John 19:27,  "...and to the disciple, ‘Here is your mother.' From that time on, this disciple took her into his home."

Think

"The church is not a building; it's a family." Last words can be lasting words, especially in the case of Jesus. His last words give us insight to His thoughts in the midst of going through the most excruciating time of His life. As He hung dying on the cross, He took the time to care for the needs of those who were grieving for Him; His mother and one of His disciples, John. Jesus knew their brokenness and realized that no one else could truly understand that brokenness the way they each did. Jesus, in His last moments, provided a familial comfort for that pain by giving John someone to care for. And, in turn, Mary would comfort him, too. This is a picture of what the church is meant to be-a family. Too many times the church is viewed as a building where people gather "to do church." The church is not a building, though; it's a family. It is a place where we share our pain, grief, regrets, and fears. We also share our joy, victories, hopes, and dreams. The church is the gift of family that Jesus has provided us to grow with, do life with, and worship Him with. Don't miss out on Jesus' gift to us. Be a part of the family!

Act

It's just a few days before Fellowship Church's "Good Friday in the Park" at Klyde Warren Park and our many Easter Sunday experiences. Let's have a friendly family competition! See how many people you can invite to be a part of these events. You can help the family expand!

Pray

Heavenly Father, thank You for providing the gift of family through Your church. Help me to share that gift with others. I know there are so many who are hurting and don't know where to turn for comfort. Let the joy I experience by being a part of Your family be a beacon that brings others to Your family. In Jesus' name, Amen!