Seven Last Words of Christ: Here is your son . . . Here is your mother.

SERMON TITLE:                 The Seven Last Words of Christ:  #3—“Here is your son . . . Here is your mother.”
SERMON TEXT:                  John 19:23-27
PREACHER:                         Rev. Kim James
OCCASION:                         March 12, 2017, at First UMC
 
 
INTRODUCTION
 
                With three funerals yesterday for Ramona Whipple, Terry Kriekard, and Vern & Colleen Blair’s granddaughter Brooke, our congregation has definitely been feeling the pangs of grief.  Many of us attended one or more of those services, helped serve a bereavement meal, or sent a sympathy card.  Whether we knew those deceased persons or not, many of us are acquainted with a family member or friend.  In one way or another, we have definitely felt the sting of loss and sadness for and with our brothers and sisters in Christ.
                This experience of sharing grief in the congregation makes me think of a Bill Gaither song:
You will notice we say “brother” and “sister” round here.
It’s because we’re a family, and these folks are so dear.
When one has a heart ache, we all shed a tear.
And rejoice in each victory, in this family so dear.
 
I’m so glad I’m a part of the family of God,
I’ve been washed in the fountain, cleansed by his blood.
Joint heirs with Jesus, as we travel this sod,
I’m so glad I’m a part of the family of God.  (c. 1970)
 
                Two thousand years ago, Jesus didn’t know Bill Gaither’s song.  But I have a hunch Jesus was thinking something similar when he was dying on the cross.  In this Lenten sermon series on “The Seven Last Words of Christ,” we’ve already contemplated “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they’re doing,” and “Today you’ll be with me in paradise.”  Today, we’re going to consider what it means for us that Jesus said to his mother, “Here is your son,” and to his beloved disciple and friend, “Here is your mother.”    

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