Mary at the Cross

In this third word of the cross we have a deeply moving and tender expression of Christ's love and provision for his mother and for the disciple whom he loved (John). It is a word that tells us so much of the One who placed the need of others before his own. In the midst of his own untellable agony his thoughts are for his mother in her great need and sorrow. His Sonship before the Father which is such a central truth in John's gospel is no denial of his human sonship. He knew that her suffering would be great because he was her son nevertheless Jesus wanted her to know that He was the Son who was willingly bearing the burden of all our sin to demonstrate the love of God for us all. Her natural affection and love as a mother must be gently severed in order for her to receive the love of One who would become her Saviour and Lord. The loss of Jesus as her son would soon be gloriously replaced by a whole new family indwelt by the One whose love and presence had conquered all their hearts.