Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, “Woman, here is your son,” and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home. John 19:25-27

To the very end, Jesus was concerned about people, namely, his earthly family. At this part of the crucifixion he has got to be in utter agony, dehydrated, and nearing delirium. And to the very end they were waiting, observing, mourning what was now happening to Jesus Christ. Based on this text alone, we can assume that Joseph was out of the picture entirely, so it was up to John and his family to care for Mary in her old age.

What do you think about when the world is crashing down around you? Are you concerned for others’ well-being or are you self consumed? I think we all know the answer to that even though we see the standard to shoot for. A heart and mind that is trained to put others first is indeed the gold standard for caring and selflessness. Often, though, it’s a matter of being selfless in the little things first, then when calamity comes, it’s a reflex reaction to think of others.

Again, I’m not saying it’s easy, but it is possible.

Philippians 2:3-4 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.