John 19:25
Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene.
John 19:25
This verse names Jesus’ mother, Mary, and other women who stand by the cross. In John’s Gospel, a small group of faithful women and John the beloved disciple are present. Their presence emphasizes the human family of Jesus and the sorrow of those who love him. Mary’s presence signals fidelity in grief and trust in God’s plan even amid deep pain. The verse sets the scene for Jesus’ words from the cross about care for his mother and the community that will take up responsibility for her. It also reflects Jewish family and kinship obligations, as Jesus’ mother would have a rightful place in the early Christian community. The verse situates the crucifixion within a network of relationships rather than a solitary event.
The caring model Jesus provides through his concern for his mother demonstrates the value of relational faith and communal responsibility. It also foreshadows the church as a family in which believers care for one another as siblings in Christ. The presence of Mary and the beloved disciple highlights the inauguration of a new family of faith formed around Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection.
Practically, this invites you to consider how you care for aging parents or vulnerable family members. It also invites you to welcome others into your faith community as siblings in Christ, offering practical support—meal trains for families in crisis, visits to those who are homebound, and mentoring younger believers. If you’re a caregiver, remember that your faithfulness in small, ongoing acts of service matters to God and models Christlike love to others.
Cross-References: John 13:23-25; John 1:12; Romans 12:10; Galatians 6:2; 1 Timothy 5:8