Woman, Here is Your Son

John 19:25-27

“25 Meanwhile, standing near the cross of Jesus were his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 26 When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing beside her, he said to his mother, “Woman, here is your son.” 27 Then he said to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” And from that hour the disciple took her into his own home.”

Can you imagine standing in front of the cross, watching your child endure crucifixion?   The emotions we may feel while imagining this are nothing compared to those Mary endured on that day.  

Mary had been told by Simeon the Prophet after Christ’s birth that a sword would pierce her own soul (Luke 2:34-35), but I am sure she never imagined anything like this.

Jesus, looking down from the cross, saw His mother and felt compassion for her suffering.  The words that he spoke ensured her that she would not be left alone in her time of need.

Through His suffering on the cross, even with the weight of the sins of humanity on His shoulders, Christ reached out in love. 

May the love of Christ be with you,

Rev. Eric Lanier (Retired)