*these are my notes from my sermon on the statements Jesus made on the cross. See 1 & 2 here.

Statement #3: “Woman, behold your son!” Then He said to the disciple, “Behold your mother!” 

Now there stood by the cross of Jesus His mother, and His mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing by, He said to His mother, “Woman, behold your son!” Then He said to the disciple, “Behold your mother!” And from that hour that disciple took her to his own home. (John 19:26-27)

After last week’s message about the brutality of the crucifixion, imagine Mary’s grief as she looks upon her innocent child. Remember, she carried him in her womb, raised him as an infant and toddler all the way through adolescence. She knows just like any mom how bad it hurts to see your child hurt.

  • In fact, she was told by Simeon in the Christmas story how bad this would hurt, like a sword piercing through her soul. “And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “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 2:34)
  • Even as He hung dying an excruciatingly painful death, Jesus compassionately made provision for His mother. He calls her woman and at first this could seem insensitive, but upon further thought He may be doing so to conceal her from the angry mob. “Behold your son,” as in John, your new spiritual son who will take care of you now.

Look how John writes about himself, “the disciple whom He loved.” We know this relationship is different than any other disciple. For one, he’s the only one at the cross. And secondly, Jesus appoints him as the one who takes care of his mother!

  • Could you imagine filling those shoes? Good thing John feels love from Jesus because now out of honor and respect he won’t mess this new responsibility up! How many of you know that when you feel Jesus’ love, you don’t want to disappoint? That’s the conviction that changes. Not from condemnation, but from the desire to not disappoint since like John, we are also disciples “whom He loves!”

Catch this: John is sincere. He respects Jesus enough to be the only one at the cross while the other disciples have fled. Sincerity and respect of Jesus are not enough though. John will fully believe when he enters the empty tomb in three days. Scripture reveals to us that this is when “he saw and believed.” (John 20:8) This was his moment of regeneration, salvation, and baptism into the body of Christ. There are many people today who sincerely respect Jesus. They may even see Him as a wise teacher and a good moral role model. But do they believe he is the Messiah, the Son of the living God? This is saving faith, and blessed are those who make that profession.