The Most Difficult Time for Jesus?

Last night, during our mid-week service, I gave a devotion based on the final words Jesus spoke to His mother and to John, the disciple He loved. The powerful words are recorded in John 19:26-27.

After the service, I discussed the passage with Jimmy Holcomb our Area Director of Missions. He made a great observation. He said he believes this was the most difficult time for Jesus during the crucifixion. As Christ saw his mother grieving and broken, Jesus was probably tempted to come down from the cross. How he must have longed to comfort his mother. However, if he had not stayed on the cross, he would not have died for her sins.

I love Mark Lowry's song "Mary Did You Know?" The song includes the words "Mary did you know? The Child you delivered would some day deliver you?"

The scene is a picture of faithfulness:
1) A Mother being faithful to her son.
2) Friends being faithful to a friend.
3) A Disciple being faithful to his Lord.
4) Jesus being faithful to His Father.

Also, in John 19:26-27, you see the following:

1)Jesus acknowledged his mother.
2) Jesus arranged care for his mother.
3) Jesus affirmed trust in John.
4) John accepted and accomplished this charge.

In the midst of dying for the sins of the world, Jesus cared for his mother and affirmed the "disciple he loved." None of us would have blamed him for not focusing on others during this horrific ordeal, but that's not like Jesus. That's why we call Him "Savior."