Issue 1572 – Seven Sayings Part 7 – October 11, 2024
This morning, we continue in the third of the seven sayings to the “Word of Affection.”
… standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son!”Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home John 19:25-27
Yesterday, we discussed the prophetic element of Jesus’ death, Mary’s pain, and the significance of beholding the Son. This morning, we consider the idea that in saying, “Behold your son,” Jesus is speaking of John. This is the more common view, which fits the text best.
Here, we see Jesus modeling the honoring of parents. To do so is a biblical command.
Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you. Exodus 20:12
This is the only one of the Decalogue (Ten Commandments) that comes with a promise. That might be worth exploring in the future.
By this time, Mary is a widow. Joseph died sometime before, but likely not before Jesus reached manhood (in those days, a boy was considered a man at 12 or 13). Jesus accompanied his parents to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover at age 12. Afterward, Joseph disappears from the Scriptural narrative. There are various church traditions about Joseph’s death, but nothing explicit in the Bible.
The task of caring for a widowed mother fell to the oldest son. In this case, while Jesus had been tending to that task, he is now dying, and he honors his mother by ensuring she remains cared for.
Jesus singles out John and appoints Him the role of caregiver for Mary. Interestingly, he calls her “woman” rather than “Mother.” I don’t believe there was any disrespect intended here. I believe he wanted to shield her from harassment from the mob.
Jesus restores John here. We often focus on Peter’s denial, but all the disciples fled from the Mount of Olives in fear. All except Judas would be restored to Christ.
The Scriptures refer to John as “the disciple Jesus loved” and portray him as one of the three closest to Him. Jesus is giving Mary into the care of His closest earthly friend, John, a man who followed Jesus on earth, was a leader amongst the Apostles, and was a devout believer entrusted with the job of writing one gospel, three letters, and an apocalyptic, which are all recorded as part of our Scriptures. John was a devout believer whom Jesus trusted totally.
There is also an element here that is sometimes overlooked. Sometimes, in our devotion to Christ, we place Christian ministry or church work ahead of family. Yes, God should be at the forefront of our minds and lives, but not at the expense of caring for our family (Lord forgive me the many times I have been guilty of doing that).
After His resurrection, Jesus would give His followers what we call the Great Commission to go out into the world, but before that, He gave John the task of caring for His mother. While it can be dangerous to make our families idols, it is also dangerous to put them too far on the back burner.
We are left to speculate why Jesus gave her into John’s care over that of one of His brothers. The most natural progression would have been for the next oldest brother to care for her. Perhaps the brother was not in a position to care for her. More likely, or so it seems to me, the brothers were not yet believers. Jesus wanted to leave her in the care of a believer who could care for her spiritually, emotionally, and physically.
At least one of Jesus’ brothers (James), likely all of them, would become believers after the resurrection. In the interim, Jesus honored His mother by ensuring her best all-round care.
When we think of Jesus’s obedience on that fateful day, we think of His going to the cross, but we see it demonstrated even in His dying words. He is a great model and a marvelous savior. We would do well to pay attention to both.
Be blessed
Hallelu Yah / Praise God
Kevin
Gleanings From The Word
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