The Third Word from the Cross: The
Word of Care
Introduction
The third word spoken by Jesus Christ on the cross is often called the
Word of Care or the Word of Relationship. While Jesus was suffering
on the cross, He looked down and saw His mother Mary standing near the cross,
along with the disciple John. Even in His pain, Jesus was concerned about His
mother and made sure she would be cared for after His death.
Jesus said to His mother, “Woman, behold your son,” and to the
disciple John, “Behold your mother.” From that moment, the disciple took
Mary into his home and cared for her.
This word from the cross shows us the love, care, responsibility, and
compassion of Jesus. Even while dying, He cared for others before Himself.
Jesus’ Love for His Mother
Mary, the mother of Jesus, had followed Him throughout His life and
ministry. She was present at His birth, His childhood, His ministry, and now
she stood near the cross watching her son suffer and die. This must have been
one of the most painful moments in her life.
Jesus saw His mother standing there in sorrow. Although He was in great
physical pain, He did not forget her. He thought about her future and who would
take care of her after He was gone. This shows the deep love and respect Jesus
had for His mother.
This moment reminds us that honoring and caring for our parents is very
important. Even in His final moments, Jesus fulfilled His responsibility as a
son.
The Disciple Whom Jesus Loved
Standing near Mary was the disciple John, often called “the disciple whom
Jesus loved.” Jesus trusted John and knew that he would take care of Mary. So
Jesus gave John the responsibility to care for His mother as his own mother.
When Jesus said, “Behold your mother,” He was creating a new
family relationship. John was not Mary’s biological son, but from that moment
he became responsible for her.
This shows that in Christ, relationships are not only based on blood but
also on love, faith, and responsibility. The Christian community is like a
family where people care for one another.
The Meaning of the Word of Care
The third word from the cross teaches us several important spiritual
lessons.
First, it teaches us about love and compassion. Even in suffering, Jesus
cared for others. He did not focus only on His own pain but on the needs of His
mother.
Second, it teaches us about responsibility. Jesus made sure that His
mother would be cared for. This shows that faith does not remove
responsibility; rather, faith strengthens responsibility.
Third, it teaches us about relationships. Jesus created a new
relationship between Mary and John, showing that believers are part of a
spiritual family.
Fourth, it teaches us that love is shown through actions, not only
through words. Jesus showed His love by making sure Mary would be taken care
of.
A Lesson for Believers Today
The third word from the cross is very practical for our daily lives. It
teaches us to care for our families, respect our parents, and support one
another. Many people say they love others, but true love is shown through care,
responsibility, and sacrifice.
This word also teaches us that we should care for people who are
suffering, lonely, or in need. Just as Jesus cared for His mother, we are
called to care for others.
It also reminds us that the Church is a family. Believers should not live
alone or only for themselves. They should support, help, and care for one
another like a family.
Conclusion
The third word from the cross is the word of care. It shows us the loving
heart of Jesus Christ. Even while suffering on the cross, He thought about His
mother and made sure she would be taken care of. This shows His compassion,
responsibility, and love.
This word teaches us to love our families, care for others, fulfill our
responsibilities, and live as a spiritual family in Christ. The cross is not
only a place of suffering; it is also a place where we see love, care, and
relationships being formed.
The third word from the cross reminds us that true faith is not only
about believing in God but also about loving and caring for people.