CARING FOR OUR PARENTS

JOHN 19:25–27

Then He said to the disciple, “Behold your mother!” And from that hour that disciple took her to his own home

(John 19:27).

None of the other gospels records Jesus’ final directives concerning His mother. This is not surprising because they held special significance for John. Logically, he would be the one to include it in his account of the crucifixion. It is a touching scene and one filled with practical lessons for all believers. Jesus, even in the midst of pain and torment, thought not of Himself, but of others; in particular, He thought of His mother. His duty to meet the requirements of the fifth commandment was ever before Him, and being our sinless Mediator, He fulfilled the law perfectly and completely.

One important lesson we learn from this account is what it means to obey the fifth commandment. It doesn’t mean just keeping in touch with our parents, sending a postcard now and then, or getting together on holidays. It means caring for them and meeting their needs when they are no longer capable of caring for themselves. It means taking our minds off ourselves and our own troubles and giving back to those who gave so much to us.

As Jesus gazed down at Mary in all her grief and fear, His heart went out to her. She would be left alone without anyone to care for her. We must assume from Jesus’ command to John, that Jesus Himself had been taking care of His mother. As the oldest in the family, this would have been His responsibility—and one that He took very seriously. She was a widow in a world that made it difficult for a woman to be alone. She would need the protection and care of a man. What better choice could Jesus make than His most loved disciple? John alone had come to the cross. If he would do that for his Lord, surely he could be entrusted with the care of Jesus’ mother.

It is sad to admit that our society has lost this value of caring for parents. We are too self-absorbed to give to those who brought us into the world. We aren’t willing to make the sacrifices necessary to meet the needs of our loved ones. This is to our shame when we consider the requirements of God’s command and the example of our Lord who took care of His mother even at the moment of His own death. May we follow His example and prove ourselves faithful in honoring, loving, and caring for our parents.

CORAM DEO

Jeremiah 27–28

2 Timothy 4

If your parents are still living, how are you honoring them? Is there anything that you should be doing for them, but aren’t simply because it would be too much of a sacrifice on your part? Commit today to begin keeping the fifth commandment in letter and in spirit. Honor your parents, love them, and care for them.

For further study: Ex. 20:12 • Prov. 23:22 • Mark. 7:9–13 • Eph. 6:1–3

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