Does it bring you comfort to realize Mary, the mother of Jesus, understands what it is like to watch a loved one suffer and endure trials in this life? Her heart must have broken seeing Jesus beaten, scourged, and left to die hanging on a cross. Mary watched first-hand the agony of suffering Jesus endured for your sins and mine.
In thinking about Mary, it brought to mind many I know who are experiencing the agony of suffering with their children. They are watching them deal with cancer treatments, mental illness, making life choices, and heart issues at a young age. We all have those we know dealing with the agony of suffering.
Standing near the cross were Jesus’ mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary (the wife of Clopas), and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother standing there beside the disciple he loved, he said to her, “Dear woman, here is your son.” And he said to this disciple, “Here is your mother.” And from then on this disciple took her into his home. –John 19:25-27 (NLT)
Jesus, close to death as He was hanging on the cross, acknowledges His mother and the agony she is experiencing watching her Son suffer. Jesus assures Mary she is not alone, and John, the beloved disciple, is given the responsibility of taking care of Mary. Mary and John are now “family.” We are part of this family as well because of Jesus.
Photo courtesy of Lawrence OP under Creative Commons License (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
Why did Jesus call Mary “dear woman” in the above Scripture? There is one other place in Scripture when Jesus did this.
On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They have no more wine.” “Woman, why do you involve me?” Jesus replied. “My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” –John 2:1-5 (NIV)
In both Scriptures, Jesus may have called Mary “woman,” instead of mother, to show He was the Savior of the world for her and all of us. He was being obedient to God, following God’s timetable. Jesus did not want Mary, as His mother, to watch her Son endure the agony of suffering, but rather to see the glory of Jesus following God’s will.
Photo courtesy of Sharon Tate Soberon under Creative Commons License (CC BY-ND 2.0)
I can’t help but think how Jesus is speaking to our lives as well with these passages. Be assured and encouraged knowing:
- Jesus sees us in our agony and knows what it is like to suffer greatly.
- Mary understands the agony of suffering our hearts experience when our loved ones endure hardships.
- God provides “family” in our lives to come alongside us.
- God should be glorified, even in our agony of suffering.
How can we be “family” to those suffering?
- Lift people and situations to the Lord through prayer.
- Prepare and share a meal.
- Send an encouraging note or text.
- Assist with a project as needed.
I encourage you this week to remember in the agony of suffering:
- We are understood.
- We are never alone.
- We have family.
- We should glorify God.
He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds. –Psalm 147:3 (NLT)
Thank you for reminding me! I needed this today!
I love God’s perfect timing…providing what we need, when we need it! 🙂 Thank you for faithfully reading. You are close in thought and prayer, my friend!
Timing really is everything. A dear friend and co-worker lost her only remaining brother this week, her other brother passed the week before Christmas. I’ve been struggling, feeling like there was nothing I can do for her. Reading this reminded me that praying for her is huge, sending a card means a lot, and taking care of things at work so she doesn’t have to think about is a weight off her mind. So I really am doing things for her, even though it doesn’t feel like it to me. Thanks for the reminder Christine!
Jen: I am so sorry to hear about your dear friend and the losses she is experiencing. Indeed, how wonderful to see God’s perfect timing in our lives! It often seems we feel we don’t do enough for those in need, but those little things sure do count and bless. I’m so glad you are able to help her. Thank you so much for sharing. Saying a prayer for you both…
I have been purposely putting off reading this reflection bc I didn’t feel I had the proper mindset to take it in, if that makes any sense. Yesterday I received a call from a cousin who is being worn down by family illness and responsibilities in these strange times. I let her talk for 45 minutes while I was parked in front of PetSmart!! 🐶. Now I know I was meant to read and reread your reflection today for the words and thoughts to convey to my cousin. She is not alone, she has permission to accept help, and to rest. God bless you!
Thank you so much for reading and sharing this in God’s perfect timing, Sharon! It is a great reminder for me to know God is in control and works everything out for our good in His perfect timing. Thank you for the encouragement your words are to me. Blessings to you and your family! Saying a prayer for your cousin too…