The Third Word

“Woman, behold your son.”

John 19:26-27

This week our reflection on the Third Word is written by Brenda Mitchellweiler.

When reading texts involving Jesus’ parables, words, and actions, there is often more to the story, more than one way of exploring meaning. In this scene, Jesus agonizes on the cross. The soldiers have just cast lots for his clothing. Mary, a few other women and Jesus’ “beloved disciple” John are near Jesus. So near they hear his labored words calling to Mary, and then to John. He says to Mary “Woman, behold your son!” To John, he says “Behold, your mother!”

An amazing effort by Jesus to get their attention. From excruciating pain, he needs them to recognize a vital truth. In this dark hour, he works to get Mary and John to behold something beyond mere relational or societal dictates. Jesus may have been ensuring the practical care of Mary by John. However, he could have made these arrangements prior to the cross. So why now is Jesus, through labored breath, in the last moments of life, drawing Mary’s and John’s attention? To what does he call them to behold? Is there more?

Ultimately, on the cross Jesus is without words. His body is lifeless. The deep darkness of the hour is palpable, visual, and REAL! John and Mary walk away from the cross in REAL darkness. They feel fear, pain, confusion, hopelessness, gut wrenching sorrow, and agony beyond words.

Yet, the more of the story now comes into play.

We recall the words of Jesus at John 15:12 “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” The call of Jesus to Mary and John that they become family is key. He calls them to love one another, calls them to act as mother and son. We tend to not hear or behold the depth and power of loving one another as family. In this dark hour, Jesus gives Mary and John a way through their darkness. Be family, he says to them. The only way through our world and our own moments of fear, pain, confusion, hopelessness, gut wrenching sorrow, and agony beyond words is through loving each other as he has shown us. Be family, he says to us. Loving each other is essential to our survival in this world. Loving each other is more than just labeling each other brothers and sisters in Christ. Loving each other the way Jesus has shown us is active. It is sometimes difficult. It is sometimes awkward. But it is essential. It is family.

What drew my family to the Christ Kaleidoscope congregation most is the way you all actively love. We have been blown away and blessed by your works of love. The love you have for the school in Cambodia, the hurting in Florida, the marginalized, and simply the hurting is beautiful to behold and compels each of us to love more like Jesus. Your works of love are palpable, REAL and essential to those around you! We are grateful for your witness of Jesus’ love to us and this world. Grateful that you love one another!