Daily Devotional

-May 9, 2021-

Good morning, happy Lord’s Day, happy Mother’s Day,

-Honoring Our Mothers And Thanking God For Them-

“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 to the disciple, ‘Behold your mother!’ And from that hour that disciple took her to his own home.”

(John 19:26-27).

Of all the words that Jesus spoke while He was on the cross, and there were seven altogether, today’s verse is the most personal and precious. Before He willingly died on the cross for us, He made provision for His mother Mary. By this time she was likely in her upper forties. He loved His mother very much, and highly honored her and respected her.

Jesus knew how sad and devastated she was to see her beloved son crucified on the cross. Simeon had prophesied in Luke 2:34-35, “Then Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, ‘Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against (yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.’” Only a mother and her love could know such pain and sorrow to witness her son’s death.

Jesus spoke first to Mary then to John. He said, “Woman behold your son.” This meant from this point on John would now be her son and care for her. And then He said to John, “Behold your mother.” John wrote this gospel and he is the only one of the four gospel writers to include it. John is the “disciple whom Jesus loved.” He was the one who was closest to Jesus literally and figuratively; he reclined on Jesus’ bosom in the upper room. When you think about it, he was the perfect disciple to care for His mother. Jesus knew he could trust Him implicitly. There was no one He trusted more.

Jesus was assured that John would take the responsibility seriously and with a depth of love. John wrote, “And from that hour that disciple took her to his own home. This is in effect, the first “Mother’s Day. “

Today, Mother’s Day, is a day we show our love, care, appreciation, and honor to our mothers. For some, their mothers have departed this earthly scene, making the day, in some ways bittersweet. Others may actually have two mothers: their natural mother and their mother-in-law or other special lady who is like a second mother. We are also doubly blessed if our mother is also saved.

Gifts on Mother’s Day are so appropriate it, but even better are cards that we can express in writing how we feel. I like to choose a very appropriate card and then write my own words from my heart. My two mom’s are always touched and blessed. Whatever your tradition, make it a special day for your mother, a day she will never forget. Tell her that you love her and thank her for all she has done for you over the years.

Behold your mother. John did just that. He stayed in Jerusalem and not only preached and taught the Word but He took care of Mary, Jesus’ mother just as if she was his own mother. Did it limit him, perhaps so, but he considered it a privilege and part of his ministry to the Lord.

Have a blessed Lord’s Day and Mother’s Day. We honor the Lord and our dear mothers. Stay safe and healthy.

Dean