Third Word: ‘Woman, Behold Your Son’
“25 Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 26 When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, ‘Dear woman, here is your son,’ 27 and to the disciple, ‘Here is your mother.’ From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.”
John 19:25-27
Personal Meditation:
Why does Jesus make John responsible for his mother Mary? What does this tell us about Jesus? How should we apply this in our own lives?
Questions for Group Discussion:
- What do you think Mary is feeling while she is waiting at the cross for Jesus to die? What kinds of thoughts are going through her mind? (John 19:29-27)
- Why, of all the disciples, do you think John is at the cross?
- Why didn’t Jesus make his brothers responsible for Mary? Why John?
- What does this Third Word teach us about Jesus?
- What are the implications of Jesus’ Third Word for our own personal family relationships?
Prayer:
Father, we see Jesus’ example of love and responsibility. As wonderful and loving as family relationships can be, they are often complex and sometimes hurtful. We ask you to help us sort them out. Show us how to love you at the same time we love our family members. Give us the divine wisdom that we need so that we can love as Jesus loves. In His name, we pray. Amen.