Take a look with me at chapter 19 of the Gospel of John. This takes place just moments before Jesus died on the cross ... I know these are difficult verses, but I want you to see with me something that can easily be overlooked.
Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother; his mother’s sister; Mary, the wife of Clopas; and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, “Woman, here is your son,” and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home (John 19:25-27).
The last thing Jesus did before he “gave up his spirit” was to make sure his mother would be loved and cared for after his death on the cross. He asked the “disciple whom he loved” (John) to care for Mary as he would care for his own mother.
In the midst of indescribable agony and suffering, God incarnate was honoring his earthly mother! Incredible. Wonderful. A not surprising expression of the heart of God who had told Moses in the Fifth of the Ten Commandments, “Honor your father and mother,” (Deuteronomy 5:16). Jesus certainly did throughout his life.
This particular “commandment” is unique in that it’s the first commandment with promise. In other words, there are specific blessings that come to those who obey.
“Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God is giving you,” (Exodus 20:12).
Live it out, and live in the blessing that attends the directive.
Happy, blessed Mother’s Day.
Louie Locke is the pastor of Fountainhead Foursquare Church, 3690 Highway 395, Carson City, www.ffcwired.org.
