Jesus gives instructions to John to look after His mother as his own. It is interesting that Jesus would entrust the protection and provision of His mother to His disciple, even though John is His cousin, since Jesus had brothers (Matt 12:46, 13:55). However, His brothers did not believe in Him (John 7:5) but His mother did. They apparently didn’t even attend the crucifixion. However, after His death, the resurrection and ascension seem to have worked a change in them (Acts 1:14). John is the only one, even of the disciples of Jesus, to take his stand with the women at the cross.

Matthew 12:46  While Jesus was still talking to the crowd, his mother and brothers stood outside, wanting to speak to him.

Matthew 13:55  “Isn’t this the carpenter’s son? Isn’t his mother’s name Mary, and aren’t his brothers James, Joseph, Simon and Judas?

John 7:5  For even his own brothers did not believe in him.

Acts 1:14  They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.

What an incredible thing Jesus has asked of John: to stand in His place! Does Jesus ever ask us to stand in for Him? Is our response the same as that of John? (“From that hour the disciple took her into his own household.”)