Read John 19: 25-27.

1. Who is there at the foot of the cross while Jesus is being crucified? Who is not there?

2. What must it have been like for Mary at the foot of the cross? How important was it for her to have support in that moment, and in the time following Jesus’ death?

3. In what ways are Mary and John “family” after the crucifixion? In what ways are we part of that same family?

4. What does it mean for the church to be a “family”? Why is this family important?

5. Read Acts 2: 42-47. In what ways was the early church acting like a “family”? How good is the church at living like this today? What needs to change?

6. What is the significance of Jesus referring to his mother as “woman”? (Hint: see also John 2: 4) In what ways do these passages bookend Jesus’ earthly ministry?

7. Why is the New Commandment Jesus gives in John 13: 34 critical to the new family we know as the Church? What is new about that commandment? What does it mean to love one another as Jesus loves us?

8. What does it mean to you to be “brothers and sisters” in Christ? How can you be a better “sibling” in the church family?

Prayer for the Week:
Lord Jesus, thank you for shedding your blood on Calvary as payment for our sin. Thank you for adopting us as sons and daughters of the Most High God. And remind us that through this adoption, we are now brothers and sisters in your blood line that was poured out for us. Help us to be good and loving members of our new family we know as the Church. Help us to love one another as you have loved us. Help us to have compassion for one another, forgiving each other’s trespasses, just as you forgive us. May our love, mercy and grace be a powerful witness to the world, drawing others into new and deeper relationships with you. May all that we say and all that we do, always and everywhere, point to you and bring you glory. We pray all of this, Lord Jesus, in your precious, holy and strong name. Amen.