Unexpected: Five Women in the Lineage of JesusSample

Mary: Compassion in Grief

By Megan Brown

This passage serves as a stark contrast to the passages we’ve studied thus far. Here we see Mary grieving the loss of her son Jesus at the foot of a Roman cross. Surely she didn’t imagine this ending for her son. The pain she must have felt, the hurt, the sorrow, the loss—unbearable.

However, when we look beyond the pain and hurt of the passage, the gospel writer seems to be saying something much deeper. If you read these verses in context (John 19:16–42), you’ll notice an interesting parallel. Like the start of Mary’s journey with Jesus, the end of her journey with her son has a pointedly similar narrative.

In Luke 1, the angel Gabriel came to Mary first. Mary gets to decide if this plan gets a green light or a red light. The initiating of Jesus’ life and ministry on earth is through the prerogative of a woman, not a man.

In this passage, the soldiers are preoccupied with ridicule, casting lots, and torture. They are discarding what God has sent as a ransom for their very souls. Meanwhile, the women stand by deeply, relationally connected to Jesus. And, Jesus recognizes the women in the passage with His acknowledgment and words of care.

Scholars dispute the significance of Jesus’ words to Mary, but some say it seems to demonstrate His deep care and respect for her and a desire to ensure she is cared for and protected—which would have been the duty of a firstborn son. Ultimately, Jesus’ acknowledgment of Mary brings her acknowledgment of Him full circle. He is extending care to the one who gave Him life as His life comes to an end.

Ultimately, this scene is a picture of deep relational care, even in the midst of hardship, pain, tragedy, grief, and injustice. As we journey together, may we notice those who stand by and watch with care and concern … and offer acknowledgment, provision, and gratitude!

Questions:

1. How do you interpret Jesus’ words to Mary? What do they demonstrate about their relationship?
2. How can you be more attentive to the relationships in your life to offer care, gratitude, and provision?
3. What have you learned from Mary’s character and actions?