John 19:25-27 (NIV)
25 Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 26 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," 27 and to the disciple, "Here is your mother." From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.
The Setting:
• Jesus on the cross
• Has extended forgiveness to his persecutors (Isa. 53)
• Has offered salvation to the criminal next to him
• Soldiers have divided up his clothes (Ps. 22)
At the Cross:
• Mary, his mother – her thoughts had to have gone back to the prophecy 30 years ago
"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 2:34-35
• Mary, wife of Clopas (mother of James & Joseph)
• Mary Magdalene
• Salome (mother of James & John)
• John
The Big Idea:
Christ demonstrates his compassion in the midst of our pain.
A few thoughts:
1. Christ looked beyond his own suffering to minister to Mary
• At that moment, his pain/suffering was excruciating – physically, emotionally, spiritually
• “Woman” – not a term of disrespect – scholars & some trans > “Dear woman”
• We see the depth of his compassion / concern / love
2. Mary is a picture of us
• Mary was broken-hearted / crushed / and maybe even a little unsure of the future
• We are in need of Christ to take care of us – provide for us in our time of need.
3. Through Christ we have family to take care of us
• Mary was likely a widow
• Jesus had brothers, but they were not believers yet
• He places her in the care of someone he could trust
• This illustrates the care that is to take place in the body / the family of God.
Be devoted to one another...
Honor one another above yourselves...
Live in harmony with one another
Accept one another just as Christ accepted you...
Instruct one another...
Greet one another…
Serve one another in love...
Forgive one another...
Submit to one another...
Spur one another toward love and good deeds...
Encourage one another...
Greet one another with love...
Fellowship with one another...
Love one another...
“Let us all take courage in the care and power and provision of our Lord. If he was eager to care for his mother, how much more eager will he be today to care for those who hear and do the word of God! If Jesus could provide for the needs of his own in the moment of his greatest weakness and humiliation, how much more can he provide for your need in his present wealth of power and exaltation. And if Jesus purchased the church with his own blood and ordained that in it grieving mothers find sons and sons find mothers, then no one should be without a caring family today in the body of Christ.” ~ John Piper
We see in this scene, through this third statement of Christ on the cross – His character – His compassion –His concern – His care. The needs of others trumped his own pain and suffering and extended to those whose hearts and spirits were hurting in that moment.
This reminds us that He demonstrates His compassion in the midst of our pain.
Points to ponder:
1. As we seek to put on the character of Christ and emulate him, we are to show a deep compassion for others.
"Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." Col 3:12 (NIV)
Just as the Good Samaritan went out of his way . . .
2. Without pain and suffering, we would never fully appreciate the compassion of God.
"You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy." James 5:11 (NIV)
It’s hard to understand why things happen the way they do, but in the midst of our suffering . . .
Finally, notice that “from that time on, this disciple took her into his home.”
• Mary could have tried to make it on her own
• She could have gone to live with one of her other sons
• But she was submissive to the will of Christ
Whatever is piercing you today / whatever is causing you sorrow . . . allow the compassion of Christ to cover you. Let him comfort you in the midst of your pain.
"The LORD is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion." Ps 116:5 (NIV)
Be a source of compassion to others. Take your eyes off of your own problems / issues for just a moment and look around for someone hurting and in need of the compassion of Christ in their life.
Rmember:
Christ demonstrates his compassion in the midst of our pain.
Lord, thank you for your compassion. We would be hopeless and lost without your care for us.
We are grateful that in the midst of our pain – when our hearts are pierced – we have the confidence that you see us and are moved. We thank you that you – as the Scriptures tell us – are continually interceding on our behalf. Lord, help us to release our pain to you so that we may receive your comfort and compassion.
We pray that you would teach us and lead us to be people of compassion – people that demonstrate your heart to a crushed and hurting world. Teach us to show the depth of your love to those whose hearts have been pierced by the sin of this world.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
