SEP 15

John 19:25-27
Memorise Ephesians 6:1-2
“Honour thy father and mother… that it may be well with thee”

There was a crowd of people who came to witness the crucifixion of Christ. Though there were some who mocked Christ, there were also some faithful disciples and a group of ladies. As Jesus was suffering from the agonies of being nailed to the cross, He manifested His love and kindness even there. As He was dying, He showed His great filial love for His mother Mary by committing her to the care of John, the disciple whom He loved.

First, Jesus spoke to His mother. He said, “Woman, behold thy son!”. The word “Woman” has been construed as being rude and disrespectful. Clarke’s Commentary on the Bible explains that the word used by Jesus was actually a title of much respect, like how we would use “Sir” and “Madam”. Further, Jesus did not call her mother probably because He did not want to cause her additional sorrow. Perhaps it was also to prepare her against looking at the flesh and it was necessary that this should be done at His death. Here Jesus was telling His mother that John will be to her as a son, to provide for her and to discharge the duties of an affectionate child. Next, Jesus spoke to John and told him, “Behold, thy mother!”. By these words He charged John to treat Mary as a mother, and to take care of her as if she had been his own mother. John readily obeyed the command of Christ for we are told that he took her to his own home. Thus in the closing moments of His life, Christ showed us an example of always honouring His parents, (Joseph had probably died by now) for He did not fail to perform the duty which He owed, as a son, towards His widowed mother.

Dear teen, how many times have you not cared about your parents’ welfare and their well-being? Do we realise that they too are people that need encouragement, care and concern? When they were sick and unable to do the household chores, what concerns have you shown? Jesus is our perfect example in caring and loving our parents for when He suffered the agonies of pain on the cross for the sins of the world, He thought of His mother who needed to be looked after. He sought a home for her and asked John to be the son that He could not now be, that His afflicted mother might be well taken care of. As your parents grow older and weaker, a good son not only prays for them but ensures that their burdens can be eased. In so doing we fulfill the 5th commandment, that is honour our father and our mother. Follow Christ and do good to your parents all the days of your life!

Thought: Our parents are God’s gifts to us – love, cherish and honour them.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for the love and care of my parents. Ever teach me to be grateful to them and give them the honour that they deserve.