The Seven Statements of Jesus on the Cross:
Securing Care for His Earthly Mother
“Woman, behold your Son!” -- “Behold your mother!”
John 19:25-27
Background on the Scene
What Might Mary Be Remembering?
Gabriel’s announcement of the Savior’s conception (cf. Luke 1:26-38)
Joseph’s initial disbelief – The “scandalous” appearance to the community (cf. Matthew 1:18-25)
Jesus’ birth – Laying her baby in a manger (cf. Luke 2:1-7)
Losing Jesus in the city of Jerusalem (cf. Luke 2:41-50)
The years at home prior to Jesus’ ministry
The day Jesus began to preach
Simeon’s Prophecy is Being Fulfilled (Luke 2:25-35)
What Does Mary See and Hear at the Cross?
What does the body of Jesus look like? (Luke 22:63-65; John 19:1-3, 23)
What has Mary seen prior to the crucifixion? (John 18:39-40; 19:5-7, 17-19)
What is going on while Mary stands at the feet of her dying Son? (Luke 23:35-36; John 19:24)
What Do We Learn?
Christ Exemplified God’s Command for Children to Honor Their Parents
· Where was Joseph at this time? Why would it be necessary for John to care for Mary?
· What does it mean to “honor your father and mother?” (Ephesians 6:1-3)
· How might we distinguish between the duty to obey our parents and the duty to honor them?
· How did Jesus and Paul apply this principle to grown children? (Mark 7:9-13; 1Timothy 5:4)
Spiritual Responsibility Does Not Nullify Our Physical Responsibilities
· While the kingdom of God must come first, we should not neglect the physical responsibilities God has given us. (1Timothy 5:8; cf. Ephesians 5:22-33; 6:4)
· How might preachers, elders, and saints be tempted to neglect their families for the Lord’s work?
· The apostles did not need to be tied up waiting tables, but the work had to be done. (Acts 6:1-4)
We Must Be Willing to Sacrifice Whatever We Love for the Lord
· Serving Christ may require that we sacrifice the things/people that we love. (Mark 10:29-30)
· Mary sacrificed her Son for the will of God. What type of sacrifices might we be called to make?
Mary Was Blessed Among Women, Not Above All Other Women
· Mary was a marvelous servant of God, but she needed a Savior as well. (Luke 1:28; 11:27-28)
· Mary lifted her eyes to “behold” the Savior of the world, as we all must do. (John 3:14-15)
Christ Was Perfect in Every Respect, He Satisfied Every Obligation and Need
· Even while dying for the world, Jesus did not overlook Mary’s needs or His duty as a Son.
· Jesus fully satisfied the will of God, something we must aspire to do. (Philippians 3:12-14)