Care for Others

Intro: The Gospel writers through their words show us various scenes around the cross of Christ. In these scenes the world’s motto of … “Look out for number one” is clearly portrayed.

From the religious leaders who smugly watch … the soldiers gambling for the cloths of Christ beneath the cross … to the majority of disciples who are nowhere to be found … looking out for number one is visibly promoted.

Perhaps you know of someone who has destroyed not only themselves, but also others as they insistence on doing what is best only for themselves, while giving little regard to those around them.

As we stand at the foot of the cross looking up, we find a totally different picture. In this third set of “cross words” Jesus casts down the earthly thinking that we are to “look out for ourselves” and lifts high the thought of caring for others.

When thinking of the crucifixion the idea of “caring for someone else” doesn’t enter in the picture.

The crucifixion makes us think of flesh being torn, the body bleeding, the anguish of pain as the nails are driven into the hands and feet, the gasping for air, the sweat and blood mixing together as it runs down the cross falling to the ground.

But it is here in this most bloody and violent of all scenes, the pain and anguish are halted for but a moment and God allows us to behold this tender and caring scene that teaches us to “Care for Others.”

John 19:25-27 Now there stood by the cross of Jesus His mother, and His mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 26 When Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing by, He said to His mother, "Woman, behold your son!" 27 Then He said to the disciple, "Behold your mother!" And from that hour that disciple took her to his own home.

Defined: Subservient - to be placed under for function; instrument of service

John 19:25 Now there stood by the cross of Jesus His mother, and His mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.

a. These women who gathered around both mother and son … showed more than the ordinary affections, but “the effects of faith.” Their lives had been touched by Jesus and they came with Mary, consoling her and to share in the sorrowful support of Jesus.

b. We all know the helpless feeling of watching someone we love die. Bro Baker’s death was a great sorrow. There wasn’t much to offer him other than being with him, and sharing his sorrow with my tears and prayers.

c. Some suggest these ladies stood by without fear of being noticed by the crucifying authorities. That there was no danger in associating themselves with Christ. However, many will agree that association with the one who was being crucified was a point of danger.

d. But without concern for themselves these ladies “stood by the cross” … what unordinary words. Their actions were unordinary.

e. The thought of the hymn “Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross” … was not a common notion of the day. The farther away the better. All the disciples except for John and this band of ladies had removed themselves a safe distance from the cross. Let me ask you where are you in relation to the cross.

f. These ladies “stood by” … willing to give up of their own lives to be a means of support.

g. To hang around the cross always leads to action that is demanding of our faith.

h. 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. ¹⁴Let all your things be done with charity.[i]

i. We stand by the cross when we exhibit faith that takes us beyond fear to act in love.

j. Sometimes to care for others we have to put ourselves beneath our own needs and fears.

a. John 19:26 When Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing by, He said to His mother, "Woman, behold your son!"

· Mary understood there was something about Her Son she may have not fully understood.

Luke 2:34-35 And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against; ³⁵(Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed. [ii]

d. Jesus being the oldest son knew it would be His responsibility to take care of his mother in her old age. From the cross of caring for others, Jesus extended the greatest of care for His mother.

e. The designation of the term “woman” has been discussed with several possibilities coming up.

f. Jesus was no longer any woman’s son. If Mary needs a son, she must now look to John, not Jesus. Mary would now have to see Jesus as Savior and enter into a new relationship with Him. (Luke 1:47) Jesus gave up all relationships … to become Savior. Gave up heaven and being seated next to His Father and now He gave up His mother, in order to be our Savior.

g. Jesus from the cross Jesus provided substantial care for His mother as he identified her care was to now be with John.

h. Sometimes in our times of caring we may not be capable of providing the care and help, but we should go beyond ourselves to find and provided the care needed.

i. Jesus never looked to do anything for others in a “superficial” fashion, but always in a “supernatural” substantial manner. We should be disciples who “go and do likewise.” (Luke 10:37)

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

a. Jesus has Mary to now see John has her son, and in the same breath He passes the care of Mary over to John. John would become the substitute son and extended care giver to Mary.

b. What would you and I had done if asked to do this duty of care? Perhaps our answers would reflect the struggles of family life.

· What about Your brothers and sisters? Can’t they take care of their own mother?

c. John does not question the command of Jesus, but obeys … And from that hour that disciple took her to his own home

d. John was becoming the substitute for the “Substitute!” He was to carry on the “care” work of Jesus in the flesh. Tradition holds it that John cared for Mary as long as she lived.

e. It is right to consider that all of us are to take the role of Christ as a “care-giver.” I believe it is one of the lessons taught from the cross.

Christ has no hands but our hands
To do His work today,
He has no feet but our feet
To lead men in His way,
He has no tongue but our tongues
To tell me how He died,
He has no help but our help
To bring them to His side
- Annie Johnson Flint

f. 1 Corinthians 12:25-27 that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. 26 And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it. 27 Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually.

g. I want you to take note of the fact that the scriptures says John took Mary to his own home to care for her.

· Notice he left the cross to care … we cannot hang around the hallowed halls of church life and care for hurting humanity.

· Notice it cost John to care … we have to be willing to give of ourselves in order to care for others.

It should be a privilege to be the substitute for Christ who was our Substitute.

Conclusion: Summation of the sermon: “Jesus is always more concerned with others than with Himself.” This is a WWJD moment at its best. When the storm is battering in on us we are to still be delivering His love.

· When we want go into survival mode of self-centered and self-pitying responses.

Jesus calls us . . . Jesus shows us … something better, something higher - a more supernatural way to live . . .

Take the challenge … learn the lesson … live the message … find someone this week … at work, at school, at church, at home … who needs to be cared for … and extend the care of Jesus to them.

[i]The King James Version, (Cambridge: Cambridge) 1769.

[ii]The King James Version, (Cambridge: Cambridge) 1769.