The Seven Last Words of Christ: Here Is Your Mother
by Daniel Burton
With everything going on, we can easily forgot that many others were present at the time of the crucifixion. This was a public spectacle that drew attentions from those who both despised Jesus and those who revered Him. Among those, the bible specifically calls attention to Mary, Jesus’ Mother, and a few others. Although Christ is hanging on the cross and the life slowly drained from His person, He looked down and saw His mother there. This woman had raised Him from birth during the difficult times and during the good times. Now, a gamut of emotions as not only her Savior hung on the cross but also her son. Jesus, though, wanted to ensure that this woman who had raised Him, taught Him to walk, and provided for Him all throughout His life would be cared for.
“Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, “Woman, here is your son,” and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.”
Parents are not supposed to bury their children. This situation, more so than the rest, was not supposed to happen. Innocent are not supposed to be punished. Gods are not supposed to be killed. Jesus understood that His mission and goals were expressly different than how the world expected Him to be and do. He simply could not leave without caring for Mary and ensuring that she would be taken care of. Thus, even as Jesus was in excruciating pain, He looked to John, the Beloved, to care for Mary as he would his own mother. Through the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, the two would be bound together not as acquaintances or friends, but as family cares for one another.
Adopted In
As Jesus spoke these words to John and Mary, there was a sense of adoption that was taking place. John was by no means the son of Mary. Yet, after this moment, he would claim her publicly has his mother because of the command of Jesus Christ. The fact that they were not biologically connected would not be a deterrent to their relationship. Both of them would experience a loss as Jesus died and later ascended into heaven with their son and friend no longer being by their side. Thus, they would be able to be Christ to each other, empowered by the Holy Spirit, to be there for each other and extend the presence of God to one another.
As we identify with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection, we also identify with Him in His sonship. Click To TweetThe same is true of us. We are by no means children of God apart from Christ. There is this idea that everyone is a child of God, but this process only happens when we are declared to be children of God through our faith in Jesus Christ. As we identify with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection, we also identify with Him in His sonship. We belong to the family of God and our Heavenly Father is our protector, provider, and redeemer. God adopted us into the family with Him and we are never alone. We have our heavenly father and we also have one another.
Family Through Jesus Christ
We are all family through our bond with Jesus Christ. As we are adopted into the family of Jesus Christ, it is no longer men and women we meet or even friends. Instead, we are all family. We care for each other as family doesn’t. There will be times that those we are close to infuriate us and aggravate us to no end, but still, we care for one another by the mere fact that we are united together with Christ. Family takes care of family and even more so with the family of God. The bond with one another comes from the strength of our connection to Jesus Christ.
As a member of the body of Christ, there will be times where we will need to reach out for help to support one another and other times we will need to reach out and offer our strength. Click To TweetThis is the cause behind the exhortations to care for one another. John was exhorted to care for Mary as if she was his mother and Mary for John as if she was his son. When we feel down and alone, we should be able to go to the church, not as a building but as the body of Christ. Family is there to support one another during the times we need it the most. They do not run out on difficult people or those who are enduring pain. As the church, we are a similar kind of family. As a member of the body of Christ, there will be times where we will need to reach out for help to support one another and other times we will need to reach out and offer our strength. Whatever our situation, we stand together with one another. Christ died for all of our sins and each one of us can rest in that presence and support each other by the grace and strength of God.
For more in this series, check out Seven Last Words of Christ.
