Topical Bible: Mary: The Mother of Jesus: Present at the Cross

◄ Mary: The Mother of Jesus: Present at the Cross ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Mary, the mother of Jesus, holds a significant place in the New Testament narrative, particularly in the events surrounding the crucifixion of her Son. Her presence at the cross is a poignant testament to her enduring faith and maternal devotion.

Biblical Account

The Gospel of John provides a detailed account of Mary's presence at the crucifixion. In John 19:25-27 , it is written: "Near the cross of Jesus stood His mother and His mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 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."

This passage highlights Mary's steadfastness and the deep bond between her and Jesus. Despite the agony of witnessing her Son's suffering, Mary remained at the foot of the cross, a silent witness to the fulfillment of the prophecies concerning the Messiah.

Theological Significance

Mary's presence at the crucifixion is rich with theological implications. Her role as the mother of Jesus is not only biological but also spiritual, as she embodies the ideal of faithful discipleship. Her unwavering presence at the cross exemplifies the ultimate act of surrender and trust in God's plan, even in the face of immense personal sorrow.

The exchange between Jesus, Mary, and the beloved disciple is also significant. By entrusting Mary to the care of John, Jesus ensures her protection and well-being, demonstrating His concern for familial responsibilities even in His final moments. This act also symbolizes the formation of a new spiritual family, united by faith in Christ.

Mary's Suffering and Compassion

Mary's experience at the cross fulfills the prophecy of Simeon, who foretold that a sword would pierce her own soul (Luke 2:35). Her suffering is a reflection of her deep compassion and love for her Son. As she stands at the cross, Mary shares in the redemptive suffering of Jesus, offering a model of compassionate solidarity with those who suffer.

Role in the Early Church

Following the crucifixion and resurrection, Mary continued to play a vital role in the early Christian community. Acts 1:14 notes her presence among the disciples in the upper room, where they devoted themselves to prayer. This indicates her ongoing commitment to the mission of the Church and her role as a spiritual mother to the early believers.

Mary's presence at the cross and her subsequent involvement in the early Church underscore her importance in the Christian narrative. Her example of faith, courage, and maternal love continues to inspire believers throughout the ages.

Nave's Topical Index

John 19:25-27
Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Mary at the Cross.
... she allowed herself to think at all, whether she did not merely suffer as a mother
losing her son ... Mary was commended to John as the closest friend of Jesus. ...
/.../dods/the expositors bible the gospel of st john vol ii/xx mary at the cross.htm

The Perpetual virginity of Blessed Mary.
... hold that when other women were concerned about the burial of Jesus, she His mother
was absent; or if we invent some kind of a second Mary; and all ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/the perpetual virginity of blessed.htm

Mary in the House of Caiphas.
... Mary was with Jesus in spirit, and Jesus was with her; but this loving Mother
wished to hear with her own ear the voice of her Divine Son. ...
/.../the dolorous passion of our lord jesus christ/chapter xi mary in the.htm

The Third Word from the Cross
... The heart of the mother of Jesus was pierced with ... It was a sharp weapon; but Mary
had one thing on which to steady up her soul; it kept her calm even in the ...
/.../stalker/the trial and death of jesus christ/chapter xvi the third word.htm

Of the Women who were Standing There, and of the Question Whether ...
... His narrative runs thus: "Now there stood by the cross of Jesus His mother, and
His mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene. ...
/.../augustine/the harmony of the gospels/chapter xxi of the women who.htm

Death of Jesus.
... certainty, that the devoted women of Galilee, who had followed Jesus to Jerusalem
and ... sight of him.[3] If we must believe John,[4] Mary, the mother of Jesus ...
//christianbookshelf.org/renan/the life of jesus/chapter xxv death of jesus.htm

The Presentation of Jesus, and the "Nunc Dimittis. " Ch. 2:21-40
... To the wondering mother, Simeon uttered a dark word of ... The ministry of Jesus will
be the occasion for the ... anguish like a sword will pierce the soul of Mary. ...
/.../erdman/the gospel of luke an exposition/f the presentation of jesus.htm

The Groups Round the Cross
... As the eyes of Jesus wandered to and fro over the sea of faces ... names, as far as they
have been preserved""Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James ...
/.../stalker/the trial and death of jesus christ/chapter xiii the groups round.htm

The Brethren of the Lord.
... 2. That these persons are found in all places, but one or two, in
immediate connection with Mary, the mother of Jesus. ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/the brethren of the lord.htm

After Prayer Jesus Selects Twelve Apostles.
... of John 19:25, which is translated thus: "But there were standing by the cross
of Jesus, his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xli after prayer jesus selects.htm