A Word that Begins Relationships

“When Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple standing by whom he loved, he says to his mother, “Woman, behold your son.” Then he says to the disciple, “Behold your mother. And from that hour that disciple took her to his own home.”—John 19:26-27

At a time when Jesus is going through excruciating physical pain, and perhaps far worse pain emotionally, he binds people together in new relationships. Notice that even with blood stinging His eyes, Jesus is able to see his mother from the cross. She was told that a sword would pierce her soul (Luke 2:35), and here it is being fulfilled as she watches her son die. Jesus also sees John, the disciple whom He loved standing there at the cross. But before He can pronounce what their new relationship is, He must first make his relationship with Mary clear.

“Woman,” he says, “behold your son.” Woman. Is this a mark of disrespect? No. Merely a way of saying “Lady,” or “Mrs.” It was an appellation that would make clear that He was no longer her Son, but her Savior and Lord. This I believe was part of the sword piercing her soul. Having severed this earthy tie, He cares for her so much that He puts her in John’s care. To whom He says, “Behold your mother.” In other words, “Take care of her in my absence.”

Often the way of the cross involves sacrificing earthly relationships to do the will of the Father. But if God calls us to sever an earthly family tie or friendship that hinders our fulfilling His purposes, He will always more than make up for it, not only by giving us new, close relationships among fellow believers, but more so by giving us Himself, in love.

Kenny Damara