Behold Thy Mother Series

Woman, Behold Thy Son

John 19: 26-27

We have now come to the 3rd of Jesus’ sayings upon the cross. Literally these are two statements, but they are typically combined as the 3rd saying because they are within the same context. They both share the same idea and reveal a common desire of our blessed Lord.

As we consider this particular statement, it is interesting to note that the first three of Christ’s sayings regarded the needs of others. The first was a prayer of forgiveness; the second, a promise of redemption; and the third, a word of provision for His mother. Consider the words of Arthur Pink, "The Lord Jesus was dying as the Savior for sinners. He was engaged in the most momentous and the most stupendous undertaking that this earth ever has or ever will witness... Nevertheless, He does not overlook the responsibilities of natural ties; He fails not to make provision for her who, according to the flesh, was His mother."

Of the seven sayings, this may be the least familiar, but it is particularly special to me. It reveals the care of our Lord for those He loves. In this statement we see that the love and compassion of Christ remained a priority for Him, even as He hung in agony upon the cross. Even in His most difficult of moments, He was making provision for others. This may seem a common and even ordinary statement, but it is rich in truth and grace! Let’s take a few moments to consider the provisions in this 3rd saying: Woman, behold thy Son.

I. Behold thy Son (26) – When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! Jesus revealed He was:

A. A Son of Identification – Keep in mind, this is God in the flesh hanging there upon the cross. He has already endured the cruelty of the scourging, the ridicule of the soldiers, the hatred of the Jews, and now He suffers under the load of sin and the torments of the cross. In that moment of grief and pain, Jesus says, Behold thy Son. He had been obedient to the cross of Calvary, and even there He identifies with His mother. The Son of God identifies with His earthly mother. He is dying for her sins as well as ours and yet He continues to identify with her. She is not despised or rejected; she is loved. He is doing this for her.

Jesus continues to identify with men. He continues to reveal Himself as their Savior. Praise God that He didn’t reject me. He loved me when I was unlovable. Jesus wants to identify with you today if you will only see Him! He wants you to come to Him in repentance so that He can identify with you in salvation. That is our only hope beyond the grave. John 6:37 – All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. [40] And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day. Rom.10:13 – For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

B. A Son of Compassion – Jesus loved His mother deeply. Even in His dying moments He was concerned about her physical well-being, V.27. He charged John to care for her when He was gone from the earth.

What a picture of the compassion of our Savior. It was His love that took Him to the cross. He died because He loved us. But His love didn’t end there. He remains a compassionate Savior. He is concerned with the hearts and souls of men. He is concerned about your situation today. He wants to make provision for you and meet your need. Heb.4:15 – For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Had He not loved us He would never have died for us. If He loved us enough to die for us, surely, He continues to have a heart of compassion for us!

C. A Son of Redemption – Jesus wanted Mary to look upon the cross. He wanted her to view the sacrifice that was made for her sins. Jesus wanted her to see Him as more than a son, but as the Savior. She was highly favored of the Lord. She was privileged above all women who ever lived in that she was chosen to bear the Messiah. But Mary was just a woman. Just as all humanity, she too needed a Savior! She too needed to believe upon Him as the Messiah.