Even in Agony, He Saw Her

“When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, ‘Woman, here is your son,’ and to the disciple, ‘Here is your mother.’ From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.” – John 19:26-27

I just finished reading John 19, the chapter where Jesus is crucified, and verses 25–27 completely stopped me in my tracks.

Jesus is hanging on the cross. His back torn from flogging. Gravity pulling His body downward, making it hard to breathe. The weight of the world, literally and spiritually, is crushing Him.

And yet… He looks down.

He sees His mother.

In that moment of pure agony, Jesus still had the heart to care for Mary. To think about her future. To make sure she was loved and protected after He was gone. He didn’t just assign her to anyone. He entrusted her to John, the disciple He loved. The one He knew would truly see her the way He did.

That breaks me. And it heals me.

Because even when Jesus was suffering, He still loved well. He still noticed. He still provided.

This is who Jesus is. His love is not conditional on comfort. His compassion doesn’t turn off when the pain gets unbearable. Even on the cross, His heart was tender. And if He could see Mary through His pain, He sees you through yours.

He sees me too.

And I want to love like that. Even in my mess. Even when life is heavy. I want to still see the people around me. I want to carry a heart like His.

A simple prayer:

Jesus,

Thank You for loving with a heart that never shuts down. Even in Your suffering, You still looked after the ones You loved. Teach me to love like that. Help me see others through Your eyes, even when life is hard. Make my heart gentle like Yours.

Amen.