Her Son and Her Savior

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

This scene is unimaginable for any parent, especially for a mother. Jesus’ body was so injured from the beatings and the scourging that the two criminals on either side would have looked relatively healthy in comparison. Now, His broken body is hanging on the cross, and His mother is suffering as any mother would.

Mary, like most parents, might have thought, “Put me on the cross. Let me suffer for Him. God, do this to me, but spare Him.” But, Mary knew that Jesus was suffering not only as a Son, but also as her Savior.

Mary knew that this day was coming. As Jesus was being dedicated as a baby at the temple, Simeon prophesied, “ ‘Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.’

“The child's father and mother marveled at what was said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: "This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too" (Luke 2:28-35).

Standing at the foot of the cross, a sword was certainly piercing Mary’s soul that day. Mary was not divine. She couldn’t call upon supernatural power to alleviate her pain. Mary was a mother whose heart was broken.

Jesus’ earthly father, Joseph, had passed away at some point in Jesus’ life. We’re not sure when. Jesus would no longer be available to care for His mother. Hanging on the cross, Jesus took responsibility for his mother’s continued care. It’s what a good son would do. He turned her care over to the disciple whom He loved, John. (John never calls himself by name in his gospel). “Dear women, here is your son.” John is your son now. He will take care of you. Then, to John, “Here is your mother.”

As Jesus was dying to provide salvation for all of the world, His thoughts turned to providing for His earthly mother. Her needs were not insignificant. Jesus’ care for Mary reflects His care for us. Our needs are significant to Jesus. Not just our spiritual needs, but all of our needs.

What do you need today? Jesus cares about everything you need.