Woman, Behold Your Son And To The Disciple, Behold Your Mother

 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!” - John 19:26,27.

             The third word that Jesus uttered on the cross was a word of compassion addressed to his mother. Mary, the mother of Jesus stood near the cross with two other women and John. When Jesus 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!”. It shows the love, care and concern of Jesus towards His mother even on the cross.

                 The prophet Simeon prophesied Mary that a sword will pierce her own soul at the time of Jesus’ birth. And a sword will pierce your own soul too - Luke 2:35. It is a painful experience for Mary to watch her son suffering on the cross. Jesus understanding the pain of His mother and His responsibility, committed her to be cared by John. From that time on, this disciple took her into his home - John 19:27.

               Like Jesus, let us also honor our father and mother. Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God is giving you - Exodus 20:12. And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man - Luke 2:52. For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother - Matthew 12:50.                                            

PRAYER: Dear Lord, Help us to honor and take care of our parents. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.