Isn’t it amazing the amount of meaning that can be found in simple commands issued by our Lord Jesus as he awaited his cruel and inhumane death on the cross of Calvary?

After hours of suffering unjust treatment, Jesus showed affection and compassion for his mother and family. In the book of John, chapter 19, verses 25–27, we read, "Behold thy son ... Behold thy mother." "Oh come on," you may say, "What’s so great about that? Probably everyone loves his mom!" But just hold on a minute.

Here we’re talking about a man of peace, who has just endured years of heartbreak, ridicule, scorn, slander, threats, lies, and now physical abuse from our human race. Deserted by his own people, condemned to death through the self-interest of the religious leaders, and others of the day. In addition he was stripped of his legal rights by the ruling governor of his time (who should have given him an honest trial); and he was robbed, beaten tortured, and degraded by soldiers of the ruling army (who should have been his protectors).

For several hours he suffered the pain and agony of crucifixion on a wooden cross; he was bloodied and humiliated, and all this completely without mercy. Most of us, at least myself, would have lost our minds or at least been in a confused state of delirium. Yet Jesus’ mind was clear, calm, and undisturbed. He still had the clarity of mind to show loving compassion for his mother!

John 19:26, tells it this way: "When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing beside her, he said to his mother, ‘Woman, here is your son.’ Then he said to the disciple, ‘Here is your mother.’ "

Herein lies deep concern. "Take her as you own mother, stand in my place, care for her as I have loved her," I believe he is saying to the disciple. It is a command given in the throes of death, yet still with a clear mind, by our precious Lord Jesus! Wow, what a caring Savior!

As Christians, followers and believers of Christ, we too have accepted him as our Savior and Lord. He willingly gave his life as atonement for our own sins in order to lovingly grant us the gift of life and eternal joy through his Father, the Lord God Almighty!

Jesus loved his family and entrusted his disciple to care for and enrich them. As I see it, Christ’s family now includes, through his grace, his Church. He is the head of the Church and his trusted disciples include you and even me.

He instructs us through his love to care for his Church, to nurture and enrich her, to help her spread his gospel of love, (not of power). He instructs us to help her provide guidance for our communities, to pass on the wisdom and understanding available through God’s word, to help her carry on the work that Jesus began, such as healing the sick, opening the eyes of the blind, forgetting our self righteousness. And he instructs us to strive to help make our temporary life here on earth more tolerable for those handicapped or suffering, whose lifestyle has been damaged or destroyed in some manner.

Herein lies the victory!

Jim Stoeckmann