There are times when art moves the whole person not to the edge of his seat, but rather to the edge of his soul. Bella grows from beginning to end, even swelling to fill the viewer. But the emotion and thought is not beauty alone, it is pain. Bella uses pain to remind the viewer that he is really alive and has a soul and in the process shows the beauty of the possibility of life. Pain is real, and beauty is waiting.
(MP Rating: 5/5)
Today I move on to Chapter 3 of A. W. Pink’s book, The Sayings of the Savior on the Cross. You can view all the posts in this series by clicking HERE.
— SUMMARY —
Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother. … When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved he saith unto his mother, “Woman, behold they son!” Then saith he to the disciple, “Behold thy mother!” (John 19:25-27)
Pink does a wonderful job in this chapter of helping us to understand this brief exchange within the larger narrative as well as within the scope of the whole of scripture.
He begins the chapter by first noting that Mary was a woman “not unacquainted with grief.” Even from the beginning of the announcement by the angel that she would bear the Son of God scripture notes that “she was troubled at his saying.” And here, in this scene, we have this crucified man’s mother standing beneath the cross.
Pink makes seven observations about Jesus’ pronouncement.
Here we see …
1) … the fulfillment of Simeon’s prophecy: Simeon had prophesied to Mary that “a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also”. Pink puts the fulfillment perfectly. “Never such bliss at a human birth, never such sorrow at an inhuman death.”
2) … the perfect man setting an example for children to honor their parents: Pink observes that to the very end Jesus “fully discharged the obligations of every relationship that He sustained, either to God or to man.” Pink explains at length that the fifth commandment applies to children of all ages, even adults. Jesus demonstrates this reality in this saying from the cross.
3) … that John had returned to the Saviour’s side: Not long before Jesus had asked his disciples to keep watch with Him for only a brief time. They failed Him then and subsequently scattered. But here we see that John returns to Jesus’ side. It is only right that it is the disciple whom Jesus loved who would first return to Him.
4) … an illustration of Christ’s prudence: It is only right that Jesus would choose the first disciple to return to Him as well as the one who had shared the greatest affection with Him to become the caregiver of the one who had borne Him and loved Him all the years of His life.
5) … that spiritual relationships must not ignore the responsibilities of nature: In the midst of the eternally significant work of atonement Jesus sees to the obligation He had as a natural son. Pink also discusses here the responsibilities of those in various ministries to also care for their “obligations of nature”.
6) … a universal need exemplified: Pink rightly notes Mary’s position at the foot of the cross. Mary, while blessed among women stands with the rest of creation having to decide her position beneath the cross.
7) … the marvelous blending of Christ’s perfections: In the midst of the divine work of atonement Jesus displays the most perfect of human affections. Pink observes that the great wonders of Jesus were performed “on the highway, in the cottage, or among a little group of sufferers.”
— REFLECTION —
The setting for this saying is Mary standing by the cross. Notice that Mary is the center of attention, not John. It makes me ask, would John have even returned as early as the crucifixion if he did not first see Mary’s intention of going there. It seems that John is attending to Mary. John is there less on behalf of Jesus and more on behalf of Mary. What lesson might John have learned from the love and faithfulness of Mary on this day?
Pink rightly points out the wisdom of the Savior to knit John and Mary together in this way. They would forever share together this experience of standing at the foot of the cross on the day the Savior died. And on the day of the resurrection the gospel narrative points out that upon seeing the empty tomb John believes and quickly returns home. Pink notes that this is certainly to share the good news with Mary. Now they would share not only the anguish of the crucifixion, but the joy of the resurrection.
I have never seen Jesus. I don’t know what He looks like. I don’t know what His voice sounds like. I don’t know what it is like to look at Jesus and love Him. John loved Jesus. John saw Jesus in His ministry, in His resurrection, and in His throne room. And John loved Jesus. John teaches me to love Jesus: to have a genuine affection for the crucified, resurrected, reigning Lord. I will one day see His face. John prepares me for that day such that I have already begun to see that He is wonderful in both His person and His work.
Pink notes that the disciples were not accustomed to forsaking the Lord and they never would after the resurrection. Much attention has been given to Peter’s denial and restoration. Peter gives me courage for ministry. But I, as one who is accustomed to forsaking the Lord, find encouragement from John. John loved the Lord so much that even when he forsook Jesus he returned to Jesus and found Him offering affection and atonement.
— INVITING YOUR THOUGHTS —
I hope that as you read that you will also respond below and interact with me as well as visit challies.com and interact there. As we interact let us keep in the spirit of A. W. Pink in his worshipful study and encouraging meditations.