Re: [FamilyofGod] Prayer for pain
SOUNDING OUT: Behold Thy Son John 19:25-27: John is the only gospel writer who records Mary's presence at the cross. With her eldest son dying unjustly as a condemned criminal, where else would we expect her to be. We know from Luke 2:41 that Jesus' parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of Passover. But this Passover was particularly poignant with the arrest, trial, condemnation, and crucifixion of her son. Mary understood only too well Simeon's prophecy which she kept in her heart (Luke 2:51) when he had said, "a sword shall pierce your own soul also." (Luke 2:35b) We can only imagine what agony she also endure as her heart was broken with grief. However, she stayed near him through this difficult time, as he endures the agony of the cross and she sees the sacrifice of his innocent blood. Jesus' fourth utterance from the cross to this small band of faithful friends huddled below him is fascinating. Jesus addresses his mother not as "Mother," but as "woman," translated appropriately as "dear woman" by many translations. This may seem a bit formal, but when we consider this was part of Jesus' responsibility as the firstborn to see to the welfare of his mother we understand it better. He was concerned that she be taken care of and provided for after he leaves. He wants to secure a place for her to live during her widowhood. Jesus entrusts his mother to the disciple whom he loved, possibly the only male friend to stand with him in his final hours, and he gladly received her into his home from that very hour on. Jesus' devotion to his mother is inspiring. We know he didn't have a perfect family life, but he honored his parents and learned obedience from them. His family didn't always understand and approve of everything he did. At the Wedding at Cana (John 2:1-11), Mary pushed Jesus to change the water into wine, even though he tells her, "My time has not yet come." Later his family thinks, he is out of his mind, and goes to subdue him (Mark 3:21, 31-35). John 7:5 states that even his own brothers did not believe in him. Although Jesus knew what is was like to have family troubles, he took care of his family responsibilities amidst the agony of the crucifixion. He realized, as we should also, that taking care of family responsibilities is a part of living for God and doing His will and work. 1 Timothy 5:8 states that "if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel." Here at the end of his life, we see in Jesus the tender love of a son for his mother. Even while dying he settles his earthly obligations as best he can. What loving concern is expressed as we hear him say, "Woman, behold thy son... behold thy mother." love u, Shirley La Fave   --- On Thu, 3/31/11, Shelley Cartwright <glittergrrl2012@yahoo.com> wrote:
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