A Cry of Compassion – Behold Your Mother

As we draw closer to the events of Holy Week, this week Pastor Justin shared his thoughts about Jesus’s cry of compassion for His mother, “Behold your mother.”

As Mary stood at the foot of the cross, she was surrounded by her sister, and Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. Even all these centuries later, I am so thankful for the presence of those women who were there to care for Mary, the mother of our Savior.

That the Bible mentions these four women is remarkable as this wasn’t done back in that day. Justin’s point was that God uses women to change the world. In addition to these four women, he pointed out Lydia in the book of Acts and Priscilla who with Acquilla, taught Apollos.

MARY AT THE FOOT OF THE CROSS

Justin told us to consider the pain of Mary as she watched the body of her son, beaten, bruised, skin probably dangling from every limb, His face unrecognizable. She likely reviewed every scene she could remember of her life with Jesus. From the day she learned she would carry the Messiah, to the trip across the country the night He was born. The angelic chorus singing Glory to God in the highest. Shepherds coming to see the newborn King. The Magi with their priceless gifts.

She probably remembered losing Him on their trip to Jerusalem. So many days in His short life. But to watch her son suffer such affliction had to have been the most heart wrenching day of her life. I cannot imagine.

Most of all, she very likely remembered presenting Him in the Temple and hearing Simeon say to her, Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed (Luke 2:34b-35 ESV). What agony to recall that day as she lived out his words.

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JESUS REMEMBERS HIS MOTHER

Jesus knew she would be all alone. Widowed, and now the son who had taken such good care of her, hung on that cross. Thus, he had compassion for her and spoke to her, and then to John. 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 19:26-27 ESV).

Many have asked why he didn’t say this to one of His brothers. At that time, none of His brothers believed He was the Messiah. They’d grown up with Him and only saw Him as a brother, not their Savior. It wasn’t until after His resurrection that His brothers believed. James and Jude became leaders in the early church, and each of them wrote a book in the New Testament.

THE FAMILY OF GOD

This act and these words emphasized the importance of family. Indeed, this is abundantly clear when Moses was given the Ten Commandments. The fifth commandment is Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you (Exodus 20:12 ESV). I used to tell my children all the time this meant they would live a long life if they followed this commandment. Since I’m fairly old, I’d consider that our four boys did at least a decent job of this. I will say, now that they are older, they certainly do a wonderful job of this. I’ll take these boys any day. I love you, Kenneth, Christopher, Adam, and Daniel. You are your Mama’s heart!

The fact that His brothers were not believers, and He chose John, shows that believers have a stronger bond than blood. God has given us a better family with God as our Father. The redeeming blood of Jesus brings us together as family.

I’m so thankful to be a part of the family of God. Do you want to be a part of God’s family?
I urge you to get out your Bible. Begin by reading the entire Gospel of John. From there, read the book of Romans. One tells you all about the life of Jesus the Son of God. The other tells you how to live a Christian life. Know I’m praying for you. May His Word speak to your very soul.

Blessings, y’all!

This is such a beautiful hymn, but Gilbert Martin has taken it to the heights of Glory in this glorious anthem. Another one Hubby and I have sung so many times. He’s a baritone, I sang high soprano. This group is amazing. Always. Thinking of you today, Louise Hall Beard, and the beautiful music we shared at IPC. Soli Deo Gloria.