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 His mother ”Dear woman, here is your son," and to the disciple “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home. John 19:25-27
My son is one of the greatest gifts that God has ever given me. I love him with all of my being. I cannot imagine witnessing the horrific pain and suffering of my firstborn in the manner in which Mary did. The very thought of it brings tears to my eyes and an ache in my heart.
Jesus understood that witnessing His crucifixion was a sharp stab to the core of Mary's heart. Not because he was Jesus but because he was her son. Jesus witnessed her suffering and in spite of his indescribable pain, he informed her that he would be leaving this world soon but would leave her in the care of his beloved disciple, John.
In doing so, he provided her with hope and also with the promise of being with him again soon. How much more can a son love his mother than the example Jesus gave us? He made sure that she had someone to hold on to and lean on during what was probably the worst day of her life and in the days to come. What a mighty example of God's love for us and Jesus’s love for his mother.
Mary didn't come to Jerusalem to witness this. She traveled there as she always did for the Passover celebration. Can you imagine how quickly her joy turned to immense sorrow and pain? Yet in spite of his suffering, Jesus comforted his mother in her suffering and made sure she would be taken care of.
When we hurt, God provides us with comfort and hope. His promises are always kept. His love is unfailing. He is always with us. He will never leave or forsake us.
As much as I have an endless amount of love for my children I know that God's love for us is that and so much more.
I cannot begin to imagine Mary's pain that day but I can surely understand and imagine her joy a few days later.
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