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Why did Jesus while on the cross say
'Woman behold thy son, son behold thy mother'?
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Q. What is the meaning and significance of Christ saying "woman behold thy son, son behold thy mother" while hanging on the cross? A. In the book of John we read: "Now there stood by the cross of Jesus His mother, and His mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing by, He said to his mother, "Woman, behold your son!" Then He said to the disciple, "Behold your mother!" And from that hour that disciple took her to his own home." (John 19:25-27, NKJV throughout unless otherwise noted.) The Amplified Bible quotes verse 26 of John 19 as follows: "So Jesus, seeing His mother and the disciple whom He loved standing near, said to His mother, [Dear] woman, see, [here is] your son! " According to Manual Greek Lexicon by G. Abbott-Smith, this was "a term of respect and endearment." The Companion Bible notation for verse 26 refers the reader to John 2:4 where Jesus also uses the term "woman". In the notes pertaining to this verse, "woman" is "a respectful form of address". Luke 2:7 tells us that Jesus was Mary's firstborn Son. (See also Matthew 1:25). Matthew 12:46-49, Matthew 13:55-56, Mark 3:31-35 and Luke 8:19-21 all make reference to Jesus's family but none mention Joseph, His legal father, who had probably died years earlier.
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Since Jesus was the oldest son, it was His responsibility to always see that His mother was cared for. This was Jewish custom and also part of honoring one's parents in accordance with the commandment. Now, as Jesus knew that His death was near, though He was agonizing in severe pain, knowing that He was about to make the ultimate sacrifice according to His heavenly Father's plan, His last physical concern was to make provision for His mother, whom He deeply respected and dearly loved. As is written in John 19:27, Jesus' oral statement before witnesses made the obligation to the beloved disciple (probably John) binding. Verses 28 to 30 of John 19 record that Jesus was thirsty. Verse 30 states: "So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, "It is finished!" And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit." So, the meaning and significance of John 19:25-27 is that we are to always love our parents and to provide for them as much as we are physically able. By so doing, we also show our love for Jesus and for God our heavenly Father. | | |
Written by: Tommy West
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