The mother of Jesus at the cross.
Here is the record of the filial legacy.
I. THE SYMPATHIZING GROUP OF WOMEN. "Now there were standing beside the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene."
1. The was a company of Galilaean women standing at a distance from the cross, "beholding afar off" (Matthew 27:55). They were more courageous than Christ's apostles, who had all, but John, fled through fear of arrest.
2. There was an inner circle of three women more courageous than the rest, who stood under the very shadow of the cross.
II. THE LAST BEQUEST OF JESUS. "When Jesus therefore saw his mother and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he said to his mother, Woman, behold thy son!"
1. Mary was now experiencing the bitter truth of Simeon's prophecy, "A sword shall pierce through thine own heart." It was a terrible ordeal for a mother to watch the protracted sufferings of her beloved Son.
2. Jesus is not so absorbed by his agonies as to forget his mother.
3. He calls her "woman," not "mother," as if the old relation was now to end, and a new one to be formed for her future comfort. Death was to close all the earthly relationships of the Redeemer.
4. While he gives a son to his mother, he gives a mother to his beloved disciple. "Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother!"