Narrative Lectionary Key Verse for Today
“When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing beside her, he said to his mother, ‘Woman, here is your son.’ Then he said to the disciple, ‘Here is your mother.’ And from that hour the disciple took her into his own home.”
NL Daily Devotion for Thursday, April 2, 2026
by Dr. Kimberly Leetch, Clergy Stuff
Main Idea: While the world busied itself with tearing apart, Jesus worked to bring together.
At a time when Israel was occupied by Rome, tensions were high, and trust was low. Not only were there divisions between peoples and cultures, but there were Romans sympathetic to Jews and Jews working with Romans. This opened the possibility that there were divisions even in households concerning allegiances and alliances.
Today’s reading begins with a rending. The soldiers responsible for crucifying Jesus finished their terrible work by stealing and then dividing his clothing into four pieces. For his tunic they cast lots, cementing this idea of division by making one soldier winner over the others. From top to bottom, the actors in this story sought to divide—until Jesus.
The first words Jesus spoke from the cross in John’s gospel were intended to bring together his grieving mother and closest friend, both of whom were about to experience an unimaginable loss. Even in their darkest moment, Jesus sought to bring unity and strengthen relationships. Even as he breathed his finals breaths, Jesus worked to bring God’s children together.
Our world is currently experiencing not only divisions between peoples and cultures, but also within families. People across the globe have allied themselves with ideologies that seem to have a stronger pull than family ties. And, it seems, the divide has grown larger over the past decade, even sometimes turning ugly and bloody. Ironically, many are using the Bible to solidify their positions stating that the words of the Bible (as they interpret them) hold so much power as to warrant the restriction of people’s rights and promotion of division along racial, cultural, religious, and gender lines.
Jesus would weep over the misuse of his own words to fortify divisions that lead to misunderstanding, discrimination, and hate. Jesus’ words and actions overwhelmingly lean into acceptance, understanding, and love.
Traditionally, Maundy Thursday celebrates the final supper Jesus shared with his disciples before the terrible events of the following day. Breaking bread together is a powerful expression of a willingness to set aside differences and come together for the sake of love for all God’s children. Indeed, rarely are we asked or expected to dine with people that we consider enemies. No, sharing a meal is primarily reserved for those who either already enjoy each other’s company regardless of differences, or who are willing to engage in conversation that can lead to greater understanding and increased tolerance.
As you celebrate the feast, point out that as you come together to share in the meal first offered by Jesus himself, you do so with a willingness to set aside differences and welcome the family and the strangers that come to the table today. Begin to mend the divisions within your own community by setting down weapons (tangible and verbal) and picking up bread.
