Woman Behold Thy Son!

By Joe Keim

March 1, 2011

A while back, a friend of mine pointed something out to me that I thought was very interesting; something I had not really thought of before. So without further ado, today, I would like to share it with you as well.

In a minute, we are going to look at John 19, but before we get there, I would like to point out that in previous verses (same chapter), John described how our Lord was nailed on the cross, and while he was hanging there, a few of His followers were standing around at the foot of the cross. As for the rest of His disciples, they had all run away and hid out of fear. Among those at the foot of the cross that day, were Mary (Jesus' mother) and John (the one whom Jesus loved). So let's read the Scripture and then I would like to make several points that I think are very interesting.

John 19:25-27 Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene.

When Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple standing by, whom He loved, He saith unto His mother, Woman, behold thy son! Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home.

Notice that Jesus did NOT call Mary "Mother"; He called her "Woman". You ask, "what is so interesting about the fact that Jesus called His mother "woman" in stead of "mother"?" Well, it could have meant several things, but let me point something out to you that I think really makes sense as to why Jesus called His mother woman. See if you agree.

I truly believe that it had to do with the fact that Jesus, the Savior of our sins, had to cut His relationship off and separate Himself from His earthly mother. Here is why that makes sense:

At that very same moment, Mary had to acknowledge her son Jesus as the Savior and the forgiver of her own sins, just like all the rest of mankind. It may also have been at that very moment beneath the cross of Jesus Christ, that the relationship between Jesus and His mother, Mary, changed from a flesh and blood relationship to a spiritual relationship. The two are separate and totally different in nature. Understanding this correctly, will help us realize even more --- just because God used Mary to bear the Son of God, does not mean that she was any different from all other child bearing mothers in the world. Mary was a lost sinner and needed a Savior to cleanse her from all her unrighteousness, just like all other mothers in the world.

And just like all other mothers, Mary's physical body died one day and was buried, but her living soul went on to stand before her Creator, where she too gave account of her life on earth.

Here's something else to consider: It is almost certain that Mary, the earthly mother of Jesus, was the only (blood) family member at the cross that day. Because of what verse 27 says, it is pretty clear that Joseph, for whatever reason, was NOT in the picture anymore. And according to history and Scripture, Jesus' half-brothers did not accept Him as the coming Savior until after His resurrection. And for that reason, the Apostle John took Mary into his own home for the rest of her days on earth.

-- Joe Keim

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