The Third Word: Affection

The Third Word : (Affection)

Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene.John 19:25

Last at the cross, first at the sepulcher. no woman's lip betrayed her Lord; no woman's hand ever smote Him; their eyes wept for Him; they gazed upon Him with pitying awe and love. God bless the Marys! When we see so many of them about the cross, we feel that we honor the very name of Mary. When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! (John 19:26)

Sad, sad spectacle! Now was fulfilled the word of Simeon, "Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also, that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed." Did the Saviour mean, as He gave a glance to John, "Woman, thou art losing one Son; but yonder stands another, who will be a son to thee in my absence"? "Woman, behold thy son!"

Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! (John 19:27 a)

"Take her as thy mother, stand thou in My place, care for her as I have cared for her." Those who love Christ best shall have the honor of taking care of His church and of His poor. Never say of any poor relative or friend, the widow or the fatherless, "They are a great burden to me." Oh, no! Say, "They are a great honor to me; my Lord has entrusted them to my care." John thought so; let us think so. Jesus selected the disciple He loved best to take His mother under His care. He selects those whom He loves best today, and puts His poor people under their wing. Take them gladly, and treat them well. And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home.(John 19:27 b) You expected him to do it, did you not? He loved his Lord so well.