Why the Cross?Shembull

Dear Woman

In Jesus's third statement from the Cross, his focus has shifted from the criminals at His side to those kneeling in front of Him. He said to his mother, "Dear woman, here is your son, and to the disciple, Here is your mother" (see John 19:26-27). Jesus's first two statements clearly revealed His divinity—His power to forgive sin and to grant eternal salvation. His third statement reflects His humanity.

As fully God and fully man, Jesus's concern for Mary was not just as a Savior, but as a son. While Jesus understood what was taking place in the spiritual realm—that His death was going to change eternity. He also realized that in that moment, His earthly mother had very human, physical needs. His compassion for His earthly mother reminds us that Jesus also cares for our well-being and direction in life, even when we don't understand God's plans. And as Jesus asked John to care for Mary, He asks us to care for others on His behalf.

Prayer: Jesus, thank You for being a God of compassion, who sees and cares about everything that concerns me today. Help me to show that same compassion to those around me who are hurting. Amen.

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, and to the disciple, Here is your mother. From that time on, this disciple took her into his home (John 19:26-27).