THE THIRD WORD OF JESUS FROM THE CROSS WAS A WORD OF CARE
Reading the four gospels together, there are seven last words of Jesus recorded. Anyone’s last words are considered important, so shouldn’t our Lord Jesus’ words be even more so? This is the third of Jesus’ last words. It is a word of care for his mother and it is particularly poignant. For as the Son of God suffered on the cross, he took time to address the needs of his earthly mother.
“Woman, behold your son!” He said, looking down upon his mother. Here, we see Christ’s divine concern expressed. Mary was his daughter long before He was her son. Here hangs the Creator, on a cross made from the tree He created, dying for those who have rebelled against Him, yet also taking care of the “woman” whom He had chosen to be His mother. God had chosen Mary to be Christ’s earthly mother, that He might become flesh and die for us. He wanted Mary to see beyond her role as mother and he as her son. He wanted her to believe in Him as Savior!
“Behold your mother!” He told his disciple, John. He gave charge of His mother to him. And John was faithful to His call: “And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home.” Yet, this relational calling implies more. John was called to care for Mary as his mother because they both believed in Jesus as Savior and Lord. She was indeed as a mother to him. This is the relational calling of those who belong to Christ.
C. H. Spurgeon saw in this not only the Lord’s care for his mother, but for his church. He wrote, “‘Take her as your mother, stand 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 wings. Take them gladly and treat them well.”
Have you ever wondered whether God cares? Especially asking, “Does God care for me?” I’ve heard some say, “I’m sure God has better things to do than care about my little problems. Shouldn’t He be busy solving world hunger or peace on earth?” What do you think? Does God care for the details of your little life? Or is He too busy running the universe?
In this third word from the cross, we can see how much God cares for us. He cares for the big stuff and He cares for the little stuff too. There’s no detail too small for His loving care.
PRAYER: Dear Father, we thank You for Your care for us. For You care about the details, both great and small. You cared enough for Mary to not only die for her sins, but to make arrangements for her care. What intimate love You have for us. What relational love You have offered to us through Jesus! Now we ask You to fill us with Your love and care that we might share it with others today. In Jesus’ name, amen.