“When Jesus then saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing nearby, He said to His mother, “Woman, behold, your son!” Then He said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” From that hour the disciple took her into his own household.” (John 19:26–27)

Before He released His spirit in death, Jesus had one last bit of business: take care of His mother. The traditional role of the eldest son in the Jewish culture was to provide for his mother when the father was no longer capable. We are not told what happened to Joseph but it is evident that he is out of the picture. Jesus had brothers (Mark 3:32) that were able to care for Mary however, they were not believers yet (John 7:5), thus leaving Jesus as the sole provider. So, when He saw His mother at the foot of the cross and John, the disciple whom He loved, it became obvious what needed to be done. John was to adopt Mary as his mother and care for her in Jesus’ absence. Jesus transferred His role as provider to John. 

From that time forward John cared for Mary by taking her into his home. Tradition says that John cared for Mary until her death, and then he moved to Asia Minor (Ephesus), where he continued to have a long and successful ministry. It was from here that John wrote his gospel. 

Imagine, the weight of the world is on Jesus’ shoulders and still, He cares for the smallest detail by fulfilling His family responsibility of providing for His mother.

Jesus fulfilled all things concerning the law and the intent of the law. He honored and provided for His mother in His death, not just earthly provision but eternal too. Going forward, John would care for her earthly needs, and Jesus had died for her sin giving her eternal life. Though the death of Jesus would “pierce her soul” (Luke 2:35) and cause pain, His resurrection would provide hope and give her life. The last time we see Mary is in the upper room (Acts 1:14), waiting for the gifting of the Holy Spirit, which she, along with all those in the room and later the whole church, received.