By Gina Caswell Kelly
“Woman, behold your son. Son, behold your mother” John 19:26-27: When Jesus saw His mother and the disciple whom He loved standing beside her, He said to his mother, “Woman, here is your son.” Then He said to the disciple, “Here is your mother.”
I cannot imagine what it was like for Mary to be at the foot of the cross watching her son die such a horrible death. Mothers are not supposed to have to watch their children die, yet it happens far too often.
Mary knew her son was special before He was ever born, but I have always wondered exactly how much she was allowed to know. I mean, how could you look at your child growing up if you knew that one day He would be nailed to the cross. I think, once the birth happened, He was very much her human son. Sure, she knew He was the Savior, but at her dinner table in the evenings, He was just her boy Jesus.
I don’t think Mary ever really comprehended just exactly what it all meant. She was happy to be used by God. As she stated in her song to God, “Let it be in me as You have said.” She was a willing servant to the Father and a willing mother to the Son.
And when that horrible day came for her son, she did not allow Him to go to the cross alone. She was there, as painful as it was. He was not going to die without her there. She was still God’s faithful servant, and Jesus’ faithful mother.
Jesus loved her deeply and was not willing for her to suffer alone. That is why He called out to His best friend John. “John! This is your mother now. Treat her as you would your own mother.” And He cried out to His mother, “John will fill My spot for Me. Treat Him as you always did me. He will do for you what I can no longer do.”
This speaks of the importance of friends and family in our time of need. We must have God’s people surrounding us always, but especially when tragedy strikes. I know all too well how wonderful a church family we have at First Baptist Church. A church family that stepped in as my family in our time of need. God knew I needed you. You listened when God spoke.
“Let it be in me as you have said.” These words lingered in Mary’s life, even when she so did not want to say them. She continued to live her life as the mother of the Savior the best way she could. And when that day came, she faithfully sat at the foot of the cross, the called mother of our Savior to the very end.
Lord, let it be in me as you have said. Let this be my prayer as I think about the faithfulness of Mary in raising up the Savior. Let me be one who can stand in the gap for those in need around me who are suffering loss. Let me share with others, the love you showed even up to the very end on the cross. Help us to “behold” those around us in need, just as He commanded John and Mary. Help us to reach out to others and make a difference!
