In childhood Jesus had been “subject” to her:  in youth and manhood He had been faithful to her.  In the Temple He had thought of her as His mother, and of God as His Father.  But no exalted relation, no greatness to which He had attained on earth, had made Him disloyal to her.  While claiming to be the Son of God, He was still the loving son of Mary.  Such He would show Himself to be on the cross.  We thank John for the record of that moment when “Jesus ... saw His mother.”  “The people stood beholding” Him, but His eyes were not on them; nor on those passing by His cross wagging their heads, nor the malefactor at His side reviling Him; nor on the chief priest and scribes, the elders and soldiers mocking Him; nor the rulers deriding Him.  His thought was not on them, nor even on Himself in His agonies, as His eyes rested keenly on His mother.  It was a deep, tender, earnest gaze.

John tells that Jesus also “saw” “the disciples standing by, whom He loved.”  The Lord turned His head from His mother to His disciple.  This could be His only gesture pointing them one to the other.

The prayer for His murderers had apparently been uttered when His hands were pierced, before the cross was raised.  He may have spoken once after it was elevated, before He saw the two special objects of His love.  His eyes met His mother’s.  She saw Him try to speak.  The utterance of His parched lips, with gasping breath, was brief, full of meaning and tenderness—­“Woman! behold, thy son!” Then turning toward John He said, “Behold! thy mother!”

In these words Jesus committed His mother to John without asking whether he would accept the charge.

“From that hour the disciple took her unto his own home.”  It is a question whether or not the phrase, “from that hour,” is to be taken literally.  It may be that the blessed words, “mother” and “son,” were as a final benediction, after which John led her away, and then returned to the cross.  Or, it may be that the mother-heart compelled her to witness the closing scenes.

[Illustration:  THE VIRGIN AND ST. JOHN AT THE CROSS Old Engraving
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If we pause long enough to inquire why John was chosen to be trusted with this special charge, we can find probable answer.  Jesus’ “brethren” did not then believe on Him.  Mary’s heart would go out toward him who did, especially as he was her kindred as well as of a kindred spirit.  His natural character, loving and lovable, made him worthy of the trust.  Apparently he was better able to support her than were any other of the Apostles, and perhaps even than her sons.  He seems to have been the only Apostle or relative of Mary who had a home in Jerusalem, where she certainly would choose to dwell among the followers of the Lord.  Above all John was the beloved disciple of Mary’s beloved son.  So to him we can fittingly say: