Thinking about others in time of great pain

"Woman, your son; Son, your mother."
Jesus is in the middle of incredible pain and yet he is thinking about others. So many times when we are in pain we seem to take it out on others. Not Jesus!

"Woman"
Imagine as a mother what Mary must have felt to see her son on the cross. In reality, we can't even begin to imagine what it would have been like. It must have been the most gut wrenching event of her life. Every parent feels the pain of a child, and crucifixion is considered one of the most painful ways to die ever devised by man. Yet she was with Jesus at the foot of the cross. I am sure she felt every nail and was gripped by sadness.

"Son", "Mother"
God knows us each by name, but Jesus did not use the name of John or Mary. He referred to them by terms related to a family relationship. His request is very simple.... take care of each other as a mother and son. In times of great stress and distress we need support from family and friends. And with the family of God, we all have a new, much extended family.

Thoughts for Easter
I wonder if you are going through a painful experience in your own life. Are you looking for sympathy or looking after others. Are you focused on your own pain, or the pain others are experiencing? Instead of focusing on your own pain this Easter, remember those around you. There may be people suffering, that in the midst of your own pain, you hadn't noticed were hurting. Their pain may seem insignificant compared to yours, but for Jesus it was important that those near to him were comforted in times of great distress.

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