Thursday, May 9, 2013

"Woman, Behold Your Son"

Talk about a Mother's Day sermon! In John 19:25-27 we have Mary, Jesus' mother, caring for her son while He is on the cross.  We also have Jesus, Mary's son, caring for His mother while He is on the cross.  What a Bible lesson on love and loyalty!

We have learned that while on the cross our Lord Jesus was not a victim but a victor.  His care for His mother exhibits this.  He demonstrates that He is the Son of God and son of man by speaking to both His Heavenly Father and earthly mother.  He also demonstrates that He is the PERFECT sacrifice for our sins by His obedience to God's law.  In providing a home for Mary He is fulfilling the 4th commandment to honor our parents.  Not even the exhausting and violent suffering He has experienced keep Him from compassionate care for His mother as well as others!

Standing at her son's cross, Mary is experiencing a prediction made to her when Jesus was a newborn.  A godly saint, Simeon, had told her, "And a sword will pierce your own soul too."  The respected commentator, Matthew Henry, poignantly describes her suffering when Jesus is on the cross..."His torments were her tortures; she was upon the rack while he was upon the cross; and her heart bled with his wounds."

When we study the Scriptures sometimes it is hard for us to fully grasp the relationship between the Son of God and His earthly mother but their connection and interaction at the cross is the ultimate in motherhood and family love.  Sometimes our own family relationships have complexities, highs, and lows, but may the precious example of our Savior and His mother inspire and instruct us!

See you Sunday!

1.  Why do you think Jesus called Mary "Woman" instead of Mother during His days of ministry?  John 2:4; 19:26

2.  I believe the "son" that Mary is committed to by Jesus for care is the Apostle John.  John 19:26; 21:20.24. Why do you think John received that privilege? Study John 19:25; Mark 1:20; Matthew 27:55; and John 7:5. Why do you suppose Mary's husband, Joseph, is not mentioned regarding her future care?

3.  Along with His interesting name for His mother what else is unique about their relationship?  Mark 3:31-34; Luke 11:27, 28

4.  In the upper room prayer meeting of Acts 1 does the context suggest they were praying to Mary or with Mary?  Acts 1:13, 14

5.  Since Jesus would no longer be physically present to care for His mother He has John do it.  What might that suggest about us as the representatives of Christ in the here and now?

6.  Study this powerful passage on the importance God places on caring for our family members.  I Timothy 5:4, 7, 8

7.  In this 3rd statement from the cross our Lord demonstrates His victorious compassion even under great suffering and pain.  How do we treat our loved ones when we are having a "bad day"?   By the way, how many of the 7 statements from the cross can you remember?

8.  Take time to reflect on the blessings and challenges of motherhood.  If you have the opportunity, be sure to express your love and gratitude to the one(s) who have mothered you!