"Woman, behold your son."

We learn from John 19:25-27 that there was a skeptical crowd gathered at the cross that fateful day. Jesus's supporters were faithful and few: Mary, the mother of Jesus; Salome, Mary's sister; Mary, the wife of Clopas; and Mary Magdalene. Everyone else had forsaken Him, but these women remained.

Jesus was concerned for his mother's safety, security, and shelter. He knew the Word said in Exodus 20:12, "honor your father and mother," but knowing he would be unable to protect her in the future, He told Mary, "woman, behold your son." He said to his disciple John, "Behold, your mother." In doing so, he entrusted John with Mary's safety, to care for her like he would his own mother. John had earlier forsaken Jesus, but later returned to serve as His disciple. Jesus rewarded John for his decision with this important responsibility.