Mothers: A Reflection of God's Love

John 19:26–27 “So when Jesus saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing nearby, He said to His mother, “Woman, behold, your son!” Then He said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” And from that hour the disciple took her into his own household.”

Introduction

It is difficult when reflecting on Mothers in scripture to not consider Mary, the earthly mother of Jesus BarJoseph, revealed to be the Christ, Son of God; Emmanuel- “God with us”. So I will not resist this urge; we will briefly reflect on her life, culminating in this- what seemed to be her final moment with her son.

This text is actually a favorite of my father in the Faith & former Pastor; but I’m not going to preach his message. In essence, I will begin where he often ended.

Our text is one of the seven last cries from the cross. So important was the influence & love of His mother, that one of His final words during His passion was directed towards her, and His youngest disciple, John. Beyond the obvious fact that Jesus loved His mother, why does He take this moment to speak to her, and what is Jesus really saying here? It is my intention to eloborate on this and, by God’s grace & the power of the Holy Spirit, to also speak into the lives of those of you who are mothers (or will become mothers soon), as well as give everyone here the means by which you can encourage the mothers in your lives on their special day.

Let’s take a brief look into the life of Mary- specically, the events that I believe shaped her character.

She was the mother of 5 boys: Jesus, James, Joseph, Simon & Judas.

She was raised in a devout household. Her relatives included Zechariah, a priest & her mother was a descendant of Aaron (a preistly lineage); and there’s Elizabeth (mother of John the Baptist). Her husband Joseph was a descendant of King David.

She had a personal relationship with God, independent of her family. From the moment the angel announced that she would give birth to Christ (Luke 1:30-31) she she received God’s promise in faith personally (Luke 1:38)

Volumes have been written with regards to Mary, but I mentioned there select few facts to make this point: Mary found joy and purpose in her role as a Mother; it was a job that no one else could do- and not just for Jesus, but for her other boys as well. If you look as later verses that refer to Mary, you will see the phrase, “the Lord’s mother, and his brothers”. There is no mention of Joseph. Historical tradition indicates that Joseph dies relatively early on in the life of Christ. But she stood firm, anchored in her relationship with God, and continued in her important role.

We even see her influence in promoting Christ ministry at the wedding of Cana in Galilee (Jn 2:1-12). You know the story; the second worst thing that can happen at an event your hosting happens: they ran out of somethnig to drink (the worst would be running out of food to eat)! In Jn 2:3, all Mary says to Jesus is, “They have no wine.” In John 2:4 Jesus said to her, “What business do you have with Me, woman? My hour has not yet come.””. A fully grown Jesus basically says, “c’mon mom- it’s a party. I’m not here for that!” But Mom knew what she was doing. She does NOT respond to Jesus; she tells the servants in verse 5, “Whatever He tells you to do, do it.”

Praise God for all the mothers who beleive in their children and push them to believe in themselves. She was not taking no for an answer. Although she addressed the servants, the message to Jesus was clear: “Whatever God tells you to do, do it!” Every dance rehearsal game practice, music rehearsal & recital mom sacrifices to get you involved in- instead of getting some much needed rest- is her way of saying, “I want what’s best for you- I want you to use your full potential.”

I also believe that God has given mothers the grace to listen, and to explain.

Proverbs 1:8–9 “Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction, And do not ignore your mother’s teaching; For they are a graceful wreath for your head And necklaces for your neck.”

“Instruction” is telling someone what to do; “teaching” is to show someone HOW to do it. Of course men can and do teach, and women can and do instruct, but I truly believe that God has given mothers extra grace when it comes to their explanitory power with children.

As a mother, Mary, provided for Jesus- not it was His turn to provide for her. Jesus “gives” Mary a new son- someone who would need her gifts to guide them, in the same way that God used her in His eartly developement. But this also made John responsible to provide for her needs as well. Mary had adult sons, who presumably had dwelling places & were starting families of their own. Now, Mary would live with John who would care for her.

As a mother, Mary gave of her life for Jesus; now Jesus was giving His life for her. From literally carrying Him in her womb to being with Him while on the cross, Mary never stopped giving of herself as a mother. She exemplified Isaiah 49:15 ““Can a woman forget her nursing child And have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, but I will not forget you.” I believe that Jesus was acutely aware of this, and wanted to repay her, in a maner of speaking. While John would provide for Mary’s material needs & insure that she would not be alone, the sacrifice of Jesus would provide for the spiritual needs of Mary and the entire world.

Mary’s unwavering love, dedication, faith & sacrifice reflect the heart of God towards His people who were once lost, and to those who are still lost without Him. May we pray like Mary Luke 1:38 “And Mary said, “Behold, the Lord’s bond-servant; may it be done to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.”

Conclusion

Mother’s pray for their children- and sometimes forget to pray for themselves. So as I conclude, allow me to lead us in a prayer, specifically for them:

“Father, we thank you for our mothers. Those who raised their biological children, and those who became surrogates whose love is indistinguishable from a natural mother. Today, we honor them- and not just with the gifts, but with our praise. We lay aside our requests and make their needs a priority, just as you did. We ask that you restore their bodies; give them rest. Restore their minds, give them peace in You and fro you, a lasting peace that surpasses our understanding. Help us to make a deposit today in every mother that will sustain them for a long tme to come. Bless them, as only you can. In Jesus’ Name we pray, amen.”