnesses, and he agreed completely with the killing of Stephen. A great wave of persecution began that day, sweeping over....."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More What Jesus Did!