25 Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 26 When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, "Dear woman, here is your son," and to the disciple, "Here is your mother." From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.
Love makes one think of others, even in the midst of all suffering. Jesus sees those faithful few with whom he has close relationships-mostly women, who demonstrated unbelievable courage in spite of the danger. They followed to the end. Although the women couldn’t do anything to save him, they understood that they could be there with him.
Jesus is not the least bit concerned about Himself, but others. He was concerned about the sinner on the cross next to him who was repentant, and for the sinners before Him who didn’t know what they were doing. But his special love was directed toward John and His mother, Mary. “Woman, behold your son". He wants His mother to be taken care of.
As the eldest son, Jesus cares for the needs of His mother, Mary, by providing for her in her grief and in her physical need by making sure the disciples would best care for her. Mary was never divine. She was not portrayed as one to be prayed to nor worshipped. She needed to be cared for herself. John was to provide the care. She needed protection. She is the earthly mother, not a heavenly mediator.
The New Testament is clear that Jesus had brothers. Why didn’t one of them take over their responsibility? I suspect that it is because they were not believers at this time. We are glad to say in the book of Acts there is indication that they too became followers with their hearts of Jesus, but for the present, the time for comfort for grief and for meeting her physical needs and protection were given by John, who was among the closest to Jesus with the means.
There was a news article some time ago of a father who suffered 90% burns on his body to save his wife and kids during a house fire. Beating down the door after watching his family in danger he went into rescue them and ended up with scars himself, though they were saved.
We see Jesus with scarred hands and feet also who for love did what needed to be done to die for our salvation.
Cross upon which Jesus was crucified pointed to His saving love. The sign of Pilate pointed to His sovereign love. In a detailed prophecy His robe pointed to His sacrificial love. These relationships of care pointed to His selfless love.
Application: Let your love for others model Christ's sacrificial and selfless love. Look for opportunities to reach out. Ask God to give you opportunities this week to touch others with this type of love.
Prayer: Teach me O Lord to follow this path of love to the cross. As I read and focus on You and Your Word, I receive the ability to live in the fullness of You within me. Bring into my day and week divine appointments with opportunities to bless others with a love that flows from a heart filled with You. May I never seek to glorify my "self".
To God be the glory, great things He hath done,
So loved He the world that He gave us His Son,
Who yielded His life an atonement for sin.
And opened the life gate that all may go in.
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