What does Jesus' instruction to John reveal about Christian responsibility to family? Setting the Scene at Calvary “When Jesus saw His mother and the disciple whom He loved standing nearby, He said to His mother, ‘Woman, here is your son.’ Then He said to the disciple, ‘Here is your mother.’ So from that hour, this disciple took her into his home.” What Jesus Actually Did - From the cross, in physical agony, Jesus noticed Mary’s need for ongoing care. - He entrusted that duty to John, the “disciple whom He loved.” - John immediately accepted, welcoming Mary into his household “from that hour.” Why This Matters: Key Observations - Family care is not suspended by ministry or suffering; it remains priority. - Jesus fulfilled the firstborn son’s legal and moral duty to provide for His mother (Exodus 20:12). - He modeled that spiritual calling never overrides clear, God-given family responsibility. - By assigning Mary to John, Jesus broadened the definition of family to include fellow believers. Biblical Principles Illustrated 1. Honor Parents • Exodus 20:12 — “Honor your father and your mother.” • Proverbs 23:22 — “Do not despise your mother when she is old.” 2. Provide Material Support • 1 Timothy 5:4 — “Children… must learn to practice godliness toward their own family.” • 1 Timothy 5:8 — “If anyone does not provide… he has denied the faith.” 3. Reject Self-Excusing Traditions • Mark 7:10-13 — Jesus condemns “Corban,” the practice of refusing parental care under the guise of religious devotion. 4. See the Church as Family • Galatians 6:10 — “Do good to everyone, especially to those of the household of faith.” • James 1:27 — “Pure religion… to look after orphans and widows in their distress.” Practical Takeaways for Today - Guard time, resources, and emotional energy to honor and care for parents and relatives, even when life is demanding. - Understand that genuine discipleship includes meeting practical needs at home. - Refuse any “spiritual” rationale that excuses neglect of family duties. - Treat fellow believers as family, stepping in when biological relatives cannot. - Remember: Christ’s example on the cross affirms that love of God and love of family walk hand in hand. |
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