John 19:25-27
Now there stood by the cross of Jesus His mother, and His mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing by, He said to His mother, “Woman, behold your son!” Then He said to the disciple, “Behold your mother!” And from that hour that disciple took her to his own home.
Growing up I remember mom and the older women saying, “Some folk so heavenly minded, they ain’t no earthly good.” And while that was a humorous line, it holds so much truth. There truly are times when you need a friend more than you need a sermon. You need a confidante more than you need a study group. There’s nothing wrong with sermons, songs, study groups and the like. There are just times you need something more. You need the Christian, not just the Christianity.
Let’s look at the example of Jesus for a moment. While suffering and dying on the cross, Jesus took a moment to care for his mother. Although he was in excruciating pain, the prospect of leaving his mom without adequate cover and protection was unconscionable. Standing before him was his beloved mother and also one of his disciples. As spiritually gifted and powerful as the Lord is, this was a moment of pure human affection. It didn’t call for a miracle, nor a brigade of angels. Right then all he really needed was a true and trusted friend. Thank goodness Jesus had John in his life.
In this Christian walk there are countless times when things are so out of our hands that we have no choice but to turn to the Lord for assistance. We call on the Lord for healing, emotional stability, prosperity, strength, power, anointing and a multitude of other things. The list is too long to name. But then there are times when the Lord is waiting on us to take some initiative. As much as the Lord does for us, there are things we have to do ourselves. God saves us, but we have to believe. The Spirit guides us, but we have to follow and obey. The Bible maintains, “Faith without works is dead.” God places fantastic folk in our lives. We have to decide to love and honor them.
We learn a lot about the character of Christ from his actions on the cross. We hear his utterances to his Father in deep angst to the intense suffering and pain he endured for our sake. We note his compassion and saving grace to his companion on the cross next to him, stating, “This day you will be with me in Paradise.” We reflect on his adherence and meticulous compliance to ancient prophecy with his utterance, “I thirst.” In matter of fact, each of his utterances were of great significance. But none more revealing than his concern and care for his mother. This was not a prophetic word. I can’t find it mentioned anywhere else in scripture. This was not a teaching moment. He didn’t use this occasion to bring more knowledge to his followers. This was a true, unrehearsed, heartfelt action that came from who he was.
But there’s another observation that I’d love for us to include. While the actions of Jesus proved him to be a dutiful son, his selection of John as his mom’s caretaker was huge. What an outstanding honor. I can’t imagine anything on earth being more honoring than to have Jesus the Christ, Son of the Living God commit his mother to your charge. Wow! And for me that’s the main focus of this glorious event. Let me tell you why.
Jesus was the eldest son of Mary. After the death of her husband, he had the responsibility of caring for his mother. Now, if Jesus was going to the grave never to return, by tradition the next oldest male would take the responsibility. That would be James or Jude right? But Jesus gave John charge of mom. How come??
Jesus was shortly coming back. His death was a temporary condition. He would only be dead three days and three nights. And upon his resurrection he was seen by hundreds, interacted with his disciples and was in contact with family and friends. He was alive…is alive, and had work to do in the heavens. Yet he still had the responsibility to care for his mom. And he gave that responsibility to the one person he trusted and knew would love her like he did.
Dear Children of God, Mary wasn’t John’s natural mother. But at the request of Jesus he took her in as if she was. You know what? There are many mothers out there today in need of daughters and sons with the love of Jesus Christ. Yes, we can pray for them, bring them to church, do Zoom, Facebook and phone calls. But every now and then mom needs some actual hugs, kisses, love…and maybe lunch or dinner every now and then. Happy Mother’s Day!
God Bless
