Daily Devotions
John
John 19:16-42 "A MOTHER'S MEMORY"
Day 313 – John 19
A MOTHER’S MEMORY
What went through Mary’s mind as she stood at the cross of Jesus, hearing His last few words? A mother’s memory of a specially beloved Son is prodigious!
1. The birth of Jesus
Where did Matthew and Luke obtain their information concerning the birth of Jesus? Mary’s memory would be one special resource. How could any mother forget an angelic visit, announcing the birth of the Messiah Jesus (Luke 1:26-38)?
2. The wonderful things spoken by others
There were many who spoke to her concerning the Baby Jesus! There were the shepherds (Luke 2:8-20). There were also the aged Simeon and Anna who came to the Temple in Jerusalem at the dedication of Jesus as the firstborn son (Luke 2:22-24). These godly servants of God gave special words of praise to God, and also words of encouragement to Mary and Joseph. Simeon said,
“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.”
Luke 2:34-35
Simeon was right! Mary must have grimaced with pain as she gazed at her beloved Son. She had given birth to Him, nursed Him, and brought Him to the Temple of Jerusalem to fulfill all righteousness. Those memories were precious. They sustained her. The death of Jesus was not like that of the two thieves! He was destined for this death, for this very moment! She must somehow take comfort in what she had known all along – that she had given birth to One who would be the Messiah of Israel!
3. The early hint that Jesus was not only her earthly son
Mary and Joseph made as many trips to Jerusalem as possible. On one occasion, when Jesus was just twelve years old, Mary and Joseph lost Him in the multitudes that had thronged to Jerusalem to celebrate Passover.
Finally, Mary and Joseph found Jesus. He was at the Temple and he was speaking to the teachers who were giving public lectures. He had not got lost in the crowds! Mary and Joseph tried to remonstrate with Jesus for causing them great anxiety. His calm reply was unforgettable.
“Why did you seek Me? Did you not know
that I must be about My Father’s business?”
Luke 2:49
Mary and Joseph had not fully understood what Jesus meant (Luke 2:50), but in recollection, this was one of the earliest hints that Jesus was not just their earthly son. He belonged to God in the most profound way! It was her privilege that she was chosen to be the earthly mother of Jesus. She must not expect more!
4. In public Ministry
When Jesus entered into His earthly public ministry, Mary had to accept that Jesus had left home for good!
Just about the last social event that Jesus went with her was the occasion of a wedding feast in Cana of Galilee. When Mary approached Jesus and spoke to Him about the problem of the wine running out, He had said to her,
“Woman, what does your concern have to do
with Me? My hour has not yet come.”
John 2:4
Jesus had not meant to be rude. Mary somehow understood what Jesus was saying. She just couldn’t come to Him to resolve the many little problems that always crept up in life.
He was born to fulfill a certain destiny, which He called cryptically, ‘My Hour”. Mary knew that she must learn to restrain herself from coming to Him the way she must have been used to all this while. She must know that Jesus was born for a higher purpose than to resolve mundane problems that could have been prevented if there had been more careful planning. But Jesus had been so gracious. The wedding wine was the finest that anyone had ever drunk. And Jesus had made the wine from ordinary water! Yes, she must learn to leave Jesus to do His work, and to fulfill the task that God had given to Him.
5. A mother’s heart
As the mother of Jesus, she could not help but feel keenly about Jesus in all He did. There was one occasion when Jesus and His disciples had been so busy they did not even have time to eat. Mark noted this in this text.
“Then the multitude came together again,
so that they could not so much as eat bread.
But when His own people (family members)
heard about this, they went out to lay hold
of Him, for they said, ‘He is out of His mind.’
Then His brothers and His mother came, and
standing outside they sent to Him, calling Him.”
Mark 3:20-21, 31
But Jesus could not respond as the family wished. He was not just their Eldest Brother, and the firstborn Son of Mary! He was Jesus, the Messiah! Mary must understand that surely!
These were hard lessons to learn. How Mary must have missed Jesus. Had He ever forgotten her? No, the words spoken at the Cross confirmed His love for her.