Takeaways

“Throw your weight” refers to how we wield our influence.  But in this message, “throwing weight” means where Jesus put His concerns and attention and how that is an example to us.

In this passage, Jesus says three things that show us His character and where He throws His weight.

Behold your son, behold your mother (vv 26-27)  

Jesus addresses John and Mary, ensuring that Mary will be cared for, even though friends already surround her.  Watching Jesus die had to be excruciating for Mary, and Jesus felt the weight of that. Jesus is tender to her.  In this, we see that Jesus is not consumed with Himself even though He is in tremendous pain.

He threw His weight into caring for others.

I am thirsty.  (v. 28)

John balances Jesus’ supernatural ability to be compassionate while in pain with a reminder that Jesus is, indeed, human.  By coming to earth as a man, Jesus has set aside some of the power available to Him for His comfort, instead following God’s plan and experiencing human weakness and discomfort.

He threw His weight into becoming human and experiencing the human condition.

It is finished.  (v. 30)

The Greek translation for this phrase is actually “paid in full.”  Jesus has faithfully abided in His Father, executing the directives He has received from Him. This has resulted in a tremendous gift for us – salvation and the invitation to abide with God ourselves!

He took on the weight of sin for all, throwing it to the Father as He fulfilled God’s plan for salvation.

Evidence of where Jesus threw His weight throughout His life reveals how closely He abided with His Father.  We can abide with Him in the same way, throwing everything that weighs us down – our pain, our human challenges, our sin – onto Him.

What better way to throw our weight?!

Reflection Prompters

1.  In which category of people do you find yourself when it comes to responding to Jesus?  

-devoted follower

-angry resister

-nonchalant observer

-something else?

2. How does Jesus’ relationship with John and Mary reveal to You how He cares about His friends and family?

3.  The fact that Jesus was thirsty reveals His humanity.  How does that encourage you?

4. It is finished and paid in full—what a concept! Spend some time appreciating what this means!

5. Select a past message in John to re-listen to or review notes you may have.  How has the journey through John increased your understanding and experience of abiding?  You may find it helpful to review the stories of major characters such as John the Baptist, Mary, the woman at the well, Nicodemus, or others whose stories you are drawn to.