“Woman, Behold Thy Son . . . Behold Thy Mother”

Text: John 19:25-27
Thesis: To better appreciate the fact that we need to love those who love us.

Introduction:
A. The cross upon which Jesus died was an altar. But did you also consider the fact that His cross was a pulpit from which many sermons were preached?
B. For emphasis sake, and by way of our study this morning, let’s revisit the three verses that were read to us a moment ago.
C. If you are reading from the King James Version, I want you to be impressed with the first eight verses of our text—“Now there stood by the cross of Jesus…”.
1. Notice that nothing was said and nothing was done.
2. There were no words to be spoken. There were no hands that could help.
3. There comes a time when what we say and what we do matter very little. But, the place we stand matters very much.
D. On this occasion, who was standing by gazing at the suffering Jesus?
1. First, there was the Lord’s mother—Mary. Never a mother had such a son, and never a son had such a mother. From her, the Son of God inherited his humanity. Humanly speaking, Jesus owed a great deal to His mother. Never a mother had such joy and sorrow.
2. Second, there was the Lord’s aunt—his mother’s sister (quite possibly Salome, the wife of Zebedee and mother of James and John). Her name was not mentioned, which is characteristic of John’s modesty in his writings. He did not even mention his own name.
3. Third, there was a close friend—Mary, the wife of Clopas (mother of James the lesser, Joses, and Judas).
4. Fourth, there was Mary Magdalene (we see her importance in the post-resurrection events—Jn. 20:1,11-18). Jesus had earlier healed her of her infirmities.
5. Fifth, there was John (the one whom Jesus loved, and in all probability the first cousin of Jesus).
6. Sixth, standing at some distance would have been those publicly ridiculing the Lord.
E. Consider their position—by the cross. What does it manifest:
1. Their fortitude.
a. They witnessed agonizing death, saw his shame, and were seeing the passing of a best friend. “Many a stout heart has failed at the death-bed of a loved one; but they stood at the death-cross of their Lord.”
b. Think of the public scorn and ridicule. They were doubtless known to the Savior’s enemies. Add to that, it was not at all fashionable for women to appear at such a scene.
c. Think of the personal danger. As the friends of Jesus, they were in jeopardy.
2. Their affection.
a. Maternal affection. What love is there greater than that of a other.
b. Social affection.
c. Holy affection. There was love here pouring out of hope and faith in Jesus as Messiah.
3. Their sympathy.
4. Their self-control.
a. We have all read of mothers becoming frantic and losing their lives to save that of their loved ones. But here, the mother seemed to be calm.
b. It’s as if their souls had caught the calm spirit that we see of Jesus on the cross.
F. It is out of this context that Jesus speaks for the third time from the cross. To His mother He says, “Woman, behold thy son.” And, to John He says, “Behold thy mother!” This is the last of three sayings uttered by our Lord before the darkness that fell over the earth.
G. By way of our study this morning, I want to make five observations. Each one will be brief.

Discussion:
From a study such as this, we learn . . .
I. That those nearest the cross are the ones most highly honored.
A. It was one thing to stand near Jesus when he was healing the sick, casting out demons, bringing food to the starving, and life to the dead. But, it is entirely different to stand near Jesus when death is his prey.
B. These stood by Jesus when all others had left. It may have been easy to stand by him if it were one of many, but what about one of a few? It is one thing to follow Jesus when you are one in a crowd of many. But what about when it’s just a handful? What about when many forsake and leave the Lord? Will you still stand by him?
C. As they stood near the Lord, they did all they could. They could not render any assistance, but they stood by. Like these, when we can go no further, let’s stand our ground by standing with Jesus.
D. May we be reminded of this, “Those who stand by Jesus in his hour of trial, he will stand by.” We all have crosses we must bear. If we stand by His, then rest assured, He will stand by ours.

II. That the lord Forgot himSelf, and remembered others.
A. When one is inflicted with severe bodily pain, it is virtually impossible to think of anything else but your own suffering, pain and torture.
B. What fascinates me about this scene is that in spite of the Lord’s agony, He noticed those standing nearby.
C. Jesus was now taking on the burden of the sins of the world, and the sorrow that they cause. But there was still room in His heart for a beloved mother.
D. Jesus loved his friend, John, and in the hour of his death, he rewarded his friend for his faithfulness.
E. Jesus provided for his mother, not only a protector and a home, but the solace that would come with memories and mutual sympathy. Mary was removed from this horrific scene by her son’s best friend.

III. That We are to show affection and care toward our aged parents.
A. Human relationships involve special duties. It is a special and sacred duty to provide for one’s aged parents—Honor thy father and mother (Eph. 6:1-4).
B. Jesus was about to cease being Mary’s Son, but He had a duty to her. Our obligations survive these earthly relationships—i.e. life insurance.
C. It would not be Christ like to leave the world as a thief, making no provisions for those you leave behind.

