DR 2
December 2
John 19:25-27. Christ commits his mother to the care of John.
What a rich reward John received for venturing near his Master's cross! To him the precious charge of the blessed Mary was confided; to him the tender words, "Behold your mother!" were addressed. We do not hear that Jesus spoke to any of his disciples while hanging upon his cross, except to John. How great a proof the Lord gave him of his love when he entrusted his mother to his care, and even authorized him to regard her as his own! He still gives similar proofs of his love. Those who desire to serve him shall not be disappointed. Some service suited to his powers shall be assigned to each. To one the charge of an orphan family may be committed—to another a post in a missionary field may be assigned. But no office is more honorable than the care of the aged and destitute saints. It is a distinguished favor to be permitted to watch over their declining years, and to close their failing eyes.
What holy communion John must have held with his Lord's mother during the rest of her life! How many incidents concerning her blessed Son, that are not recorded in the Scriptures, must have been treasured up in her memory! She had watched beside him when sleeping in the manger—had held him in her arms when traveling into Egypt, and had guided his steps when a child in Nazareth. Yet she had never seen him commit a single sin—had never beheld his infant face inflamed with passion—nor heard his lisping tongue utter deceit.
If parents love so fondly their sinful offspring, what must have been the affection of Mary for her sinless Son! We may also feel certain that Jesus loved his mother better than any other Son ever loved a parent. Though enduring the acute agonies of the cross, he thought of her desolate state. Did he not prove the infinite compassion of his heart by remembering her at such a moment? He would not leave her in this world without a home; he knew where she would be most tenderly loved, and most carefully watched over, and most highly honored; and therefore he consigned her to the care of the gentle and affectionate apostle John.
The Lord Jesus has taught children by his own example never to forget the kindness they received in their helpless infancy. When they are grown up they should use every exertion to provide for their parents a comfortable home. It is melancholy to see an aged father driven from his cottage to seek an asylum among strangers, while his children are enjoying many of the comforts of life.
But are there any who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and who yet fear lest they should be forsaken in their sickness or old age? Let them remember that their Savior once said, "He who shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother." If he provided for the support of his earthly mother's declining years, will he forsake his spiritual mothers, and brothers, and sisters? No, he will provide for their needs until their latest breath; and it is probable he will do it in the same manner as he supplied those of his earthly mother. Ravens were not sent to feed her, as they fed Elijah, nor did a never-failing jar and barrel sustain her life, but a pious friend was raised up to minister to her needs. He who appointed Joseph to nourish the aged Israel, and Ruth to sustain the beloved Naomi, and Onesiphorus to refresh the imprisoned apostle, still puts it into the hearts of his servants to support his poor and afflicted people. It may be a son, or one dear as a son, or it may be a stranger who supplies their need; but by some means or other the promise is always fulfilled—"My God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." (Phil. 4. Is. 19.)