The Blessed Mother & Son

(To his mother Jesus said) "Dear woman, here is your son," (and to John the disciple he said) "Here is your mother."

...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, ESV)

One can only imagine the deep grief Mary the mother of Jesus, and John, the beloved were experiencing at the cross.  After all, it isn’t ordinary for a mother to witness the death of a child.  Neither is it ordinary to witness the execution of your best friend.  But then Mary was no ordinary mother. Luke 1:26-38 gives the account of the Virgin Mary being chosen to carry and give birth to God’s only Son, Jesus.  The NIV calls her “highly favored” (vs.28).  Young, engaged, scared, and confused, Mary answered the Lord’s call saying, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” (Verse 38 ESV)  Later in the chapter Elizabeth says to Mary in a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!” (Verse 42)

Likewise, John was no ordinary friend.  In the Bible we are given numerous accounts of John being present with Jesus including His transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-3); the garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36-46); and reclining at His breast during the last supper, where John was referred to as “the disciple whom Jesus loved”. (John 13:23-25 NIV).   It is no wonder that John was present that day, and it is no wonder Jesus entrusted him to care for His mother. But most remarkably of all, it is no wonder that Jesus would consider the care of His blessed mother in His final hours.

Our prayer today is that the loving bond Jesus had with His mother and friend will be a model for us as well.

[Devotional thought written by Mike & Sharon Stewart]

Comments

[Jacynda Lynch]

Mike and Sharon - I love the fact that you pointed out a great example of a mother/son and best friend relationship. I have read this scripture many times and never drew that out of it. Thank you for your insight to this.