Charles Ellicott Commentary John 19:26

"When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son!" — John 19:26 (ASV)

The disciple standing by, whom he loved.—Compare to the note on John 13:23.

Woman, behold thy son!—Compare to the note on John 2:4. There were those who were called the brethren of the Lord who may seem to us to have been of nearer relationship (compare to the note on Matthew 13:55), but He regards whoever does the will of His Father who is in heaven, as brother and sister and mother. (Compare to the notes on Matthew 12:46 and following.) He now sees standing by the cross her who by His death will be left without son as well as without husband, for the silence of the history can only be accounted for on the supposition that Joseph was already dead; and in the tenderness of His love He commits her to the care of him whom He Himself had loved beyond others, because beyond others he could receive His love.