“When Jesus saw his mother standing there beside the disciple he loved, he said to her, “Dear woman, here is your son.” And he said to this disciple, “Here is your mother.” And from then on this disciple took her into his home.” John 19:26-27 NLT
A few weeks ago we celebrated the resurrection of our Savior. Each year at this time churches often have a series of sermons based on the “7 Last Words/Statements” of Christ. This scripture is one of those, and as I study it the weight of this situation really moves me. I believe that it reveals three of the greatest illustrations of love in the Bible.
First, God demonstrates His love for us by sacrificing His only Son so that we are forgiven of our sins (John 3:16). No greater love has there ever been or will there ever be. It’s the reason for our joy.
Second, Jesus endures tremendous pain and suffering during the whole ordeal of his trial and crucifixion. And at this point He was very close to death. Still, He loved his mother so much that He made sure she was taken care of before He died. His mother was at the forefront of his mind, even until the end.
Third, Mary was with her Son from the beginning to His very last moment. She knew that He was sent for a divine purpose. She knew He was God’s Son. And she witnessed everything He went thru. But I’m sure that made it no easier to watch Him be beaten and hung. Not only was He innocent, but He was her baby. Still, she stood next to Him til the very end, as painful as it was for her to bear. THAT is a mother’s love.