Mothers Day 2024 "STAND THE GAP"

Mother’s Day 2224

In 1872, the author of the Battle Hymn of the Republic, Julia Howe suggested the idea of a special day set aside to honor Mothers and celebrate peace, but the idea never took root. Never that is, until the early 20th century.

A couple years after her mother’s death, Anna Jarvis held a ceremony to honor her late mother. The experience so moved her, that she began a campaign to establish a formal holiday to recognize mothers.

West Virginia adopted the idea in 1910, other states followed their lead the next year and in 1914, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the second Sunday of May “Mother’s Day,” a national holiday to honor mothers.

Something Jarvis could be proud of? Not exactly. A few years later, she was arrested for disturbing the peace at a Mother’s Day rally. Jarvis deplored the commercialization of the holiday and the way people used it to make profits. In 1923, she filed a lawsuit to stop a festival where the organizers were selling white carnations as a fundraiser on Mother’s Day.

She didn’t lead a campaign to begin this holiday so card companies and florists could make money, she wanted it to be a day that stirred sentiment in the children of the world. She was more successful in starting the day than stopping it. Regardless of some people’s motives, the idea of honoring mothers was contagious.

Today, we thank the Lord for our Mothers and the care they give us. It is the right thing to do.

READ “Things moms teach us”.

* Mothers teach us about foresight: "Make sure you wear clean underwear in case you’re in an accident."

* Mothers teach us about logic: "If you fall out of that tree and break your neck, don’t come crying to me."

* Mothers teach us about maturity: "Eat your vegetables or you’ll never grow up."

* Mothers teach us about religion: "You better pray that comes out of the carpet."

* Mothers teach us about time travel: "If you don’t straighten up, I’m going to knock you into the middle of next week!"

* Mothers teach us about contradictions: "Shut your mouth and eat your dinner!"

* Mothers teach us about contortionism: "Will you look at the dirt on the back of your neck?"

* Mothers teach us about perseverance: "You are going to sit here until you eat every last piece of that broccoli."

* Mothers teach us about genetics: "You’re just like your father."

* Mothers teach us about the weather: "It looks like a tornado swept through your room."

* Mothers teach us about the circle of life: "I brought you into this world, and I can take you out."

Because I said so, that’s why!" - A classic response to the eternal question of "Why?"

Others

"If everyone jumped off a cliff, would you do it too?" -

"Wait until your father gets home." -

"I'm not asking, I'm telling."

"This is why we can't have nice things." -

"You'll understand when you're older." -

"I don’t care who started it, I’m finishing it!"

"Eat your vegetables, they’re good for you."

"You have until the count of three." -

"Don’t make me come in there!"

Standing the Gap

Matthew 20:20–28 ESV

20 Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came up to him with her sons, and kneeling before him she asked him for something. 21 And he said to her, “What do you want?” She said to him, “Say that these two sons of mine are to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your kingdom.” 22 Jesus answered, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am to drink?” They said to him, “We are able.” 23 He said to them, “You will drink my cup, but to sit at my right hand and at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.” 24 And when the ten heard it, they were indignant at the two brothers. 25 But Jesus called them to him and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 26 It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, 28 even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

On Mother's Day, we celebrate and honor the unique role of mothers in our lives. Drawing from Matthew 20:20-28, this sermon explores how the principles of servant leadership taught by Jesus can be seen and applied in the life of a mother. Mothers often exemplify the very essence of service, sacrifice, leadership, and love that Jesus speaks of, making them not just caretakers but profound leaders in the fabric of our families and communities.

Point 1: A Mother's Request – Advocating for Her Children (Matthew 20:20-21)

“Standing the Gap”

We all have heard this phrase. Did yo know that the phrase “standing the gap” is biblical? It comes from the book of Ezekiel 22:30. It is used to describe someone who intercedes or acts as a mediator on behalf of a nation to prevent destruction or judgment. The "gap" metaphorically refers to a breach in a city wall that would leave it vulnerable to attack. The person who stands in this breach would be acting as a protector, filling the void and providing defense.

Mothers “ Stand the Gap”

The mother of James and John comes to Jesus with a specific request: positions of honor for her sons in Jesus' kingdom. This act is not just a plea for status but reflects a deeper desire for her sons' security and recognition. Similarly, mothers today are often the foremost advocates for their children, pushing for their advancement, happiness, and safety. They lobby in parent-teacher meetings, advocate for their children's rights and opportunities, and are often the first to champion their children’s talents and abilities to the world.

Theological Insight:

The request by the mother of James and John, though seemingly misguided in its understanding of Jesus' mission, underscores a critical aspect of motherhood—the desire to secure the best for one’s children.

This reflects a God-given instinct to protect and promote one’s offspring, a theme common throughout the scriptures. Like Hannah praying earnestly for Samuel's birth and future (1 Samuel 1), mothers often approach God with fervent prayers for their children’s lives and futures.

Application:

Recognition: Encourage the congregation to reflect on how their mothers have stood in the gap for them, often being their most passionate promoters and defenders. This Mother's Day, consider acknowledging and thanking mothers for these often unseen advocacy efforts.

