Third of the Seven Last Words of Jesus
²⁶When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, “Woman, here is your son,” ²⁷and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home. John 19:26-27 NIV
Why call her "woman"?
Up on the cross, He is already addressing her as human, and Himself, God. Calling her "mother" would be more piercing, painful for her.
Even then, it must have been painful still, as a fulfillment of what was prophesied to Mary:
³⁴Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, ³⁵so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.” Luke 2:34-35 NIV (emphasis added)
In that timeline's culture, widows are taken cared of by the oldest son when her husband dies. When Jesus's ministry started, there were no mention of Joseph. It is assumed that he is already dead. Otherwise he would have been in the picture. Jesus, being Mary's oldest son takes care of Mary.
Why leave her to His youngest disciple?
Because of their connection to Jesus, they were not even present in the scene.
But this has all taken place that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples deserted him and fled. Matthew 26:56 NIV
What about His brothers?
For even his own brothers did not believe in him. John 7:5 NIV
They were not even believers at that time and would have thought He deserves what was happening to Him.
Perhaps, Jesus saw that Mary and John were two of those who were courageous enough to witness His final hours. Plus, it's always best to leave your loved ones to the courageous ones, to those who will face whatever circumstance to make sure that whatever or whoever is under their care will remain safe and watched over. John, being present at Jesus' crucifixion must have been comforting Mary and all those who were with her. And Jesus saw that.
Most importantly, Jesus knows what will happen in the future. He knew John would be the best choice to leave His mother to.
Lessons we Can Learn From Jesus' 3rd of the Last Seven Last Words.
Lasting care for family.
Jesus entrusted Mary to John and John to Mary. When Jesus is not with them physically anymore, they would understand each other's love for Him and their relationship with God. Every time Mary would talk about Jesus to John, he would understand. Even the mysteries of being close to Jesus is a common thing to both of them. No extra explanation needed. They just know.
Be there for your family every time you get a chance. Do not just give a one-time care. When my grandmother (mother's side) had a stroke, my Aunt who was in London did not waste time. She immediately instructed her siblings to hire a physical therapist to help my grandmother recover, as advised by her doctors. She pulled through. She paid for the entire thing from beginning to end. She could not be there physically, so she did what she can do best for her while being away.
Whenever you can, help those family members in need.
Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. 1 Timothy 5:8 NIV
As a man, Jesus will not be able to take care of Mary physically anymore. Entrusting her to John would make more sense, since he is the youngest disciple. He has longer time to care for her.
As we have read, Jesus did not just show a lasting care for family, He also communicated an encouraging trust for a friend.
Encouraging trust for friends.
For those who knew and walked with Jesus, it would have been a privilege to be entrusted with someone dear to Him by Him. He showed John He trusts he will take care of Mary.
When my wife and I got an insurance and were choosing who to leave our children should the Lord decide we join Him, it was a long-thought decision. It was like a whole season of Survivor series where all our trusted friends and relatives are competing, and we decide who to win. It was not easy but we came up with a decision. The point is that when it comes to people dear to you, you want the best for them. With John, it was a huge favor with a long-lasting commitment to take care of a widow.
True friends are people who take a friend asking for a huge favor as a complement.
In the case of John, it's like after all they have been through with Jesus, this should be a quick decision. His reaction was immediate. He took Mary with him to take care of her.
and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home. John 19:27 NIV
Being in that time, John understands what it meant, and he did not turn Jesus down.
As Jesus was about to complete His mission, he exemplified finishing well for God.
Finishing well for God.
For Jesus to complete His mission, He had to leave His family and friends. He did not let these relationships get in the way. He did not use His family as an excuse not to do what He needed to do. Instead, He gave it as an opportunity for His disciple (John) to put into action what He taught him.
⁴¹If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. ⁴²Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you. Matthew 5:41-42 NIV
Although he was not forced, and he had a choice to refuse, he willingly took the challenge, just as a student who have learned from his Teacher would.
Jesus is our model.
- In serving God, we choose Him over anything and anyone.
- In serving God, we don't just start right. We finish well.
¹Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, ²fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2 NIV
Note that Jesus did not just leave His earthly mother when He was completing His mission. He made sure someone will take care of her. He showed us that we can be good and faithful servants of Christ while also caring for our family.
Sometimes finishing well means doing things in such a way that the Lord is blessed with our service for Him, so as our family.
Look at how the first century Christians do things to take care of widows:
¹In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. ²So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. ³Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them ⁴and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.” Acts 6:1-4 NIV
The gospel is preached, but they did not neglect taking care of widows. We can be good servants of Christ while taking care of our responsibilities.
Conclusion:
Genuine disciples of Jesus Christ are students of the Word who learn and apply the art of balance in ministry, relationships, and life.
As the Bible declares,
¹⁷All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, ¹⁷so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 NIV
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