Heart Meditations on Arthur Pinck's Seven Sayings of the Savior on the Cross. The Word of Affection. John chapter 19, verses 26 and 27. Dear woman, here is your son, and to the disciple, here is your mother.

Amid the unthinkable anguish of Calvary, the Lord Jesus paused, not to relieve his own suffering, but to care for another. With thorns piercing his brow and laboring to breathe, he fixed his eyes upon his mother. To Mary he said, Dear woman, here is your son. To John, here is your mother.

In the very act of redemption, he demonstrated tender affection and care for one in need. This scene is rich in divine beauty. At the height of his suffering, Christ was not absorbed in himself. Though he was bearing the full wrath of God for the sins of his people, he was not forgetful of the needs of his earthly mother.

The law he came to fulfill commanded, honor your father and your mother. And even from the cross, the sinless Savior rendered full obedience. Though Mary had no claim upon him as Savior above any other, yet as her son, he provided for her with holy compassion.

What love is this? He who sustains the universe ensures the earthly care of one widow. He who was forsaken by the Father does not forsake his mother. He who was giving his life for his people did not overlook the needs of one aged saint.

Here is the heart of Christ, tender, attentive, selfless. Let every believer draw comfort from this. If the Lord showed such affection in His darkest hour, will He not now, glorified and enthroned, care for His own redeemed people?

Christ is not indifferent to your sorrow, your loneliness, or your need. He who appointed John to care for Mary appoints all your circumstances with wisdom and love.

Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name, you are mine. When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up. The flames will not consume you. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. Isaiah chapter 43 verses 1 through 3