John 19:25-27 (KJV)

25. Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene,
26. When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son!
27. Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home.

In our previous studies we have seen Jesus saying, "Father, forgive them" and "Today thou shalt be with me in paradise." In this study of Christ's third saying from the cross I see some encouraging principles for our church, our homes, and our personal obedience to Jesus Christ.

1. Encouragement for our church -- I see women caring for Christ at the cross (v.25).
   Three women are pictured in our text, all of them named Mary, and we see only one disciple. 75% of those who courageously cared for Christ at the foot of the cross were women, not men.
   1. Mary -- "the mother of Jesus" -- she is known for her parenting.
      Some of you are simply known as "the mother of                      ." Your life has been devoted to caring for your children. You are the backbone and strength of Emmanuel Baptist Church. You might say, "No, Pastor, I have failed as a mother. I'm of no worth to this church."
      1. Mary lost her son for "three days" having left the city without him (Luke 2:46).
      2. Mary lived her life in poverty unable to provide for her own children.
      3. Mary's Son was crucified, her other children were converted very late in life.
   2. Mary -- "the wife of Cleophas" -- she is known for her partner.
      We know very little of this Mary except that she was the "wife of Cleophas." She is called a sister of Mary (a common term for sisters-in-law in Christ's day) but she is known because of her husband. You may be in the shadow of your husband's prominence, but when it comes to value and worth you have your own identity.
   3. Mary -- "of Magadalene" or Magda -- she is known for her past.
      She is the demoniac who had seven demons cast from her. She is not known for a husband or any children, but simply as "the crazy woman from Magda." It could be that you come to church with a past (divorce, public sins, family), but never forget, what counts is not where you have been, but who and where you are this day.
2. Encouragement for our homes -- I see Christ caring for His mother to the end (v.26).
   When Jesus hung on the cross, He turned His attention to the mother who had loved and cared for him. He spoke to His mother and gave comfort, then to John and gave a commandment.
   1. Our family is of supreme importance . . .
      There are those who say, "I'm too busy working to spend time with my family." We must never lose sight of the cross and how Christ took care of His mother before death.

      "Can he be a good Christian that spends all his religion abroad and leaves none for his nearest relations at home . . .?" -- Puritan William Gurnall.

   2. You are never too old to honor your father and mother . . .
      "Woman, behold thy son." Jesus is now 33, but he turns the eye of his mother to John, as the son who will now care for her. Christ sets for us a wonderful example.
3. Encouragement for our obedience -- I see John obeying Christ's command (v.27).
   Christ says to John, the writer of this gospel, "Behold thy mother." Salome was John's mother, but Christ commanded John to take Mary as His own mother and care for her.
   1. Obedience is always effectual . . . "and from that hour . . . (he) took her . . ."
      He didn't just say, "Yes, Master," he obeyed promptly with action and deed.
   2. Obedience is very personal . . . "and from that hour that disciple took her . . ."
      Where were the other disciples? It was no concern to John -- he simply obeyed.
   3. Obedience is often sacrificial . . . "that disciple too her unto his own home."