John 19:26-27 When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, “Dear woman, here is your son,” and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.

We sometimes forget the humanity of Jesus. He was a good son to Mary, as well as a good Son to God. We have no idea what the status of the wife of Zebedee (John’s mother) was at this point. It’s entirely possible that she was quite healthy, and that she and Mary lived together for many years, with John taking care of them after the martyrdom of his brother James. However, that is an unimportant detail to this specific scene. As the Bible itself, as well as other historical documents, makes clear, the life of a widow was not an easy one. Even in the agony of crucifixion, Jesus saw to it that his mother would be taken care of. This is also a testimony to the faithfulness of John, because taking in a widow was a major responsibility. We have no record of his income after he left the fishing trade, though it seems probable that he was supported by the Church after Pentecost. However, at this point he had no idea of Pentecost or the Church, so this was a major step of faith for him. The Bible records some bad examples, for us to avoid their behavior, but it also records some very good examples for the life of faith.

I was never in the situation of needing to provide for either of my parents in any way, really, but aging parents are a major issue for a lot of people. I need to be a support for them in the process, but I can only do that by the revelation and inspiration of God, because I have no personal experience to draw on, The other side of that is that I can empathize with and support those who lose their parents, so I simply need to be available for however God wants to use me. God does care very much about families, and I need to be fully useful in strengthening them as He intends.

Father, thank You for the good examples of Scripture to encourage us. Help me be a good example myself, so that those who look to me may be encouraged in their walk. May this church be a shining example to the community, so that people may see what is possible and what You intend in our interactions with one another, drawing them to You for their salvation and Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!