John 19:25-27

A NOTE ABOUT THIS WEEK’S DEVOTIONS

From the cross, Jesus uttered seven last words. For the next seven days, we will focus solely on these words.

Third Word: John 19:25-27

Meanwhile, standing near 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 beside her, he said to his mother, "Woman, here is your son." Then he said to the disciple, "Here is your mother." And from that hour the disciple took her into his own home.

Jesus now turns his attention to those whom for years he has known and loved. Where are these disciples of his who were going to be so brave? There, on the fringes of the crowd, trying ever so hard to see without being seen, or recognized. They are crushed by what they see. They do not dare come too close. They do not dare speak. They remain just close enough to witness, from a safe distance, the end of Him in whom they had hoped to find a new beginning.

But one, driven by love and a grief that cannot be restrained, pushes forward to the foot of the cross along with Mary, the Mother of Jesus. She now understands what Simeon meant when she and Joseph presented the infant Jesus in the Temple:

“This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed--and a sword will pierce your own soul too.”

Seeing them there, Jesus takes them to his heart. Surely John would have cared for Mary without being told. But Jesus was telling his mother that he had not forgotten. Mend your broken heart mother - love this disciple as your own, for he is the disciple whom Jesus loved. So Jesus said:

“Woman, here is your son. Son, here is your mother.”

Let us pray: O God, you bless us with family and community that love us and we are called to love. Bless those who care for others as you care for us. Give us the strength and patience to love one another as you have love us, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.