A Word of Care

When my dad passed away soon after my parents’ fortieth anniversary, my mother grieved deeply, but she also worried. Who would pay the bills? Would she have enough money? What if the house needed repairs? She soon learned that her worry was unnecessary. My dad had arranged, years ago, for her every financial need after his death. My sister and I committed to helping our mom with any other needs.

Caring for family like this takes on a special significance in some of Jesus’ final words. While hanging on the cross, Jesus looked upon His mother, Mary, and beloved disciple, John. Then He spoke these moving words: “Dear woman, here is your son,” and to John, “Here is your mother” (John 19:26-27).

Those are remarkable words of love shared at a gripping moment of grief. In Jewish culture, a dying son would commit his mother’s care to a male sibling, such as, in Jesus’ case, His brothers (Matthew 13:55), because Mary’s husband, Joseph, had probably already died. However, Jesus’ brothers had not yet accepted Him as the Christ, that is, the Messiah.

Focused on Mary’s well-being, Jesus appointed His disciple, John, as her caretaker. “From then on this disciple took her into his home” (John 19:27). What Christ did reflects the fact that all believers are members of a new family in God, establishing our caring bond at the foot of the cross.

How do you care for others? What does it mean for you to view believers as family?

Make me willing and ready, dear Jesus, to help fellow believers.