The Word of Affection

3/18/2023

John 19:26–27 (ESV) 26 When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son!” 27 Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home. 

COLLECT OF THE DAY for The Third Sunday in Lent

Heavenly Father, you have made us for yourself, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you: Look with compassion upon the heartfelt desires of your servants, and purify our disordered affections, that we may behold your eternal glory in the face of Christ Jesus; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen (ACNA 2019 Book of Common Prayer).

(We typically read the prayer for Ash Wednesday throughout Lent along with the Collect of the Day).

COLLECT OF THE DAY for Ash Wednesday: 

Almighty and everlasting God, you hate nothing you have made, and you forgive the sins of all who are penitent: Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of you, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen  (ACNA 2019 Book of Common Prayer).

The Man of the House

At some point between the journey of Jesus's family to Jerusalem in Luke 2:41–52 and the beginning of Jesus's public ministry, Joseph exits the scene. We know from Matthew 1:19 that Joseph, the son of David, was a righteous man, so it seems unlikely that he divorced or abandoned Mary. There are some clues that Joseph has died. In Matthew 12:46–50, Mark 3:31–35, and Luke 8:19–21, Jesus's "his mother and his brothers" come to speak with him but his father is conspicuously absent. At the wedding in Cana in John 2:1–12, Mary, who appears to have some official duties in hosting, goes to Jesus about the fact that the wine has run out. Again, Joseph is absent. In John 19:25–27, Jesus entrusts his mother into the care of John, "the disciple whom he loved." This would have been unnecessary if Joseph had been around to care for his wife. We know that Jesus learned the trade of carpentry from his father (Matthew 13:55, Mark 6:3). Additionally, we know that Jesus began his public ministry around the age of 33. It seems likely, then, that Joseph had died and Jesus, as the oldest son, assumed the role of man of the house and owner of the family business to care for his mother and his younger siblings. It also appears that he waited until some of his younger brothers could support the family before he began his public ministry.

Transfer of Care

So, why did Jesus at his death entrust his mother into the care of John the apostle? We know from John 7:5 that Jesus's brothers did not believe in him (though at least some later did). We also know that Jesus regarded those who do the will of God as his true family (Matthew 12:46–50, Mark 3:31–35, Luke 8:19–21). Jesus was also perfectly righteous and the law commanded that one honor one's father and mother (Ex 20:12, Deut 5:16). Paul would later say that "if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever" (1 Tim 5:8). So, at the cross, Jesus fulfilled all righteousness in honoring his mother. She had lost her husband and now she was losing her oldest son. She had no righteous man to care for her. Jesus, the perfect son, ensured that his mother would be under the care of a righteous man by commissioning John the apostle to be her adopted son, a new man of the house.

Application

First, where we broke the Law of God, Jesus kept it at all points, including honoring his parents. His perfect obedience is granted to all who have faith in Him, and those who have despised and dishonored their parents find forgiveness. If you are in Christ, believe that you have received this perfect righteousness and live in the freedom of forgiveness that is yours through the gospel.

Second, the Spirit of Jesus Christ, who kept the Law perfectly, now lives inside of every believer and has written God's Law on our hearts (Jeremiah 31:31–34) so that we can walk in obedience and please God. If you are in Christ, joyfully walk in the Spirit and in obedience to God's Law.

Third, look to the members of your family and your household. Who needs care? Who needs lifting up? Who needs attention? Like Christ, lay down your own life and serve your family. Look also to the members of your Christian family. Who can you serve? Who can you encourage or comfort? Who needs your help? Christians are called to "do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith" (Gal 6:10).