TEXT: JOHN 19: 25-27
READING: 2 TIMOTHY 1: 1-18
SUBJ: The display of human affection as Jesus, in His last thoughts, provides for the care of His mother and for John, the beloved.
AIM: That we might be reminded of the duty as children, at any age, to our parents after the example of Christ and note that it was for her as well that He died.
INTR: It is well that the world has designated a day to honor mothers. Many do just that on a special day. Those who would follow the example of scripture would do so continually.
1. The commandment is given from the outset that we are to honor our father and mother that our days may be long upon the land - often remembered as the first commandment with promise.
2. As in so many things, superficial attendance to these things is often rendered by the world, but the true believer acts in harmony with the Spirit of truth and life - in privilege as well as obligation.
3. The importance of this is shown by none other than the Lord Himself as He, in the midst of His suffering, assures the wellbeing of His mother.
THESIS: The elevation of a human responsibility to such a high plane as this makes it a matter of necessity to us and such necessity in which we literally sense the spiritual presence of Christ in us.
I. The scene at Calvary (v. 25)
1. It is often found uncomfortable to consider the awful spectacle of our Lord's crucifixion.
1) We are reminded of the ordeal that preceded this scene.
2) We are reminded that He had told beforehand what was to happen.
3) And the imposition of such physical agony on the innocent Lamb of God.
2. We are also brought to see human depravity at its worst.
1) We consider the howling mob.
2) And the jeering religionist who were filling up the measure of their fathers.
3) The cruel nature of men wherein death alone would not suit them - they demanded suffering and humiliation.
3. Near the cross, among the crowd, stood Mary and three other women whose faith and courage compelled them to follow Christ despite such circumstances.
4. No doubt Mary was made to rehearse several scenes from the past thirty-three years.
1) The troubling visit from the Angel Gabriel with the news she was to bear the Messiah.
2) The declaration and prophecy of Simeon: Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel. (Luke 2:28-32)
3) AND, And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against; (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed. (Luke 2:34-35)
II. Our Lord’s care for His mother (vv. 26-27).
1. Mary’s life is somewhat obscure, and she is not mentioned much during His earthly ministry.
1) She appeared with Him at the wedding in Cana. We will remember that He addressed her there as "Woman."
2) He does likewise from the cross. Neither is a matter of disrespect; it rather declares His deity and her as one of the redeemed. And would direct her to seeing Him as Lord. (It may be that using such and address He may have spared her from the ridicule of the crowd). She was suffering enough at what she was seeing.
3) It may well be that He would head off any ideas of Mary-worship and we consider: See Matthew 12:47-50
2. Woman, behold thy son! Behold thy mother!
1) John identifies himself here as the disciple who Jesus loved.
2) Mary had, in all probability, been a widow for some time. Joseph is not after Jesus was 12.
3) Both Mary and John would have understood the significance of what was said:
i. This was an imperative and would be binding on their hearts.
ii. She would look to John as an adult son with the assurance of His loving and honoring her in the stead of Jesus.
iii. John would gladly receive her into his life as truly his own mother.
III. The implications to us.
1. Human relationships have been established from the beginning and we note that "Adam called his wife Eve; because she was the mother of all living."
2. That Jesus acknowledged and provided for His earthly mother not only reinforces the commandment to us; it also, displays His submission to and the honoring of it all.
3. In that He so acted in His dying hour leaves us without excuse and gives us a reason to rejoice at being sons and daughters.
