"Near The Cross”

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“NEAR THE CROSS”

John 19:23–30

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1. Introduction – The Two Groups at Calvary

On Calvary, many people were present.

Some mocked Jesus.

Some watched from a distance.

Some were afraid.

But the Gospel of John tells us that eight people were very close to the Cross.

Two different groups stood there:

First group:

Four Roman soldiers.

Second group:

Four faithful followers of Jesus.

Both groups were near the Cross, but their reasons were completely different.

The soldiers were there because of duty.

The disciples were there because of love.

This contrast reveals a very important spiritual truth.

Even today, people can be near Jesus physically, but far from Him spiritually.

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2. The Cry of the Human Heart

Deep within every human person, there is a cry.

It is not always spoken with words, but it exists in the heart of every man and woman.

The human heart cries for:

• love

• forgiveness

• meaning

• hope

• salvation

Many people try to silence this cry in different ways.

Some seek satisfaction in wealth.

Some seek power.

Some seek pleasure.

Some seek recognition.

But none of these things can satisfy the deepest hunger of the human soul.

That is why the Cross of Christ is so powerful.

The Cross answers the deepest cry of the human heart.

When a person stands near the Cross, he realizes:

“I am loved.”

“I am forgiven.”

“My life has meaning.”

The Cross tells every wounded heart:

You are not abandoned.

You are not forgotten.

You are loved by God.

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3. The First Group – The Four Roman Soldiers (Near the Cross Out of Duty)

John 19:23 says:

“When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they took his garments and divided them into four parts, one for each soldier.”

These soldiers were standing very close to the Cross.

But they did not understand the mystery of what was happening.

To them, Jesus was just another criminal.

They were doing their job.

Nothing more.

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3.1 A Heart Without Faith

While Jesus was suffering, the soldiers were busy dividing His clothes.

They even gambled for His tunic.

Imagine the scene.

The Savior of the world is dying.

And the soldiers are playing games.

This shows the tragedy of the human heart.

A person can stand very close to the Cross, yet remain spiritually blind.

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3.2 A Warning for Us

Even today some Christians behave like these soldiers.

They are close to the Church.

They attend Mass.

They participate in religious activities.

But their hearts remain untouched.

Faith becomes routine.

Prayer becomes habit.

Religion becomes duty.

But love is missing.

Standing near the Cross physically does not mean we are close to Christ spiritually.

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4. The Second Group – The Four Who Stood Near the Cross Out of Love

In contrast to the soldiers, the Gospel mentions another group.

John 19:25 tells us:

“Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.”

And also the beloved disciple John.

These people stood near the Cross not because they had to, but because they loved Jesus.

Love kept them there.

Faith kept them there.

Courage kept them there.

Let us look at them one by one.

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5. Mary – The Mother of Jesus

Mary stood beneath the Cross.

Thirty-three years earlier she held the baby Jesus in Bethlehem.

Now she sees Him crucified.

A mother watching her son suffer is one of the greatest pains in the world.

The prophecy of Simeon was fulfilled:

“A sword will pierce your own soul.” (Luke 2:35)

Mary could have collapsed in grief.

She could have walked away.

But she did not.

She stood near the Cross.

Mary teaches us the meaning of faithful love.

Love remains even when the heart is broken.

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6. Salome – The Faithful Disciple

Another woman near the Cross was Salome, the sister of Mary.

She had followed Jesus during His ministry.

She had served Him with generosity.

Now she stands near the Cross with courage.

When many disciples disappeared in fear, these women remained.

They teach us that discipleship requires courage.

Faith sometimes means standing with Christ when the world rejects Him.

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7. Mary Magdalene – The Woman Transformed by Mercy

Mary Magdalene also stood near the Cross.

Jesus had delivered her from evil spirits.

Her life had been completely transformed.

She never forgot what Jesus had done for her.

That is why she remained near the Cross.

Gratitude gave her courage.

A person who truly experiences God's mercy will never abandon the Savior.

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8. John – The Beloved Disciple

The only apostle present was John.

Many apostles ran away.

Peter denied Jesus.

But John remained.

Why?

Because love is stronger than fear.

John had rested on the heart of Jesus at the Last Supper.