THE EYES OF GRIEF
JOHN 19:21-27
So the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, “Don’t write, ‘The king of the Jews,’ but that he said, ‘I am the king of the Jews.’ ”
22 Pilate replied, “What I have written, I have written.”
23 When the soldiers crucified Jesus, they took his clothes and divided them into four parts, a part for each soldier. They also took the tunic, which was seamless, woven in one piece from the top.
24 So they said to one another, “Let’s not tear it, but cast lots for it, to see who gets it.” This happened that the Scripture might be fulfilled that says: They divided my clothes among themselves, and they cast lots for my clothing. This is what the soldiers did.
25 Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.
26 When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple he loved standing there, he said to his mother, “Woman, here is your son.”
27 Then he said to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” And from that hour the disciple took her into his home. —John 19:21–27 (CSB)
Jesus changes
He especially changes our relationship with
STANDING NEAR THE CROSS…
For Jesus to change the way you grieve, you must see Him while standing near the
When grieving it’s easy to…
be
WE LOOK TO JESUS & SEE…
There’s something
Jesus
Jesus
(Hebrews 4:15)Jesus
(Hebrews 4:16)Jesus
(Matthew 12:48-50)
The family of God is a
(Matthew 19:29)
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin.
Therefore, let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need. —Hebrews 4:15–16 (CSB)
He replied to the one who was speaking to him, “Who is my mother and who are my brothers?”
Stretching out his hand toward his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers!
For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.” —Matthew 12:48–50 (CSB)
And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields because of my name will receive a hundred times more and will inherit eternal life. —Matthew 19:29 (CSB)
DISCUSSION GUIDE
Why is it important to acknowledge that grief and suffering are real and not just an illusion or matter of perspective? How does Christianity validate the reality of our pain?
In what ways have you experienced the brokenness of this world through suffering, loss, or injustice?
How does Jesus’ own suffering demonstrate His ability to sympathize with our pain? What does this reveal about God?
In what ways has Jesus met your need during times of grief or loss? How can a focus on His provision increase your faith?
How has your church community supported you through difficult seasons? How can you better engage with this spiritual family?
Read Hebrews 4:15-16. What encouragement do these verses offer regarding approaching God with our grief and needs?
The resurrection of Jesus shows that death and evil do not have the final victory. How does this hope impact the way you view your current suffering or loss?
Is there any way in which you’re struggling with God’s goodness in light of your difficult circumstances? How does the cross of Jesus bring perspective?
Who do you know that is currently walking through a season of profound grief or loss? How can you come alongside them to provide support and encouragement?
What is one practical step you can take to “draw near the cross” and allow Jesus to change the way you grieve?