Mary looks on as her first born son is crucified.  The price that Mary paid for her obedience was high, but the eternal joy that she now experiences far surpasses any sacrifice that she made.  What a picture of faith – in the midst of suffering!  Chosen by God to give birth as a virgin, as the rumors swirled about, a Son that the world did not understand nor embrace, the loss of a husband who was a faithful man (or else who would have left her when she was pregnant as a virgin), and ultimately the horrifying death of her first born.  No prosperity gospel here.  ““Woman, behold, your son!” Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home.” (John 19:26–27 ESV)