Day 302 - Jesus Last Thoughts of His Mother

Today's Reading: Lamentations 1-2 and John 19

It's always so touching to read how, on the cross, Jesus thought of the care of His mother. Here, He has the world on His shoulders, He's in unimaginable pain... and so many things were overwhelming His mind, especially the darkness that separated Him from His heavenly Father... and yet, He remembered His mother.

Ellen White writes:

"As the eyes of Jesus wandered over the multitude about Him, one figure arrested His attention. At the foot of the cross stood His mother, supported by the disciple John. She could not endure to remain away from her Son; and John, knowing that the end was near, had brought her again to the cross. In His dying hour, Christ remembered His mother. Looking into her grief-stricken face and then upon John, He said to her, “Woman, behold thy son!” then to John, “Behold thy mother!” John understood Christ’s words, and accepted the trust. He at once took Mary to his home, and from that hour cared for her tenderly. O pitiful, loving Saviour; amid all His physical pain and mental anguish, He had a thoughtful care for His mother! He had no money with which to provide for her comfort; but He was enshrined in the heart of John, and He gave His mother to him as a precious legacy. Thus He provided for her that which she most needed,—the tender sympathy of one who loved her because she loved Jesus. And in receiving her as a sacred trust, John was receiving a great blessing. She was a constant reminder of his beloved Master.  

The perfect example of Christ’s filial love shines forth with undimmed luster from the mist of ages. For nearly thirty years Jesus by His daily toil had helped bear the burdens of the home. And now, even in His last agony, He remembers to provide for His sorrowing, widowed mother. The same spirit will be seenin every disciple of our Lord. Those who follow Christ will feel that it is a part of their religion to respect and provide for their parents. From the heart where His love is cherished, father and mother will never fail of receiving thoughtful care and tender sympathy." (Desire of Ages, p. 752)

Let's not forget our parents! They deserve our love and honor, even if they have not been honoring themselves. If they are not Christians, perhaps by your love, you can win them to Christ.


Tomorrow's Reading: Lam. 3-5 and John 20