Seven Sayings on the Cross -- Responsibility in Relationships
John 19:25-27

Sermon Outline from the Morning Service - 26 March 2000

I. Reflections concerning Mary

A. Jesus is the Man of Sorrows, but Mary might be called the woman of sorrows for the things she
suffered. Simeon had prophesied that "a sword shall pierce through thy soul also" (Lk. 2:35).

B. Jesus called her "woman"-- not a derogatory term. It was a term that emphasizes her relationship
among women (Lk. 1:28).

II. The primary teaching of this passage

A. Care for your own -- "Woman, behold thy Son"

1. Jesus was responsible for the care of His mother.

a. I believe that His father had passed away by this time.
b. Some teach that Mary was a "perpetual virgin." Mt. 1:25 says Joseph didn't "know" her "till she had brought forth her first-born."

2. Jesus passed the responsibility for her over to John. We can only guess as to why it wasn't allowed to fall, by default, onto James or one of the others.

3. 1 Tim. 5:8. Christians are taught to be responsible for the support and maintenance of their own. Not only do we have the example of Jesus, but also the clear teaching of Scripture. (See Mt. 15:4-6)

B. Care for others -- "Behold thy mother"

1. Mary, at this point, had the comfort of others, but she needed the stability and commitment of
continued care. The others, who had ministered to Jesus, were now set free from concentrating on Him to looking at others' needs.

2. By asking this of the both of them, a special bond was created between these two. It was a bond
based on Jesus. And that is what happens at salvation -- we join the family of God! 1Tim 5:1-2.

3. Mt. 12:46-50; 25:35-40. "Let your love for Me be manifested in your love for (Mary) ."

4. John's mother was there. Do you think he had a conflict between loving 2 mothers? Your quantity of love is measured by the quantity of your relationships. You have a full measure for each relationship.  Gal. 6:2, 5. A commitment to Christ demands not only a commitment to care for your family, but also to care for others.

III. Other Lessons

A. Honor your parents -- To honor goes beyond simply obedience; it includes love, respect, esteem,
gratitude, encouragement, physical help, material help.... It is something that never ends.

B. Stand by people in their time of need (even if you can't do anything).