JOHN 19:25-27: “Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple he loved standing there, he said to his mother, “Woman, here is your son.” Then he said to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” And from that hour the disciple took her into his home.” CSB

OBSERVATION: Did Jesus love His earthly mother? Some have questioned Jesus’ love for His mother because of a misunderstanding of the following Scripture;

• “While he was still speaking with the crowds, his mother and brothers were standing outside wanting to speak to him. Someone told him, “Look, your mother and your brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to you.” He replied to the one who was speaking to him, “Who is my mother and who are my brothers?” Stretching out his hand toward his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.” Matthew 12:46-50 CSB

Was Jesus dismissing His own mother? If there was ever a question as to Jesus’ love for His mother, it was answered once and for all as He hung upon the cross. Beaten near death, exhausted, nailed to a Roman cross, in extreme agony, Jesus took the time and energy to make sure His own mother was taken care of after His death, resurrection, and ascension. In such a loving act of sacrifice He said to His mother, and to John;

• “Woman, here is your son.” Then he said to the disciple, “Here is your mother.”

The text says that from that very hour John took Mary into his home and cared for her. Jesus fulfilled the entire law, including the Fourth Commandment;

• “Honor your father and your mother so that you may have a long life in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.” Exodus 20:12 CSB

As a teenager, filled with angst and confusion, I fell short of honoring my mother. When I gave my life to Christ, one of the first things the Lord dealt with me about was my attitude and actions toward my mother. I had to repent before my mother and before the Lord. It became my life’s goal to honor my mother. I thank the Lord for each and every day I had with her.

I will never forget the last moments of my mother’s life. Karen and I stood at her bedside singing hymns. She lay motionless, her breathing was shallow, her eyes closed. We could not tell whether she could hear us or not. I whispered in her ear – “Mom, I love you. It’s alright to go now. Jesus is waiting for you.” A few moments later my mother’s eyes opened wide. She was not looking at me, she was gazing up into heaven. It was more than a mere neurological response. She was seeing something. She stared intently for a while, then closed her eyes. Less than an hour later she was with Jesus.

There is no one in the world who loves like a mother. She loves us in spite of ourselves. Her heart aches and longs for us. She desires only the best for our lives. She is selfless and giving. She is worthy of honor. When a child is born they cut the umbilical cord. Yet, there is a cord that can never be cut. It is the cord of a mother’s heart that is connected to her children. She loves until the day she takes her last breath. She is worthy of honor!

Jesus loved His mother. We should love and honor ours. We should include her in our life. We should remember her in our busy schedules. We should give her a call, spend time with her, and consider each and every day all the wonderful things she has done for us. We should remember that her heart is always connected to ours. When we hurt, she hurts. When we celebrate, she rejoices. When we fail, she is there to put her arms around us and restore us. She is worthy of honor!

Lord, I thank you for the wonderful legacy of my mother. I remember her song in the kitchen, her joy as she cared for her family, and her love for her friends. She was always kind, always gentle, always forgiving. Thank you for the blessed assurance that I will one day be reunited with her in Your presence.

In Jesus Name!