Meditations from Zion

It’s John 19:26… and although I know the context here is of Jesus “presenting” his mother to John, his beloved disciple (this is made clear by the next line where he presents John to his mother)… this phrase brings some other thoughts to mind…

1) Where were Jesus’ “half” brothers and why wouldn’t they care for her? For me, it’s a reminder that sometimes, family by blood is not as close as family by Christ or experience … friends who have “been there” for you can often be more significant and reliable.

2) A part of me wonders if this phrase doesn’t have a double meaning – saying to his earthly mother, “Here, look at your son now on this cross. It has all happened as it was foretold. It is a reality. Look at me. Accept the truth of what must be.”

3) How ironic it is to me that all the new translations and online translations are quick to say that the word “woman” used in this phrase is a term of “endearment and respect.” That may be true, all the same, He did not call her mother. There are many who would disagree with me, but some part of me believes that Jesus had long since stopped seeing her as His “mother” – but only as a dear disciple. (Also supported by Mark 3:31-35) Pastor Craig might disagree as well since he based his sermon on this phrase saying it shows Jesus’ concern for family even to the end of his life. That may well be true. But there is still a mystery in his choice of words.