Jesus meets his mother and other women at the foot of the cross
John 19:25-27
While the soldiers were looking after themselves, Jesus’ mother, his aunt, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene stood at the foot of the cross. Jesus saw his mother and the disciple he loved standing near her. He said to his mother, “Woman, here is your son.” Then to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that moment the disciple accepted her as his own mother.
Women were gathered at the foot of the cross while Jesus was dying. Jesus’ mother, his aunt, Mary Magdalene, and another Mary were there. They were there for him. They didn’t want to leave him alone. They loved him. Why? Because he loved them, he honored them, he elevated them.
It’s hard for us to understand how radical Jesus was at that time in his regard for women. Women were nothing in that society. They were property. They had no rights or privileges. Yet, listen to the words Jesus said to them:
To a teenage girl – You have found favor with God!
To a woman joining the men in listening to Jesus’ words – One thing only is essential, and you have chosen it – it’s the main course, and won’t be taken from you.
To a woman from an outcast society struggling with her marriage relationships –
Every one who drinks of this water will thirst again, but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give you will never thirst; the water that I shall give you will become in you a spring of water welling up to eternal life.
To a woman caught sinning – Neither do I condemn you.
To a woman looked down on by society who had the audacity to enter a Pharisee’s home and anoint Jesus’ feet with expensive perfume – She has done a beautiful thing to me. Wherever the gospel is preached in the whole world, what she has done will be told in memory of her.
To an unclean woman – Daughter, your faith has made you well.
To the first woman to see Jesus resurrected – Go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead.
Jesus praised women. He gave them important roles to play in spreading his good news. He talked with them on the same level he talked with men. He used them as examples. He honored them. And so, they loved him. They wouldn’t leave his side even during his execution.
May we be so devoted to Jesus. May we realize we are not less than, not enough, nor unclean. May we realize we are favored. May we “go for it” without fear. May we bask in mercy and forgiveness. May we pour out our hearts. May our faith be strong. May we speak the good news. May we live loved.
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