The Heart of Compassion [At the heart of Compassion-Jn. 19: 26-27]

Greetings to this already addressed house, I am grateful to my pastor, C. Omarr Evans for this opportunity to stand in this sacred space! I am reading from the Gospel of John 19:26-27 from the NKJV version. “When Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing by, He said to His mother, ‘Woman, behold your son!’ Then He said to the disciple, “Behold your mother!’ And from that hour that disciple took her to his own home.”

The title is The Heart of Compassion

INTRODUCTION

What a privilege and honor it is to speak briefly from this particular text!! You see Mary and I share the unique gift of being a mother!!!! And in the context of this text, as Mary, mother of Jesus stood with the the disciple whom Jesus loved, whom we know as John; had watched and marveled at her son, from the womb when she was told she would be pregnant, to what I imagine to be the most horrific and agonizing day of both her and Jesus’ life-watching Him be crucified on the cross!!!

As most mothers, we have hopes and dreams for our children! And like Mary, many of us have hopes and dreams that our children would grow up to be God-fearing, and a believer in our Lord and Savior, living and doing God’s will!!! You may wonder, what was Mary’s hopes and dreams for Jesus our Savior? If you can use your sanctified imagination and put yourself in Mary’s shoes at the foot of the cross, standing next to one of your child’s best friends, I imagine that perhaps at that point Mary might have remembered Simeon’s prophecy from Jesus’baby dedication: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword of sorrow will pierce your own heart too” (Luke 2:34–35). And by all accounts, Jesus shown Himself to be more than what Mary and yet even all of us could hope for!!! Jesus was born that we might live !!! All His life on earth, Jesus modeled and taught compassion! Today,Jesus shows us compassion!!! And at the heart of Compassion-there is Jesus!!! How do we know? Well, Jesus shows:

1. Compassion from the Cross [v.26]

Now the bible reveals that there were many women at the cross, but Jesus put his focus on only 1 woman that terrible day-His mother Mary! And He said, “Behold”— this word serves as an imperative, urging the listener or reader to pay attention to what follows; that something should not be neglected by another, for Mary to behold her son. Now, we can behold the goodness and selflessness of our Savior in the moments before His death, in fulfillment and obedience to God, as He cast Mary’s attention and love from Himself, onto John, a brother beloved to Jesus!

Jesus shows us the art of compassion even from the cross!

Jesus showed intentional care for His mother, even while He was suffering on the cross. We need to know that no circumstance is too dire to overlook the importance of loving and supporting our families, one another, and even those we don’t know! Jesus embodies the compassion and foresight that we should strive for in our own lives; making sure that we look out for the emotional and physical well-being of others as well as those closest to us!! Such care reflects the very character of Christ and challenges us to love our neighbors, honor our parents and loved ones, as exemplified in the commandment He fulfills. Jesus made provision for his mother, a widow who most certainly was a part of the population of the last, the least and the left out!

Jesus showed compassion from the cross and my brothers and sisters Jesus

2. Created New Connections [v.27]

John 19:27: Then He said to the disciple, “Behold your mother!” And from that hour that disciple took her to his own home.

John, the self-proclaimed beloved disciple! John is the only one of the apostles who had the courage enough to take his stand with the women by the Cross, and at that time none of the Jesus’ brothers were present and likely didn’t believe Jesus to be the Messiah!!! I believe John isn’t arrogant at his assertion of being beloved, because when you have a true relationship with Jesus, YOU KNOW-THAT YOU KNOW-THAT YOU KNOW!!!

One thing we ought to know about Jesus, He is always thinking about the beginning, middle, and the end!!! As He is teaching us about looking out for others and our own, Jesus in that moment teaches us about creating new connections!!! Not only did Jesus look out for His mother, as customs and law told Him to do, He also looked out for His beloved disciple John!! Jesus gave His mother to His friend!!! He gave the love, the care and all the mother’s prayers Mary would have prayed for Jesus over to John! And while it would be John to provide covering for Mary as a widow, one can only imagine the benefits of this new connection in John’s life that would help sustain him in the hard days ahead of him!!!

What selflessness, and what love at such a moment! And what a parting word to both “mother and son”! And from that hour that (‘the’) disciple took her to his own [home]—that is, home with him; along with his father, Zebedee, and his mother, Salome, who were both alive, and were present! We ought to see this as a blueprint in our own walk within the family of God!!! Saints!!! We were made for connection within the body of Christ!!! We are a new family unit because of Christ’s work on the cross!!

This moment illustrates that compassion transcends biological ties, urging us to embrace a broader, Christ-centered approach toward our families and our communities!!! By doing so, we align with Christ's example of creating supportive networks —like Salt & Light ministries, and embodying His directive to cherish and provide for one another, reinforcing the concept of a spiritual family bound together by love!!! Jesus said, “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends!!”

