Mary must have been a very popular name to be given to two daughters of the same family. It is not probable that these sisters were both named Mary. John never mentions the name of Jesus’ mother, and it is evident that he did not suppose her name was Mary. Were John the only Gospel, Christians would be ignorant of the Virgin’s name. Mariolatry did not originate in the Johannine church.
384
To whom was entrusted the care of Jesus’ mother?
John: “When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by whom he loved [John], he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own house” ([xix, 26, 27]).
“The teacher who had been to him as a brother leaves to him a brother’s duty. He is to be as a son to the mother who is left desolate.”—Bible Dictionary.
Very touchingly expressed. But why was this duty imposed upon John when the Apostle James (the Less) was a brother of Jesus and a son of Mary? Was he a worthless ingrate, unable and unwilling to care for her? And what of Joses, and Juda, and Simon, and her daughters who remained at home? Had they turned their mother out of doors?
385
In whose sepulcher was the body of Jesus placed?