Mothers

Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, “Woman, here is your son,” and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home. John 19:25-27

I remember thinking a few weeks ago about this verse.  There are only a few words and can easily be glossed over given the serious and somber context.  But this verse ran deep this year - for me anyway.  I remember thinking about the human interactions that must have occurred at this point in history.  It's hard to know exactly what these people were thinking, but it's not difficult to feel the anguish:

• When Jesus said these words, He was on His way to die - as man.  He was going to die in horrendous pain and humiliation.  And this is how He chose to say "Goodbye, Mom". 
• Most of us have only heard that the most unimaginable pain for a mother is to lose a child.  And here Mary was, helpless as she watched her first-born walk towards the end of His life - the end of her life as well. 
• And then there was the 'favored' disciple now hearing the request that said, "Take care of my mother, please.  She's going to be in pain and I want you to walk in this anguish with her.  I'm counting on you.  But don't be distressed - she's going to treat you as her son, as well."