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Concordia Lutheran Church
Echoes from the Cross | "Behold Your Son… Behold Your Mother" 3/1
Even in agony, Jesus sees the people standing near the cross. He sees His mother’s grief and the beloved disciple’s presence. With intention and care, He entrusts them to one another. This word reveals love in action. Jesus creates a new family at the foot of the cross. This sermon speaks to those who feel lonely, displaced, or disconnected. It reminds us that the church is not simply an institution or a program. It is a family given by Jesus, formed by His love, and sustained by His care.
Locations & Times
Concordia Lutheran Church
16801 Huebner Rd, San Antonio, TX 78258, USA
Sunday 8:00 AM
Sunday 9:30 AM
Sunday 11:00 AM
Worship Online
Worship with us online live every Sunday morning, or on demand 24/7 throughout the week!
https://live.concordia.ccGiving Link
https://concordia.cc/givingEchoes from the Cross – The Third Word
I. Framing the moment
Series: listening closely to Jesus’ words from the cross.
Today: the third word. (John 19:25–27)
Jesus speaks to Mary and the beloved disciple. This word reveals something profound about God’s character.
Series: listening closely to Jesus’ words from the cross.
Today: the third word. (John 19:25–27)
Jesus speaks to Mary and the beloved disciple. This word reveals something profound about God’s character.
II. Cana to Calvary
Mary appears only in John 2 and John 19.
At Cana: “My hour has not yet come.”
At the cross: the hour has come. John frames this moment intentionally: Not as a side note, but as part of the story’s climax. Water and wine; blood and water.
Mary appears only in John 2 and John 19.
At Cana: “My hour has not yet come.”
At the cross: the hour has come. John frames this moment intentionally: Not as a side note, but as part of the story’s climax. Water and wine; blood and water.
III. Why this word feels different
It can feel small compared to the cosmic drama of the cross.
Other sayings feel weightier or more dramatic. This one feels domestic, almost quiet.
It can feel small compared to the cosmic drama of the cross.
Other sayings feel weightier or more dramatic. This one feels domestic, almost quiet.
IV. The spectacle vs. the personal
The cross includes darkness, judgment, atonement.
Yet John slows us down to a grieving mother and disciple. Like expecting the spectacle to matter most — and discovering the personal moment is what lasts. This is not interruption. It is revelation.
The cross includes darkness, judgment, atonement.
Yet John slows us down to a grieving mother and disciple. Like expecting the spectacle to matter most — and discovering the personal moment is what lasts. This is not interruption. It is revelation.
V. What this reveals about God
Yes, Jesus’ humanity is real — He loves His mother. But John is showing us something deeper. We expect God in the spectacular. Yet Scripture consistently shows a God who cares for widows, orphans, and strangers.
He“executes justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the sojourner.” (Deuteronomy 10:18–19) The prophets echo this same heartbeat: “Do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8), and they rebuke God’s people when they neglect the vulnerable. (Isaiah 1; Amos 5) This moment fits that pattern.
Jesus’ care is not a detour from the plan — it is the plan. “That’s who He is”: A God who sees our struggles, cares for us, and provides.
Yes, Jesus’ humanity is real — He loves His mother. But John is showing us something deeper. We expect God in the spectacular. Yet Scripture consistently shows a God who cares for widows, orphans, and strangers.
He“executes justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the sojourner.” (Deuteronomy 10:18–19) The prophets echo this same heartbeat: “Do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8), and they rebuke God’s people when they neglect the vulnerable. (Isaiah 1; Amos 5) This moment fits that pattern.
Jesus’ care is not a detour from the plan — it is the plan. “That’s who He is”: A God who sees our struggles, cares for us, and provides.
VI. Return to the cross
The God who conquers sin and death is the same God who sees grief. His power does not distance Him. It draws Him near. The third word reveals something beautiful about the heart of God.
The God who conquers sin and death is the same God who sees grief. His power does not distance Him. It draws Him near. The third word reveals something beautiful about the heart of God.
VII. Pastoral comfort
If this reveals God’s heart, then hear it personally. He does not overlook suffering. He does not miss quiet burdens. “Jesus sees you.” In financial strain, relational tension, fear, isolation. He sees you and does not look away.
If this reveals God’s heart, then hear it personally. He does not overlook suffering. He does not miss quiet burdens. “Jesus sees you.” In financial strain, relational tension, fear, isolation. He sees you and does not look away.
VIII. From comfort to community
Jesus’ compassion creates a new reality. He forms family. Mary receives a son; John receives a mother. The cross forms a people who care for one another. The church becomes a household shaped by this heart. This is what the Church is all about: Proclaiming Christ’s death and Resurrection, and living out His compassion.
Jesus’ compassion creates a new reality. He forms family. Mary receives a son; John receives a mother. The cross forms a people who care for one another. The church becomes a household shaped by this heart. This is what the Church is all about: Proclaiming Christ’s death and Resurrection, and living out His compassion.
IX. Closing call
If this is who God is, it must shape us. Who are we missing? Who needs to be seen, welcomed, cared for? This is what the church is for. This is why Jesus formed us together.
If this is who God is, it must shape us. Who are we missing? Who needs to be seen, welcomed, cared for? This is what the church is for. This is why Jesus formed us together.