John 19:26-27
Jesus treated women with honor, involved them in the ministry, and talked to them when the rabbis of His time would not acknowledge women in public. Remember when Jesus surprised his disciples as He spoke to the Samaritan woman. It was to her and to the Samaritans a double jeopardy of sorts, that He declared Himself as the Saviour of the world (John 4:32). The reach of His grace touched the lowest and the marginalized–those taken for granted by the whims of the condescending culture.
In the midst of the anguish of the cross, Jesus uttered seven sayings—a number that reminds us of perfection—and among them was a statement honoring His mother.
More than three decades earlier, Mary had offered her all as a bondservant willing to do “according to the word of the Lord” (Luke 1:38). Later at the temple, she was told that a sword “will pierce her also” (Luke 2:35). Motherhood for Mary was difficult; we catch but glimpses of it in the Gospel narrative. Remember when a crowd got nasty and personal with Jesus, saying, “we are not illegitimate children” (John 8:40-41). The truth of His prophesied birth that no one wanted to believe would turn for her into a pierced sword. However, it is not difficult to assume when that sword would have pierced her the most –at the foot of the cross. Where she was beholding the One whom she knew to be the Son of God (Acts 1:14).
At this moment, we see Jesus say to John, “Behold your mother.”
Jesus is not One who tosses aside those who have labored for Him, served Him and loved Him after their tasks are done. He doesn’t get caught up in the task of redemption at the risk of forgetting the people involved. Pain and suffering did not dull His love. It was a time for acknowledgement, a moment of celebration. Paul would later frame this idea for all believers as he wrote to the Corinthian church:
“Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:58)
When we come to serve our Lord, to worship Him, to remember Him – when we come to partake of the bread and of the wine, remember He is one who,
First loved us
1 John 4:19 “We love because he first loved us.”
First served us
John 13:15 “…that you also should do just as I have done to you.”
At the end of the week’s toils, as we are gathered to participate in the Lord’s Supper, we are glad to remember Him, for He first remembered us.