Nothing is more shown by the cross than the love of God for us. Jesus tells us, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.” (John 15:13-14 ) While Jesus was dying on the tree, he spoke words of love and affection.

John records for us, “Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home.” (John 19:25-27 )

Can you imagine the pain that Mary was suffering at this time? Many times we fail to realize that these were real people with real emotions. Mary was the mother of Jesus’ humanity. Luke records to us that Joseph was “to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.” She carried Jesus for around nine months like any other mother. Luke goes on to say, “And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son.” She suffered labor and gave birth to the humanity of Jesus. Luke then tells us, “And wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.” (Luke 2:5-7 ) Like any other good mother she cared for him and loved him. She protected him and did the best she could for him, and now she is watching her son die! No doubt she could remember the prophecy of Simeon when he told her that because of her child her soul would be pierced through. No doubt she could feel her soul being ripped apart within her. Jesus saw this and cared for her. He placed his aging mother into the trust of his only loyal disciple.

This story shows us the depth of Jesus’ love for us. Even though he was the one on the tree suffering, he made provisions for the physical welfare for his physical mother. He does the same for us too. Jesus tells us, “Who is my mother? and who are my brethren? And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren! For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.” (Matt 12:48-50 ) This example of love and affection to his mother is an appropriate example to the type of love and affection he has to us if we do the will of his Father.

Jesus teaches us that we need not take thought for our physical wellbeing, but that God will provide. (Matt 6:28-32 ) We need not worry about what we shall eat or what we shall wear, but God will see that you are given the things you need. Paul teaches us, “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” (Phil 4:6 ) We don’t need to worry. We can make our request know to God in prayer!

What a great promise from God for the care of our physical welfare, but we need to remember that Jesus didn’t end there in his teaching. He continued and tells us that we must seek first the kingdom of God and all these things shall be added unto us. (Matt 6:33-34 )

Not only was he providing for his mother’s physical welfare, but he was providing for her spiritual welfare. While he was dying on the cross, he was providing an atoning sacrifice for all of mankind. John teaches us, “He is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.” (1 John 2:2 ) His death has the power to wash our sins away.

However, even though Jesus died for the sins of all mankind, this is not a universal cleansing. You must come to him to partake of this cleansing. Jesus said, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden and I will give you rest.” (Matt 11:28 ) Remember the first verse we read. He laid down his life for his friends. You can be his friend if you do the things he has commanded. He took care of the price of sin. Will you be obedient to his commands?