John 19:25-27 :

But there were standing by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. Therefore when Jesus saw his mother, and the disciple whom he loved standing there, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold your son!” Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” From that hour, the disciple took her to his own home.

Sometimes, when I am hurting, I use it as an excuse to concentrate on my own condition and its improvement. It is important for us to take care of our own problems, but Jesus shows us what it is like to notice others while in pain.

Jesus was really suffering here; more than we will ever know. This is the point at which His love was really demonstrated. Instead of focusing on Himself and His condition, He decided to take care of others; at this point, it was His mother.

Many believe that Joseph, Jesus’ earthly father, had already died. Jesus wanted to make sure that His mother was cared for. Jesus gave John the honor of taking care of His mother after He died. I can only imagine that Mary’s grief added to Jesus’ while He died. Jesus knew that it would all end well, but He also knew that it is a horrible thing for a mother to watch the death of her child and that being a widow was not easy either.

I believe “the disciple” is clearly John. John chose not to refer to himself directly in this book. See John 21:23 and 24 for a better understanding.

It appears that John took this as a great honor and immediately, “from that hour,” took Mary in to his home.

I believe that this is how it is for all of us. When we really witness Jesus’ great love for us, anything he asks of us, no matter how difficult, becomes a great honor. This is one reason why it is so important to get to know Jesus more and more.

Obviously, something is wrong in us if we complain about taking care of our own parents when they are in need, as was very inconvenient for Jesus to be taking care of His mother at that time! May we see the honor of serving Jesus as we get to know Him more and more.