IV. That the lord was mindful of peoples Heartaches.
A. Jesus wants us to be happy, healthy, prosperous, and successful. Add to that, He understands that not everyday will be a mountain top experience. Some days we’ll be in the valley. Just remember, Jesus understands.
B. He understands when I’m suffering. Have you ever lost a loved one, had to endure a horrible illness (even now, one that’s terminal), or other difficulties? Paul said, “And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified” (Acts 20:32).
C. He understands when I’ve lost a spouse. Have you ever heard those words, “He’s (she’s) gone.”? What was your reaction? Shock? Disbelief? Anger? Loneliness? Fear?—What do I do now? 1) Trust in God. 2) Pray. 3) Keep worshipping. 4) Reach out to others. 5) Remember the good memories.
D. He understands when I’ve lost a child.
E. He understands when I’m lonely. He says, “count your blessings;” “be of good cheer;” “cast all your care upon me” and “be confident in the hope of God.”
F. He understands when I’m struggling with child-rearing.
G. He understands when my spouse says, “I don’t love you anymore.”
H. He understands when you’re struggling with financial decisions.
I. He understands when the doctor says, “It’s cancer.”

V. About the limitless love of a mother.
A. Ill: The love of a mother is never exhausted. It never changes--it never tires--it endures through all; in good repute, in bad repute, in the face of the world's condemnation, a mother's love still lives on.
B. Ill: Women who never have children enjoy the equivalent of an extra three months a year in leisure time, says Susan Lang, author of Women Without Children. If that figure seems high, remember that the average mother spends 3.5 more hours a week doing housework than would a woman without children, plus 11 hours a week on child-related activities. This adds up to an additional 754 hours of work every year—the equivalent of three months of 12-hour, 5-day work weeks.
C. Read Proverbs 31:10-31.

Conclusion:
A. When Jesus died on the cross, the fountain of love was opened. Full atonement was made. The mighty work of redeeming man was done.
B. Those who stood by the cross on that day could not have known the fullness of what was being accomplished. But we do. We have the Record before us. We have read it. We understand it. Now Jesus asks you this question. “Who will come to the cross.”

"Today Shalt Thou Be With Me in Paradise"

Text: Luke 23:39-43
Thesis: To consider some things often overlooked in the seven sayings of Jesus.

Introduction:
A. Three crosses adorned Calvary’s hill on that historical day. One was a cross of rebellion (39). One was a cross of repentance (40-42). One was a cross of redemption (43; cf. Heb. 5:8-9).
B. It is with this thought in mind that we turn our attention to the second of seven recorded sayings by Jesus from the cross. Keep in mind that these sayings are revelations of what was passing through the mind of our Lord during the end of his personal ministry on this earth.
C. What lessons can you and I learn from the words, “Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.”?

Discussion:
From a study such as this, we learn . . .

I. A LESSON IN VALUES.
A. Ill: “On April 14, 1912, 10:00 p.m. the Titanic crashed into an iceberg in the mid-Atlantic and four hours later sank. One woman in a life boat asked if she could go back to her room. She was given only three minutes to do so. She hurried down the corridors, already tilting dangerously, through the gambling room piled ankle-deep in money. In her room were her treasures waiting to be taken, but instead, she snatched up three oranges and hurried back to the boat. One hour before she would have naturally chosen diamonds over oranges, but in the face of death, values are seen more clearly.” I tell that story for to make the point—as the thieves were facing death, what were their values?
B. At one point, the thieves hanging by Jesus were united in their accusations against the Lord (Mt. 27:38-44). In essence their value system was based upon what everyone else was saying about Jesus.
C. At some point, some how, the thieves became divided in their thoughts about the Lord (Lk. 23:39-40). From this, several value statements are revealed.
1. One value statement was “save yourself but be sure to save me too”—selfishness. Ill: An ambitious farmer, unhappy about the yield of his crops, heard of a highly recommended new seed corn. He bought some and produced a crop that was so abundant his astonished neighbors asked him to sell them a portion of the new seed. But the farmer, afraid that he would lose a profitable competitive advantage, refused. The second year the new seed did not produce as good a crop, and when the third-year crop was still worse it dawned upon the farmer that his prize corn was being pollinated by the inferior grade of corn from his neighbors' fields.
2. One value statement was “this man is not whom we thought”—open-mindedness.
3. One value statement was “I made a mistake”—humility. Ill: Lincoln once got caught up in a situation where he wanted to please a politician, so he issued a command to transfer certain regiments. When the secretary of war, Edwin Stanton, received the order, he refused to carry it out. He said that the President was a fool. Lincoln was told what Stanton had said, and he replied, "If Stanton said I'm a fool, then I must be, for he is nearly always right. I'll see for myself." As the two men talked, the President quickly realized that his decision was a serious mistake, and without hesitation he withdrew it.
4. One value statement was “don’t you see who this is”—evangelism.
5. One value statement was “I’m about to die, but I’ll never change”—pride. “Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall” (Prov. 16:18).
6. One value statement was “I know what I deserve, but Lord, I’ve changed”—repentance.
D. What are your value statements? What do people know about you? What kind of heart do you have?

