Saying of Affection
John 19:25-27
At the Cross stood
three women — “his mother, and his
mother’s sister [the wife of] Cleopas, and Mary Magdalene.”[1] The disciple John
was with them. When He sees them from the cross to His mother he says “Women, behold they son!” To the disciple
He loved, “Behold they mother!” While
these words may seem odd to our ears today, but they reflect certain truths:
In time of deepest sorrow and suffering our Savior put
others first. There is a saying that no man dies in vain who blesses others
from his death bed. Suffers cannot do away with love. No legacy, however
precious, is equal to the Legacy of Love.
They are words of care and concern for His mother. An end of
a relationship may be coming, but not responsibility. He made sure His mother
would be taken care of. This is in keeping with the command to honor one’s
parents [Ex. 20:12; Deut. 5:16].
The death of a loved one brings anguish of soul to those who
remain. Now came of the prophecy— “a
sword shall pierce thy soul also.” [Luke 2:35]. From this point on Jesus
will no longer be her son, but her Savior.
The overlook person
is John. The text centers upon Mary and Jesus, yet John is there he has a
important part. In John we see the character of grace.
He receives teachable grace. The gracious teacher is not
finished I teaching grace, love, and responsibility. He attentively stood
observing, hearing, and accepting Christ’s instruction.
He acts in obedience of grace. John took Mary under his own
root. A gracious act.
The text reminds to
be an example to:
Honor our parents. Love them, care for them, and live up to
our responsibility to them.
Be men His tender compassion. As believers we are to love
each other. He confirmed the law of love.
Jesus is the provider of His people. His uses other
believers to provide to His own. God uses His people by means of His gracious
will.
This is a sacred charge
to be remembered and acted upon.
[1]
Some believe there were four women, see Leon Morris, NICNT: JOHN, [Grand
Rapids, Eerdmans, 1971], 810-811.
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