Topical Bible: Kindness: John to Mary

◄ Kindness: John to Mary ►

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In the Christian tradition, kindness is a virtue that reflects the character of God and is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22). It is an essential aspect of Christian living, demonstrating love, compassion, and mercy towards others. The Bible provides numerous examples of kindness, one of which is the interaction between John and Mary at the crucifixion of Jesus.

Biblical Context

The Gospel of John provides a poignant account of Jesus' crucifixion, where He demonstrates concern for His mother, Mary, even in His final moments. In John 19:26-27 , it is written: "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."

Analysis of Kindness

1. Jesus' Concern for Mary: Jesus' words to John and Mary illustrate His deep compassion and kindness. Despite His own suffering, Jesus ensures that His mother is cared for after His death. This act of kindness underscores the importance of familial responsibility and care within the Christian community.

2. John's Response: The disciple John, often referred to as "the disciple whom Jesus loved," exemplifies kindness by accepting the responsibility given to him by Jesus. By taking Mary into his home, John demonstrates obedience, love, and a willingness to serve, reflecting the selfless nature of true kindness.

3. Cultural and Historical Context: In the Jewish culture of the time, widows and women without male protectors were vulnerable. Jesus' provision for Mary through John highlights the importance of community support and the protection of those who are vulnerable, a principle that resonates throughout Scripture.

4. Theological Implications: This act of kindness is not merely a personal gesture but carries theological significance. It reflects the new family of God formed through faith in Christ, where believers are called to care for one another as brothers and sisters in Christ. This new family transcends biological ties, emphasizing spiritual kinship and mutual support.

5. Application for Believers: The kindness shown by Jesus and John serves as a model for Christians today. Believers are encouraged to exhibit kindness by caring for others, especially those in need, and by fostering a sense of community and belonging within the body of Christ. This aligns with the broader biblical mandate to "love your neighbor as yourself" (Mark 12:31).

Conclusion

The interaction between John and Mary at the crucifixion is a profound example of kindness in the Bible. It highlights the importance of compassion, responsibility, and community within the Christian faith, serving as a timeless reminder of the call to love and care for one another.

Nave's Topical Index

John 19:27
Then said he to the disciple, Behold your mother! And from that hour that disciple took her to his own home.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Life of Mary is Set Before virgins as an Example...
... Now in such an interval of time it is not that faith is being sought for, but kindness
which is being shown. ... [3229] S. John 17:25. [3230] Mary is the same ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter ii the life of.htm

The Opening of the Side of Jesus.
... Mary, John, Magdalen, Mary of Cleophas, and Salome had ... The kindness of his heart
prompted him, but unconsciously to himself he fulfilled a prophecy. ...
/.../the dolorous passion of our lord jesus christ/chapter xlviii the opening of.htm

Melted by Kindness
... at his mother's knee that he had heard his name pronounced in tones of kindness. ...
never read it right until you do"'God so loved me'"John, Mary, or whatever ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/melted by kindness.htm

The Crucifixion.
... that lives In this heart now laid bare, That kindness back for ... street of Annas, Mary,
the mother of Jesus, with Mary Magdalene and John and Joseph of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/stead/king of the jews/chapter ix the crucifixion.htm

The Third Homily. On the Annunciation to the Holy virgin Mary.
... to him the glad tidings of the nativity of John? ... bush, my coming will indeed also
injure Mary; but if ... receive the enjoyment, by the grace and kindness of our ...
/.../the third homily on the.htm

Annunciation to Joseph of the Birth of Jesus.
... In his kindness Joseph anticipates the special teaching of Christ (Matthew 19:8 ...
ii.30; John 12:26). The sufferings of both Mary and Joseph must have been very ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/ix annunciation to joseph of.htm

John xx. 10, 11
... John xx.10, 11 ... I say this, lest thou shouldest wonder how it could be that Mary wept
bitterly ... tell me, and I will take him." Great is the kindness and loving ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily lxxxvi john xx 10.htm

John x. 22-24
... man, who besides the testimony of John, hath also ... those times we see Persis and Mary
and Priscilla ... but instead of these, modesty, sobriety, kindness; when thou ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily lxi john x 22-24.htm

The Second Homily. On the Annunciation to the Holy virgin Mary.
... wit, that, though He was God, He became man through kindness toward man ... surnamed
Thaumaturgus on the Annunciation to the all-holy Mary, mother of ... 512] John 16:22 ...
/.../the second homily on the.htm

John i. 14
... to those of the city; Gabriel to Mary and Elisabeth ... One might see eyes fashioned (
John 9:6, 7 ), (might see ... took place was (proof) not only of kindness and love ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xii john i 14.htm