In the final moments of Jesus’ life on the cross, the Gospel of John gives us a profound glimpse into the power of relationship. As Jesus suffers, surrounded by a crowd, He turns His attention not just to His mission of salvation, but also to the people He loves, offering them a deep act of care and connection. 

     John 19:25-27 recounts the presence of several women at the foot of the cross, including Jesus’ mother, Mary, and the disciple whom He loved (often understood to be John himself). As Jesus hangs in agony, He speaks to His mother, saying, “Woman, here is your son,” and to John, “Here is your mother.” With these words, Jesus forms a new relationship between Mary and John, a bond that transcends biological ties and carries profound spiritual meaning. 

     This passage speaks volumes about the nature of relationships in Jesus Christ. First, it highlights that Jesus, in His moment of suffering, still demonstrates compassion and care for others. His focus isn’t solely on His pain but on ensuring that His loved ones will be cared for after His death. The relationship between Mary and John is redefined, not just as friends or fellow disciples, but as family in Christ. This act underscores a powerful truth: in the kingdom of God, relationships are bound not by flesh and blood, but by the love of Jesus. 

     Furthermore, we see that the bonds we share in Christ are unbreakable. As Jesus entrusted His mother to John, He models how we are to care for one another in the body of Christ. No one is left alone, even in the most challenging moments. We are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus to one another, carrying each other’s burdens and walking together in faith, even when the world around us seems broken. 

     As you meditate on this passage, consider the relationships in your own life: how can you reflect Christ’s love and care for others, especially in times of hardship? How can you be a source of support, like John, to those who are hurting and how can you be like Mary, receiving and offering love even in the midst of suffering? 

     May we all strive to live in the kind of relationships that Jesus modeled, ones of deep love, care, and sacrifice, bound together by His Holy Spirit.