Saying #3: Woman, Behold Thy Son! ... Behold Thy Mother! (John 19:26-27)
2022-05-13
When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home. (John 19:26-27)
Jesus addressed the disciple “whom he loved” here, who is John the son of Zebedee. We know this because this same disciple is “which testifieth of these things, and wrote these things: and we know that his testimony is true” (John 21:24). Early church fathers say the writer of this gospel is John the apostle.
John was told to care for the Lord’s mother. What is interesting is that Jesus had other family that could have received her (John 7:3-5; cf. 1 Timothy 5:4). However, the Lord entrusted her to this beloved disciple.
Even in His great hour of physical, emotional, and spiritual pain, the Lord remembered those whom He loved. Jesus was on the cross because He loved others. He did not have to die for anyone, but He voluntarily did so, because “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13).