Willard Cox has written, “since death by crucifixion was slow, the dying men had plenty of time to talk.  The language of these men was often ugly with bitter cursing, false cries of innocence and pleas for help.  While Jesus was on the cross He spoke seven times, but his words were different.  He spoke words of forgiveness, salvation, benevolence, atonement, humanity, completion and fellowship” (Seven Sayings of the Suffering Savior, intro).  Jesus spoke seven times from the cross and one of these had to do with his mother.

“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 the disciple took her to his home.” (John 19:26-27).

The words to Mary, “Behold your son,” I think refers to John.  Paraphrase – “Mary, look at John. He will be your son.”

The words “Behold your mother,” are addressed to John.  Paraphrase – ” John, I want you to treat Mary as if she is your mother.”

Get this! Jesus is dying, but he is thinking of his mother.  He is in pain, but is thinking of her well-being. It is thought that Mary’s husband (Joseph) is already dead.  Her sons (James, Joses, Simon, and Judas) and her daughters (Matthew 13:55-56; Mark 6:3) may have been unable to adequately care for her; or, it may be that they were rejected as care givers due to their present unbelief (John 7:5).  Whatever the case, Jesus entrusted the care of his mother to John.  John was a nephew to Mary (Matthew 27:55-56; Mark 15:40; cf. John 19:25).  John was evidently the closest disciple to Jesus.  Tradition says that John took care of Mary until her death twelve years later.

We too need to love our mothers.  We should honor them in tongue (Proverbs 31:28).  We should honor them in deed (I Timothy 5:8, 16).

Your mother nursed you, changed your diapers, perhaps taught you morals from the Bible, helped you with your school work, prepared food for you, shopped for your clothing and so many other things.  HONOR HER THIS AND EVERY DAY!