Based on John
19:25–27
Jesus
was many things to many people: teacher, prophet, healer, miracle worker, Holy
man, Messiah, and King of the Jews. But to Mary—he was her son. She nursed him
as a baby, held him, and woke up during the night to feed and change him. She discovered
his first tiny teeth, watched as he took his first wobbly steps, and heard his
first words. She sewed his first tunic and many more after that, and marked a
higher line on his bedroom wall as he grew older and taller.
She
understood how special he was, his birth was miraculous and she had spoken with angels
regarding his true origin and purpose. He was God's gift to her, for her care, even if for
only a short time.
She
saw God provide for them time and time again, protecting Jesus and their family.
She was a woman of faith, of trust and prayer. But now Jesus was a grown man. And Mary was standing at the foot of the cross, watching her son suffer, and
waiting for his final breath.
How
could this be happening? Jesus was an innocent man! She knew that better than
anyone else. She knew he had never sinned in his entire life. A mother knows.
Not one lie, not one exaggeration, or cruel action, or selfish childish scheme,
bullying, stealing, or fighting with his brothers. She had other sons. She knew
all about sibling rivalry and had “fixed” numerous skinned knees and bruised
egos. But Jesus was different. He was kind, and loving, yet authoritative.
Different.
So
how could this be happening? Jesus was supposed to be the Messiah, the Savior
of the world. Yet here he was, beaten, bruised, a crown of thorns on his head,
dying on a cross under a sign that read, “KING OF THE JEWS.” As she pondered
these thoughts, trying to bear the agonizing grief and yet still appear strong
for her son, he looked at her.
She
looked into his eyes too, for a long, soul wrenching moment. Then Jesus turned his
head to acknowledge a young man standing nearby. It was John, one of Jesus’ closest
friends and disciples. Jesus nodded toward John and said to his mother, “Dear
woman, here is your son.”
She
looked at John as Jesus addressed him with tender authority, “And here is your
mother.”
Even
as Jesus was dying, God’s chosen King and Savior thought of her, and made
provision for her future needs. The child preparing for the parent. The son
taking care of his mother. Her son, loving her.
My soul glorifies the Lord and my
spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state
of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the
Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is his name. (Luke 1:46–49)
An excerpt from Sara's upcoming book Everyday Jesus:Ordinary Encounters with Extraordinary Jesus.
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