Introduction:

A. It was a dark moment for Mary when Jesus died on the cross (Jn. 19:25-27).

B. Three powerful lessons

I. Grace is extended even to those who fail.

A. Grace extended to John in spite of his failure (Jn. 19:27).

B. Grace is undeserved (Rm. 3:23)
1. By our own strength, we are nothing (2 Cor. 8:9; Acts 5:41; Ps. 100:2).
2. By grace, we are given the honor to serve the Lord (1 Cor. 15:10; Eph. 3:7-8; Rm. 15:15-16).

C. God uses those who have experienced failure (1 Tim. 1:12-14).

II. Spiritual bonds are stronger than natural bonds.

A. Mary would need care following the death of her oldest son.

B. John was a close friend to Jesus (Prov. 18:24; Matt. 12:48-49).

C. Part of a family (Mt. 10:37; Jn. 3:3-5; 1 Jn. 4:7; Col. 3:14; Acts 5:32; 2 Pet. 1:1)

III. Respect for parents is a continual obligation.

A. Tendency to overlook the needs of aging parents

B. Honoring parents is a God-given responsibility (Eph. 6:1-3).

C. Imagine the pain Mary must have felt watching her Son and Savior die on the cross! (Lk. 2:34).

Conclusion:

A. Three powerful lessons

B. From the darkness of Calvary, love comes shining through (Jn. 3:16).

C. God’s grace is sufficient to lift us up from failure and disaster, but we must humbly accept His grace in obedient faith.