Today we especially honor our mothers on this set aside day called “Mother’s Day”. We honor our mothers for all of the wonderful things they have done for us; from making sure we were fed and clothed as children, to providing a loving understanding ear and heart when we are struggling as adults. All too often the special love that our mothers pour out upon us goes unnoticed. She does not seek praise, or accolades, nor to be placed upon a pedestal. Yet, her day-to-day sacrificial outpouring of love deserves her much honor and praise.
In considering the type of honor that we are to bestow on our mothers, I was drawn to review the honor that Jesus gave his earthly mother. When Jesus was but twelve years old, he accompanied his earthly parents as they went to Jerusalem for the annual feast of the Passover (cp. Luke 2:41-52). After the feast of the Passover, his parents left Jerusalem toward home and realized that Jesus was not with them. They returned to Jerusalem, and after a three day search they found Jesus sitting in the temple in the midst of the doctors (e.g., Jewish theologians) discussing the law. Notice Mary’s response when Mary and Joseph found Jesus.
Luke 2:48,
“And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.”
Although Jesus responded with a truthful statement, in that he was doing his heavenly Father’s business, we find that with honor he was obedient unto his mother (and father).
Luke 2:51,
“And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.”
In John 2:1-11 we read of the account of the marriage in Cana of Galilee. The wedding host ran out of wine for the celebration. Jesus’ mother requested that he provide wine for the guests. She had no idea as to how Jesus was going to provide the wine, but she had confidence that he could. Thus she stated as recorded in John 2:5, “His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.” And Jesus honored her request, which resulted in the recording of Jesus turning water into wine.
John 2:11 states,
“This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.”
In John 19:1-30 we read of the account of Jesus’ trial before Pilate. The passage reveals that Jesus was beaten, slapped, mocked, and a crown of thorns was platted upon his head. The chief priests and the other Jewish officers and the people cried out, “crucify him, crucify him” – and Pilate instructed his soldiers to nail Jesus upon a cross (though Pilate could find no fault in Jesus). While Jesus was hanging upon the cross, he observed his mother, and demonstrated his love and concern for her by asking John (his beloved disciple) to care for her.
John 19:25-26,
“Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son!”
Throughout the course of Jesus’ life, he demonstrated that he truly loved his earthly mother. However, on the cross Jesus demonstrated a love that could only come from a beloved and benevolent Heavenly Son – in that He willingly died on the cross to pay Mary’s sin debt. Though she did not fully understand it at the time the seed of God was placed in her womb by the Holy Spirit, she would one day see Jesus crucified on the cross and subsequently see Him as her risen Savior.
Luke 1:30-33 records,
“And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.”
Acts 1 then records that Mary observed Jesus ascend into Heaven; for Acts 1:14 states,
“These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.”
Today, let us truly honor our mothers with a Christ-like love.
Happy Mother’s Day!!
