#3 So Jesus seeing his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing there, 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 into his family. John 19:26-27
No event is more tragic for a parent than witnessing the death of his or her child. Mary sat at the foot of the cross while Jesus died. Jesus had suffered in a similar way during his earthly ministry through the death of His best friend Lazarus. Remember after Lazarus had died and Jesus met Mary in front of the house, we are told that Jesus wept. Though he suffered terribly by this point Jesus still could identify and sympathize with His mother’s pain.
In speaking these words to John and His mother, Jesus provides them with a way to deal with their grief. These few words by Jesus totally redefine who our family is. It is not as if Mary was left childless for we know that Jesus had at least one brother, who was James. So there must have been some other reason for Jesus’ words. This statement by Jesus from the cross is the practical application of his words from Luke 8:19-21 “His mother came to him and his brothers also, and they were unable to get to him because of the crowds. And it was reported to him, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, wishing to see you.” But he answered and said to them, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it.”
The relationships that impact you the most throughout your life are those of you family, whether for good or evil. Some of you in this room had very loving fathers and mothers while others of you would crumble if anyone knew the acts that went on with your family. In no way do Jesus’ words diminish the role of our blood relationships (for we are still to uphold the sixth commandment to Honor your Mother and Father), but these words do exalt the relationships that we have within the Church. From now on it is not only the responsibility of Mary’s blood relatives to help her emotionally, physically, and spiritually. But for all those who call themselves followers of Christ including John must take on this responsibility.
A friend of mine here at All Nations, when I asked him the other day why is it that he stays at All Nations answered, “This is my family.” This does not mean that the family of God is any more functional than your natural family. There will still be misunderstandings, sometimes you won’t like the way the furniture is arranged, and sometimes there will be fights. In the words of Augustine, “The church is a whore, but she is my mother.” We are to be long suffering with each other, quick to repentance, and always speaking the truth in love. The most important difference between your natural family and the family of God is that no matter what you have done or ever do, you are not kick out of the house.
No event is more tragic for a parent than witnessing the death of his or her child. Mary sat at the foot of the cross while Jesus died. Jesus had suffered in a similar way during his earthly ministry through the death of His best friend Lazarus. Remember after Lazarus had died and Jesus met Mary in front of the house, we are told that Jesus wept. Though he suffered terribly by this point Jesus still could identify and sympathize with His mother’s pain.
In speaking these words to John and His mother, Jesus provides them with a way to deal with their grief. These few words by Jesus totally redefine who our family is. It is not as if Mary was left childless for we know that Jesus had at least one brother, who was James. So there must have been some other reason for Jesus’ words. This statement by Jesus from the cross is the practical application of his words from Luke 8:19-21 “His mother came to him and his brothers also, and they were unable to get to him because of the crowds. And it was reported to him, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, wishing to see you.” But he answered and said to them, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it.”
The relationships that impact you the most throughout your life are those of you family, whether for good or evil. Some of you in this room had very loving fathers and mothers while others of you would crumble if anyone knew the acts that went on with your family. In no way do Jesus’ words diminish the role of our blood relationships (for we are still to uphold the sixth commandment to Honor your Mother and Father), but these words do exalt the relationships that we have within the Church. From now on it is not only the responsibility of Mary’s blood relatives to help her emotionally, physically, and spiritually. But for all those who call themselves followers of Christ including John must take on this responsibility.
A friend of mine here at All Nations, when I asked him the other day why is it that he stays at All Nations answered, “This is my family.” This does not mean that the family of God is any more functional than your natural family. There will still be misunderstandings, sometimes you won’t like the way the furniture is arranged, and sometimes there will be fights. In the words of Augustine, “The church is a whore, but she is my mother.” We are to be long suffering with each other, quick to repentance, and always speaking the truth in love. The most important difference between your natural family and the family of God is that no matter what you have done or ever do, you are not kick out of the house.
posted by michaelstevensrev at 10:37 AM
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