So Behold Saints!!!!

The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament (Second Edition) 19:23–37: Jesus’ Death

Because Jesus may not be elevated far above the ground, Jesus’ mother and disciple can hear him without being extremely close to the cross. A dying person could make an oral testament even from the cross, so long as witnesses were available; the eldest son might be responsible for his widowed mother’s care, and testaments sometimes delegated such care. If a widow’s eldest son died, normally younger sons would care for her; Jesus had brothers (cf. 7:3–5). Yet Jesus formally places his mother under his disciple’s protection, providing for her after his death. Dying fathers could exhort sons to take care of surviving mothers (which they normally would do); for a disciple to be accorded a role in his teacher’s family was a great honor to the disciple (disciples sometimes called their teachers “father”).

A primary responsibility which Jewish custom included in “honoring one’s father and mother” was providing for them (cf.

John Chapter 19

19:26. Jesus had spoken two of His seven sayings from the cross. First, He said, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do” (

: A Mother's Love

Bible Passage: John 19:26–27

Summary: In John 19:26-27, Jesus, in His final hours on the cross, focuses on the emotional bonds of family, prioritizing His mother’s well-being. This moment encapsulates the depth of maternal love and care, as Jesus plans for Mary's future, illustrating the importance of compassion and familial duty even amidst personal suffering.

Application: This passage encourages us to actively care for our loved ones and recognize the sacrifices they make for us. It invites the audience to explore how they can embody compassion, ensuring that family members are not left alone during their struggles, mirroring Jesus’ concern for Mary.

Teaching: This sermon can teach about the significance of compassion in our relationships, stressing that even in dire circumstances, our love for family should guide our actions. It shows how Christ's legacy of love challenges us to uphold and care for those closest to us.

How this passage could point to Christ: In the larger biblical context, Jesus' action of looking after His mother represents His fulfillment of the law to honor parents (Exodus 20:12) while displaying God’s relentless love and care for humanity, cementing His identity as our compassionate Savior.

Big Idea: Jesus models a love that is unwavering and immediate, urging us to act with compassion for those we love, regardless of the circumstances we face.

Recommended Study: Consider examining how different biblical translations handle the nuances of familial responsibility in this passage using your Logos library. You might find enlightening perspectives in cultural commentaries focusing on maternal figures in Scripture. Additionally, exploring the life and significance of Mary in the early church could provide depth for your message about compassion and care.

John 19:26

You could highlight

A Mother's Love in the Shadow of the Cross

Bible Passage: John 19:26–27

Summary: In John 19:26-27, we witness a poignant moment as Jesus, while enduring the agony of crucifixion, shows profound love and concern for His mother, Mary. This passage illustrates the depth of familial ties and the expectation of care and love within families, emphasizing the weight of relational responsibility, especially during times of extreme suffering. Jesus’ act becomes a model of how love should persist even amid immense trials.

Application: This sermon can help Christians reflect on their familial relationships, urging them to prioritize and strengthen these connections. It challenges the audience to actively engage with their loved ones, offering support during difficult times. It reinforces that love is an action that transcends circumstances, prompting believers to show compassion regardless of their own struggles.

Teaching: The teaching focuses on the importance of family and relationships in the Christian faith, illustrating how Jesus fulfilled His duty as a son even while facing death. It presents a compelling argument for the active responsibility we hold towards our families, as well as fortifying the spiritual aspect of these bonds, promoting an understanding that Christ exemplifies ideal familial care.

How this passage could point to Christ: From a Christological perspective, Jesus’ care for Mary reflects His divine nature and human experience, underscoring how He fulfills the role of a sacrificial servant in both His suffering and His relationships. This moment connects to God’s love for humanity, emphasizing that Christ’s concern extends beyond His earthly family to all of humanity, illustrating His role as a compassionate Savior.

Big Idea: In the midst of suffering, we are called to exercise love and responsibility towards our family, echoing Jesus' example, which becomes an opportunity for growth in our character and faith.

Recommended Study: As you prepare for this sermon, you may want to explore the cultural implications of familial ties in Jewish tradition using your Logos library. Review commentaries that discuss the emotional weight of this scene in the crucifixion narrative and investigate how early Christians viewed Mary as a follower of Christ. Additionally, studying the theological implications of Jesus’ fulfillment of the Law in this context might enrich your understanding and application.

1. Christ's Compassionate Care

John 19:26–27

You could explore how Jesus' interaction with His mother in these verses reflects His humanity and divinity. Despite His own suffering, Jesus shows genuine concern for Mary, entrusting her to John. This act illustrates the selfless love and responsibility He models for us. In moments of personal pain, we are encouraged to not overlook the needs of those we love, reflecting Christ’s compassion. This could also encourage listeners to view familial responsibility as a spiritual calling.