Day 3: The Utterance of Relationship

"Woman, here is your son,"… and to the disciple, "Here is your mother." 

John 19:26-27

Even in His excruciating pain, Jesus was mindful of His earthly family. He ensured His mother, Mary, would be cared for by His beloved disciple, John. This act speaks volumes about the depth of His love and the importance of earthly relationships and community. Jesus did not leave His mother to grieve alone. He created a new family bond on the spot.

As women, we are often the architects and nurturers of relationships. We pour ourselves into our families, friends, and communities. This utterance from our Lord validates that work, showing that even amid the cosmic event of salvation, God cares deeply about our need for love, security, and connection.

A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows,
is God in his holy dwelling.
God sets the lonely in families…

Psalm 68:5-6a

For God’s people, the definition of “family” goes beyond the bond of biological kinship. Jesus calls us to be a spiritual family with others who share our devotion to the Father and to following His will (Matthew 12:50, Luke 8:21). As we share the same spiritual Father, we are sisters and brothers to one another. Just as Jesus looked upon His grieving mother, He looks at each one of us and gives us a place in the family. We are not left alone. We are not abandoned.

No matter what biological family we come from, in Christ we are one. We share the same blood—the blood of Jesus Christ which cleanses us, places us in a new community, and bestows upon us His name.

For Reflection

Jesus’ words challenge us not to just have relationships, but to be a true family. Reflect on your relationships in the church. Are you actively nurturing the community God has placed around you? Do you care for others; especially those who are vulnerable (James 1:27, 1 Corinthians 12:23)? Do you allow others to care for you?