Listening…to Jesus on the Cross (Word #3) Caring Love

So Jesus, seeing His mother there, and the disciple whom He loved standing near, said to His mother, [Dear] woman, See, [here is] your son! Then He said to the disciple, See, [here is] your mother! And from that hour, the disciple took her into his own [keeping, own home]. (John 19:26-27, Amplified Bible) 

One of the basic descriptors of “love,” in any language, is its expression of care and compassion. Paul, in the well-known and profound description of agape love in 1 Corinthians states, “love is kind.” (v. 4) Whether the mutual expression of a married couple, the full attention of a parent over their child, or the devoted loyalty of adult children caring for their aged parents a bottom line expression of love is the benevolent kindness that accompanies it. Paul’s word for “kind” denotes the benevolent expression as one that is useful to others and conveys the mannerisms of being mild and gentle. (BW Johnson)

Jesus, while on the cross culminating His divine, spiritual mission and purpose, communicates personal, familial, caring love to His mother. The Scripture says, “seeing His mother there.” Jesus seeing His mother signifies that Jesus intently looked or stared in His mother’s direction. He saw her for a purpose.

For Mary, this profound and sorrowful moment was prophesied. When Joseph and Mary took Jesus to the Temple to follow the Law’s directives of purification after giving birth, an older man named Simeon approached the child. Simeon is described as one filled and guided by the Spirit of the Lord who’s eye and heart was looking for God’s restoration for His people. Simeon then lifted the Christ-child from Mary’s arms declaring Him as the future Messiah. Simeon believed he had been told He would not die until having this moment and now asks for the Lord that he can die in peace for he has beheld God’s promise fulfilled. (Luke 2:22-35)

Then, simultaneously, Simeon turns to the mother Mary and communicates a somber moment to come: Then blessed them and said to his mother Mary, Listen carefully: This child is destined to be the cause of the falling and rising of many in Israel and to be a sign that will be rejected. Indeed, as a result of him the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed – and a sword will pierce your own soul as well!” (Luke 2:34-35)

The piercing sword, 33 years later, is now before her as she in deep sorrow and tears beholds her son, the Son of God, hanging from the cross.

In the same moment of Jesus beholding His mom He sees John—“the disciple whom He loved”—nearby. As the impending death approaches, Jesus speaks to both of them with a directive that will redefine their lives and relationship in a brand new way.

It is supposed Mary had a sister whose name was Salome. Salome and her husband Cleophas are the parents of John. (Matthew 26:57) So, John is Mary’s nephew, but now, as Jesus announces to them from the cross, John will be her son and Mary will be provided with earthly caring love as she is now his mother. (Matthew 20:21; Mark 16:1)

Jesus’ caring love to provide for His mother this closer family relationship with John, as Jesus’ earthly brothers seem to be at this moment still in unbelief of who Jesus truly is (John 7:3-5).  Yet, Jesus’ care allows Mary and yes, even those unbelieving brothers, to be in the right place at the right time.

All these continued together in prayer with one mind, together with the women, along with Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers. (Acts 1:14)

Mary is with John as the disciples and others have gathered in the Upper Room. They are gathered—praying and waiting. Why is Mary, along with her sons, with the disciples? I believe it is because of what Jesus, in caring love, to unite her with John as mother and son.

Jesus understood more than Simeon’s prophecy. Jesus envisioned beyond that fretful, confusing moment while dying on the cross. He executes the Father’s plan of salvation for His mom and earthly brothers. Jesus’ caring love allowed Mary and family to be at the right place and right time for God’s next good step of mission and purpose to be spiritually ready for the coming of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost. (Acts 2)

This is caring love! Caring love for the married couple, for the parent-child relationship, and for spiritual-church family speaks a forward word of benevolent love for the one admired and devoted to. Caring love puts the other in the best place to experience God’s next for their lives. Are you and I demonstrating this quality of caring love?

Our Father, Your love on and through the cross was God’s profound salvific love for the entire world but, at the very same moment, was also a very personal, intentional love of familial care for earthly needs with eternal purposes in mind  to be met. Your expression of caring love is amazing while in the midst of Your suffering. Enable us, as Your followers, to display that quality of love to and for those closest to us. In Jesus’ name, amen.