Here was a tragic family scene; but the “big picture” will reveal an extraordinary supportive family.
The distressed mother and friends of the victim were stunned and devastated. The rapid sequence of events overnight had led to the horrific crucifixion of the victim’s mangled, tormented body.
Do you know why Jesus Christ hung there, beaten and crucified? (Isaiah 53.) It was because He claimed that God was His own Father, “making Himself equal with God”, and because He claimed to be the only Saviour able to bring sinners to God. (John 5:18. 14:6.)
Even in His own home town they had despised Him saying, “Isn’t this the carpenter’s son? Isn't His mother’s name Mary, and aren’t His brothers James, Joseph, Simon and Judas? Aren’t all His sisters with us?” (Matthew 13:55-56.)
Jesus’ “own brothers did not believe in Him.” (John 7:5.) Jesus had warned His followers that members of their own families could become their enemies because of Him!
But His mother did not lose faith in Him. She knew He was different from her other children. Jesus had been born to her while she had still been a virgin; before her husband had taken her to himself. (Matthew 1:18-25.) She knew Jesus was not “the carpenter’s son”, He was the Son of the Most High God. (Luke 1:26-35.)
However, the priests had rejected Jesus’ claims, and they had succeeded in having Him crucified. “Near the cross of Jesus stood His mother..” (verse 25.) Her devotion to this special Son was obviously not shared by the rest of her family. They were not there with her.
Had this Son, whom Mary had placed her hopes in, turned out to be a failure? What a shameful end to His life! Would His ageing mother and His followers just be scattered and confused from now on? (verse 25.) NO!
Once when someone had told Jesus that His mother and brothers were outside wanting to speak to Him, His reply had been, “Who is My mother, and who are My brothers?” Pointing to His disciples He had said, “Here are My mother and My brothers. For whoever does the will of My Father in Heaven is My brother and sister and mother.” (Matthew 12:48-50.)
You see, the FAMILY Jesus cherished was NOT one from any physical relationship. Jesus ADOPTS ALL who have faith in Him as Saviour into His “family” (Galatians 4:4-7.); and they should all love and care for one another. (Ephesians 4:32.)
So, from the cross, “When Jesus saw His mother there, and the disciple whom He loved standing near by, He said to His mother, ‘Dear woman, here is your son,’ and to the disciple, ‘Here is your mother.’” Although Mary’s own human family were not there to support her, Jesus' wonderful family – His spiritual Family - would provide her with the support and help she needed. “From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.” (verses 26-27.)
By faith in Jesus as your Saviour YOU too can become one of those who are adopted into Jesus’ wonderful family. Not only will you find true friendships now, but you will be promised a place with Jesus in Heaven. (John 17:20-26.)
Read of Jesus speaking to His “family” from the cross in John’s gospel chapter 19, verses 25-27.
John Nixon, Cork, Ireland. P31HD98. Contact: jnixonj@gmail.com
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