I wrote a series of devotion for my church on the Seven Last Words of Jesus for this Lent season and sharing them here. I am happy to discuss the answers to the questions in the comments below. So feel free to engage me in a dialogue. =)
Third of Seven Last Words of Jesus
John 19:26-27 (NASB): “When Jesus then saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing nearby, He said to His mother, “Woman, behold, your son!” Then He said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” From that hour the disciple took her into his own household.”
Theme: RELATIONSHIP & COMMUNITY
Read: John 19:25-27
- Why did Jesus call his mother “woman”? What were His thoughts and concerns at that moment?
- Who is “the disciple whom He loved”? Why did you think Jesus chose him to care for His mother?
Additional Reading: http://www.desiringgod.org/messages/the-third-word-from-the-cross
JESUS’ TEACHING AND APPLICATION
Read Luke 8:19-21 & Mark 10:28-30.
Jesus’ taught some hard teachings regarding following Him and family, perhaps even seemed like we need to choose either one. One of the strongest was “No one, after putting his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God” in Luke 9:61-62. There is no indication of Jesus advocating the severing of ties and responsibilities with family, but it is about priorities. Jesus being the first-born son of Mary took on the responsibility of caring for His mother after the death of Joseph while He was in ministry. It is natural for Him to make sure Mary was taken care off after His death. God ordains the structure of family and He requires us to respect and love the families He placed us in. Obedience to God comes first and we trust that He knows what is best for our families and us. There are times when God wants us to focus on His ministry but other times, on our families.
John was present with the others at the cross. There was nothing they could do for Jesus except for their presence that comforts. The close relationship John had with Jesus brought him to the foot of the cross. By being present, he was given the honor of caring for Jesus’ mother. The beauty of this scene at the cross is in Jesus, the natural and spiritual family becomes one as exemplified by Mary and John. The follower of Jesus has a larger family of God that extends beyond the natural family.
- How has juggling between following Jesus and family been for you? What are some of the challenges? Can any of the brother or sister in Christ help?
- Presence is important when people are going through difficult times. Maybe all we can do is to provide moral support and comfort, but sometimes, it is to help carry some responsibilities. Think about a time when you sit with someone who is in a difficult period in his/her life? How has that time impacted your friend and also yourself?
REFLECTION & MEDITATION
Spend some quiet moments with the Lord and allow the Holy Spirit to show you areas within you and your lifestyle that you need to grow so that you can be more a family to your natural and spiritual family. Take some practical actions in the week and see how God blesses.
SONG OF MEDITATION
Paul Carr Seven Last Words from the Cross – 2. Woman, Behold Thy son! https://youtu.be/s2zbrvS7X5A
