Example

Example

When Jesus saw his mother standing there beside the disciple he loved, he said to her, “Woman, he is your son.” And he said to this disciple, “She is your mother.” And from then on this disciple took her into his home.

John 19:26-27

In contrast to the Roman soldiers whose job required them to be present at Jesus’ crucifixion, John and Jesus’ mother, Mary, were there because of love. Jesus and John had been close friends, and Mary and Jesus shared a love that few others understood. In addition to the typical memories that mothers and sons share, Mary and Jesus both knew they were part of God’s plan for the world—his plan to establish relationship between God and humans.

Even as he was dying, Jesus left us an example for our own relationships: He noticed, spoke, and provided. Jesus noticed his mother and his friend. In spite of the fact that he was very near death and had been hanging on the cross for hours, he noticed. What amazing, selfless love! I sometimes fail to notice others’ needs just because I am tired.

Even though it took great physical effort, Jesus spoke. He said to Mary, “Woman, he is your son,” and to the disciple, “She is your mother.” How touched Mary must have felt that Jesus was using some of his last words to remind her of how much he cared for her.

Jesus provided for Mary by asking John to take her home with him. Mary was a widow at that time, and Jesus exercised love and responsibility in wanting to make sure his mother had food and shelter.

Jesus’ example of noticing, speaking, and providing is one we can follow in all of our friendships and family relationships.

Lord Jesus,

Thank you that even when you were close to death, you noticed, you spoke, and you provided. May we follow your example. Amen.