◄ What Does John 19:26 Mean? ►

When Jesus then saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing nearby, He said to His mother, "Woman, behold, your son!"

John 19:26(NASB)

Verse of the Day

Christ had already offered a powerful prayer of pardon for His murderers, and a precious promise of assurance to the repentant, dying thief. His third utterance from the Cross, is a one of gracious comfort and loving assurance to His mother, as well as bestowing an opportunity of sweet service to John, the disciple whom Jesus loved. For we read: "When Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple standing by, whom He loved, He said to His mother, 'Woman, behold your son!' Then said He to the disciple, 'behold your mother.'"

The woman, chosen to be the mother of our Lord, who was also present at the beginning of His earthly sojourn, was now weeping at the foot of the Cross. Perhaps she was understanding a little more of the serious words she heard from the lips of Simeon, when he took the baby Jesus in his arms and prophesied that her holy Child was appointed for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and for a sign to be opposed. No doubt she recalled his warning that a sword would one day pierce her own soul, to the end that the thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.

While still not yet fully comprehending the deeper and eternal significance of Christ's redeeming work, His mother and John must have been standing among the mocking crowd and cruel soldiers together with a few faithful followers, who loved Him dearly. But friend or foe alike, every one needed to be washed in His redeeming blood or pay the consequences of sin's deadly hold.

Devoted obedience to the Father, gracious redemption of humanity, a glorious Bride for Himself, and the victorious reclamation of the kingdom was the goal of His divine calling, yet the loving-kindness He showed towards His mother, demonstrates the humanity of our Lord and the empathetic nature of God for His children, for when Jesus saw his mother and the disciple He loved standing nearby, He said to his mother, "Dear woman, here is your son," and to the disciple he loved, "Here is your mother."

My Prayer

Loving Father, as I see the tender compassion the Lord Jesus had toward His mother as He died on the Cross to save my soul, I want to thank You that You also care about every aspect of my life and those for whom I am responsible. Help me to look to Jesus so that as I gaze into His lovely face, I will see the same tender compassion and love. Thank You, in Jesus' name, AMEN.