Encouragement for Mothers: Mothers should feel encouraged that their efforts are not only seen but deeply valued. They play a vital role in shaping the destiny of their children through their advocacy and prayers.

Inspiration for Others: Use this example to inspire others to advocate for those in their care—whether they are parents, guardians, or leaders. Advocacy is not limited to mothers but is a call for anyone who has charge over others, be it in families, workplaces, or communities.

Point 2: A Mother's Sacrifice – Sharing in Suffering (Matthew 20:22-23)

Illustration:

In Matthew 20:22-23, Jesus questions James and John about their willingness to share in His suffering, specifically referring to drinking from His cup and being baptized with His baptism—metaphors for enduring hardship and persecution. This dialogue underscores the immense cost associated with following Christ, a cost that mirrors the sacrifices mothers frequently make. Mothers often endure both visible and invisible hardships—from sleepless nights during infancy to emotional struggles as they support their children through life’s challenges.

Theological Insight:

Jesus’ mention of His cup and baptism prefigures His sacrificial death on the cross and serves as a profound reminder of the depth of His commitment to humanity’s salvation. For mothers, their sacrifices often reflect a similar pattern of deep, personal investment. They willingly decrease so their children can increase, embodying the scriptural call to lay down one's life for one's friends (John 15:13).

Application:

Understanding and Appreciation: Encourage the congregation to reflect deeply on the personal sacrifices their mothers have made on their behalf, often at great personal cost. This reflection can foster a greater appreciation and lead to more expressive gratitude.

Support for Mothers: Highlight the importance of supporting mothers in their sacrificial roles. This can be through offering help, acknowledging their efforts regularly, or simply providing a listening ear to their challenges and concerns.

Spiritual Encouragement: Encourage mothers to draw strength and inspiration from the example of Christ. Just as He endured suffering for a greater purpose, mothers are often called to endure in their roles for the profound and lasting impact they have on their children's lives.

Point 3: A Mother's Leadership – Serving with Humility (Matthew 20:25-27)

In these verses, Jesus contrasts the typical leadership styles of the time, marked by dominion and power, with the concept of servant leadership. This revolutionary idea presents leadership as an act of service, not of dominance. This mirrors the leadership style often seen in mothers, who lead their families not through authority or force, but through service, nurturing, and selfless action.

Theological Insight:

Jesus' teaching about servant leadership is central to His message and His life. He not only taught this principle but lived it out, culminating in His death on the cross. For mothers, their daily acts of service—from the mundane tasks of cooking and cleaning to the emotional labor of comforting and guiding their children—are practical demonstrations of this biblical principle.

Application:

Recognition of Service: Encourage the congregation to acknowledge and honor the servant leadership displayed by mothers. This recognition should extend beyond Mother's Day, becoming a regular acknowledgment of their pivotal role in families and communities.

Emulation of Servant Leadership: Challenge each person to emulate this kind of leadership in their own spheres, whether at work, in school, or within the community. This involves leading by example, putting the needs of others first, and performing acts of service without seeking recognition or reward.

Supporting Mothers in Leadership: Discuss ways the community can better support mothers in their roles, perhaps through flexible work policies, community support groups, or resources for single mothers.

Challenge:

Challenge the congregation to undertake specific acts of service in honor of their mothers. This could be helping with daily tasks, volunteering together, or engaging in community service as a family to further embody the spirit of servant leadership.

Point 4: A Mother's Love – A Ransom for Many (Matthew 20:28)

Jesus concludes His teaching by defining His mission: to give His life as a ransom for many. This ultimate act of service and sacrifice is a powerful example of self-giving love. Similarly, mothers frequently put the needs of their families before their own, often sacrificing personal time, career advancements, and sometimes their own well-being for the benefit of their children and family.

Theological Insight:

The concept of ransom in a biblical context typically involves a price paid to free someone from bondage. Jesus’ use of this metaphor speaks to the liberation His death provides, offering spiritual freedom and life. In a similar, though lesser manner, a mother's sacrifices can provide her children with opportunities for a better, more fruitful life.

Application:

Gratitude for Sacrificial Love: Encourage the congregation to express gratitude for the sacrifices made by their mothers. This could be through words, letters, or acts of kindness that acknowledge and reciprocate their love and dedication.

Spiritual Reflection: Reflect on the sacrificial love of Christ as a model for all, calling individuals to consider what they might 'ransom' in their own lives to benefit others. This might involve sacrificing time, resources, or comfort to help and uplift others.

Renewed Commitment to Family: Call on family members to renew their commitment to support and cherish their mothers, recognizing the deep love embedded in their everyday sacrifices.

Challenge:

Propose a community initiative to support mothers, such as setting up funds for mothers in need, creating programs for emotional and psychological support, or organizing days when community members can volunteer to take on tasks typically handled by mothers.

Conclusion:

This Mother's Day, let us recognize and honor the servant leadership of our mothers, which reflects the teachings of Jesus in Matthew 20:20-28. Mothers, through their advocacy, sacrifice, humility, and unconditional love, demonstrate the power of servant leadership. Let us follow their example, serving and loving one another in the same selfless manner.