By: Doug K.
Woman, behold your son. (John 19:26)
As I think about Jesus hanging on the cross, I can only imagine how excruciatingly painful it would have been for him to say anything. Everything He said on the cross must have been critically important to him. Therefore, when He spoke the words, “Woman, behold your son” to ensure that his mother would be taken care of long term, it should not come as a surprise. His love for his mother was evident and was obviously of top priority to Him, and worth the pain. Jesus, the Son of God, in the process of taking on all our sins while dying on the cross, was also a son who loved his mother and wanted to take care of her.
What was a surprise is why Jesus directed Mary to his disciple John (the disciple that He loved) instead of Mary’s other sons (James, Joseph, Simon and Jude). Why did he not direct Mary to one of them instead? I can only speculate that they were not there. Only John was present. John was there supporting Mary in her grief and suffering as she observed her son on the cross. John was giving us an example of the ministry of presence. He was present at the cross, he was available, and he was supportive. As a result, Jesus knew that John would be take care of her. I am reminded that sometimes in life’s most difficult times, we often don’t need words or advice, but rather just need someone to be with us so we do not feel alone. I want to be like John and be willing and available to offer the ministry of presence to others in my life.
Father, please help me recognize the people in my life that need the ministry of presence, and help me be there for them. Amen.