JESUS AND HIS MOTHER

“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!”7 Then He said to the disciple, “Behold your mother!” And from that hour that disciple took her to his own home.” 

(John 19: 25-27)

In John 7 verse 5 we read “For even His brothers did not believe in Him.”The gospels make it clear that Jesus’ siblings did not believe in Him until after the resurrection. We know that Jesus appeared to James, for 1 Corinthians 15:7 says “After that He was seen by James.” It is probable that this event is what finally inspired James to believe in His brother as the Son of God.

At the time Jesus hung on the cross, His siblings did not believe in Him. It stands to reason, then, that He would ask one of His followers to care for His mother. He selected John, his closest friend who is consistently referred to as “the disciple Jesus loved,” to take on this responsibility. 

That’s the backdrop on this story from scripture and it helps us understand why Jesus gave care of his mother to his disciple and friend John. It seems clear that at this time, Joseph was dead and the responsibility to care for His mother was in the hands of Jesus by custom and law. Keeping the law of the 5thcommandment to honor father and mother, Jesus places the responsibility to care for his mother with John. 

As I read this passage several things stand out for me: Jesus places incredible value on the care of His mother. In a time of the greatest suffering of his life on earth, he is focused on the future of his mother not his personal suffering and pain. Giving John this responsibility and privilege demonstrates the confidence, trust and character of John. John was the closest disciple and friend Jesus had on earth. No doubt the conversation about the care of Jesus mother was one Jesus already had with John. Jesus life was under threat from the beginning of his ministry, he would have wanted to make sure His mother would be cared for and kept safe. 

 

His mother was there at the beginning of His life on earth and stood there broken and in tears as he suffered and died on the cross. Though Mary experienced great grief she did not need to concern herself with how she would provide for her basic needs. John took complete responsibility for Mary and provided for her needs all through her life. History shows that John did not pen his contributions to scripture until after Mary had passed away years later. He was so focused on caring for her and following through on the responsibility of her care given to him by Jesus. 

Moms are of great value to us all. They are worthy of our respect, love and care. Jesus set the example for us to follow. Let’s celebrate moms and honor them. Join us this Sunday as we honor moms at the Grace Place Church 10:30am