II. THAT THE BLOOD OF JESUS FLOWED TWO WAYS.
A. There has never been a time in the world where salvation has occurred separate from blood being shed. The Hebrews writer said, “without shedding of blood is no remission” (9:22).
B. Under the Old Law, the blood of animal’s was shed for the purpose of remitting the sins of the Jews (Heb. 9:7). But the Bible says it’s not possible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins (Heb. 10:4). How could those sins be remitted? By the blood of Jesus (Heb. 9:14).
C. You see, sins under the Old Law were remitted in view of the coming death of Jesus. Sins are remitted today under the New Law by looking back to the cross.

III. ABOUT THE STATE OF THE DEAD.
A. The word “paradise” is used just three times in the KJV (2 Cor. 12:4; Rev. 2:7; Lk. 23:43).
B. It is the same Greek word transliterated, “paradeisos.” It means a “place of future happiness.”
C. Paradise is one of the two states after death, and before the Judgment (Mt. 16:18; 2 Cor. 5:10; Lk. 16:22ff).

IV. THAT GOD IS ANXIOUS TO SAVE.
A. But, his salvation is conditional. This is one of the most misused verses in the Bible with respect to salvation. “We want to be saved like the thief on the cross!” “But look at the thief! He did not need to be baptized; neither do we!”
B. Was the thief saved? That fact is not disputable. Was the thief ever baptized? Consider this:
1. The text teaches that he knew about the Lord’s coming kingdom. Where did he learn about the kingdom?
2. He knew something about the Lord’s authority, for he said, Lord “remember” me. Who taught him about this authority?
3. Could it not be true that he learned about the Lord’s kingdom and authority from John, or at the very least, one of John’s disciples? If he did, we can conclude that he must also have known something about John’s baptism.
4. It is quite presumptuous of a Bible student to say that the thief was never baptized.
5. But, for argument sake, let’s assume that he never was baptized. Does this set a precedent for man’s salvation today separate and apart from baptism?
a. When the Lord made the statement to the thief, the Lord was still alive. Since Jesus was still alive, the Old Law was still in affect (Mt. 5:17; Col. 2:14; Eph. 2:15; cf. Heb. 9:17). While Jesus walked upon this earth, could he not grant the gift of His choosing? Indeed. But once Jesus was dead and gone, salvation would come by following the last will and testament of Jesus.
b. Since you and I are under the New Testament, we must appeal to that law for the condition of salvation. These conditions are clearly defined.
c. The Holy Spirit saw fit to provide us with an entire book addressing the beginning of the church, and salvation. In that book, there are at least eight cases of conversion. There is not one single example of man being granted entrance into paradise based on the example of the thief on the cross.
C. Yes, God is anxious to save, but He will only save in accord with His will (1 Pt. 3:21).

V. THE DEPTH OF GOD’S MERCY.
A. The thief whom Jesus saved on the cross was referred to as a malefactor. The Greek word transliterated is “kakourgos.” It means “a wrong-doer, i.e. criminal;—evil-doer.” It is from the base “ergon,” which means “occupation.” So, a malefactor is one whose occupation is doing evil. In other words, Jesus saved the lowest of the low upon the thief’s repentance.
B. Paul said, “For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Rm. 5:6-8).
C. Ill: A mother once approached Napoleon seeking a pardon for her son. The emperor replied that the young man had committed a certain offense twice and justice demanded death. "But I don't ask for justice," the mother explained. "I plead for mercy." "But your son does not deserve mercy," Napoleon replied. "Sir," the woman cried, "it would not be mercy if he deserved it, and mercy is all I ask for." "Well, then," the emperor said, "I will have mercy." And he spared the woman's son.

Conclusion:
A. Today we have discussed practical lessons from the Savior’s second saying on the cross. We learned that we need to have the right value statements; that His blood was shed for men of every age; that death is a reality and my soul will go somewhere after this life; that God longs to save me on His terms; and, that God’s mercy will save even me.

B. May we always be “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy hat was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Heb. 12:2).