Truth Seekers Newsletter
May 13, 2007: What Jesus and Mary Taught Us About Mothers
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Mothers ... whether we acknowledge or even know them ... or whether they have been the most significant people in our lives ... we all have mothers.
Jesus could have just popped up on the earth, full grown ... but He didn't. He came into the world in basically the same way as we did, and He had a woman who stuck with Him all throughout His Life. That woman was called His Mother.
Jesus taught us some interesting things about mothers through His Relationship with His Own Mother. Let's take a look. When we consider the following, we might wonder if Mary was really all that honored.
Mary's Initiation into Motherhood
Mary first had the dubious honor of it appearing that she was an unwed mother in trouble. She was visited by an angel, who told her puzzling things about this Son she would bear. She spent the last days of her pregnancy, riding a long distance on an animal (makes you wonder if this in itself would induce labor). She labored in less than ideal circumstances. Instead of just going home, she ended up on the run and had to live in another country for awhile.
An Uplifting Prophecy, but Also an Ominous Warning for Mary?
When Mary took her infant son to the Temple, she was greeted by two prophets, who told her wonderful things. But in Luke 2:34-35, it is recorded that among other things, Simeon told her "And a sword will pierce your own soul too."
Back Talk from an Adolescent?
When Mary's Son was close to the teen years, He stayed behind in the Temple for a couple of days instead of going home, as He was supposed to. After a frantic search by Mary and Joseph, they found Him. When Mary confronted Him about His Behavior, Jesus said, "Didn't you know that I had to be in my Father's House?" Was that back talk?
One of the limitations of the printed word is that we don't get to hear the inflection in the speaker's voice. You can read the quote from Jesus in a back talking way or you can read it, as I, personally, believe He said it ... gently. A gentle reminder to Mary of all she knew before. This was His Destiny of which she had been told.
Obedience
The Bible also records that after saying this, Jesus returned home and was obedient to Mary and Joseph. So what are we to make of this account? Our first obedience is to God. Our second obedience is to those God has put in authority over us on earth.
A Picture of Prayer from a Mother
Jesus grew up. There was a wedding at Cana. Mary, Jesus and Jesus' Disciples were there. The host ran out of wine. John 2:1-12 details the story. Mary went to Jesus and said, "They have no more wine." I believe she said this because she knew that Jesus could provide what was needed.
But again, He answers her in a puzzling way. Verse 4 tells us, Jesus said, "Dear woman, why do you involve Me? My time has not yet come." Was Jesus telling Mary to buzz off? Interestingly enough, Luke does not record that Mary even responded to Jesus. But she said to the servants, "Do whatever He tells you."
Jesus responded by performing His first public miracle. He turned water into wine ... and not just any old wine. He turned it into such good wine that everyone thought the host had brought out his finest!
Mary gave us a beautiful picture of prayer. She simply presented the need to Jesus. She then submitted to His Judgment about what was best to do. She relinquished it, both in her heart and publicly, as she told the servants to do what He said to do. She had faith that He would handle the need in just the right way. He did!
What Happened to "Honor Your Father and Mother"?
It appears that Mary traveled with Jesus. John 2:12 tells us that after the wedding at Cana, Jesus went down to Capernaum with His Mother and His Brothers and His Disciples. One would think that this total devotion would mean a lot to Jesus.
But check out Matthew 12:46-50. Jesus was talking to a crowd. His Mother and Brothers were outside, wanting to speak to Him. Someone told Jesus. Matthew 12:48 tells us what He said. "Who is My Mother and Who are My Brothers?" What? A lifetime of devotion by Mary and Jesus says, "Who is My Mother?" Did He have amnesia? Was He being sarcastic?
No! He went on to say, pointing to His Disciples, "Here are My Mother and My Brothers. Whoever does the Will of My Father in Heaven is My Brother and Sister and Mother." Was Jesus excluding Mary? No, He was including us!
Jesus essentially said, "It is not about earthly titles. Earthly titles won't get you in the door, even when the title is 'mother'. What counts is obeying My Father in Heaven. If you do that, you will be right up there with My closest family member."
The Road to Calvary
There is a saying, "Parents give their children two things. One is roots and the other is wings." From personal experience as a mother, I would have to say that I believe it is easier to give a child roots than wings. As children grow, sometimes they do or say things that we would not do or say. Our tendency is to want to hold them back or structure what they do, as we did, when they were younger. But, we realize the day of wings has arrived.
Undoubtedly Mary was proud of her Son, thanking God for all the wonderful things He was doing. But I wonder if she did not want to hold Him back just a little when she realized that the tide of public opinion was turning against Him. However, there is no evidence that Mary tried to interfere, as Jesus continued doing God's Will.
How would you feel if you had to witness someone you loved very much being dragged through the streets, mocked, beaten, bleeding and dying? Mary witnessed this happening to her Son. Mary was prone to ponder things. I wonder if she remembered Simeon's words, "A sword shall pierce your soul also."
Jesus Honored His Mother from the Cross!
The physical toll of hanging on a cross was great. Jesus did not waste His Energy on a lot of Words. Therefore, the Words He did say from the cross have been considered so significant that many people have studied them. John 19: 25-27 tells us that Mary was at the cross.
Jesus saw her and also John, His Beloved Disciple. Both loved Him with all their hearts. And He loved them. Both had been with Him and would not leave Him now, even in His dying moments. "Dear woman", He said to Mary, "Here is your son." And to John, He said, "Here is your mother."
Not only did Jesus publicly recognize His Mother, but He honored her as a "dear woman." And He provided her with a son to be with her physically and to care for her. She lived with John from that moment on.
A Mother's Continuing Devotion
Not only was Mary committed to Jesus, but she was committed to the Father Who He served. Jesus' exit from earth did not change Mary. She was there for the resurrection and Acts 1:14 tells us that on the day of Pentecost, Mary was together with the others in prayer, expectant, knowing that nothing was impossible with God.
Mary, A Spiritual Mother
What made Mary the perfect example of motherhood? Luke 1:45 tells us that Elizabeth recognized Mary's foremost criteria for being the Mother of Jesus. Elizabeth said, "Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished."
Mary believed that all things are possible with God. She submitted to the perfect Will of God, even when she did not understand it. Mary glorified the Lord and not herself. She rejoiced in God her savior!
Are You a Spiritual Mother?
Even if you have never had children emerge from your physical body, you are a mother. Jesus made it clear that motherhood was far more than a physical experience.
Many mothers who have physically delivered children are not real mothers. They had a physical relationship for awhile, but then it was over. But look at women, such as Mother Teresa ... never married ... never had children physically ... but Mother to millions! No one is exempt. You can be a spiritual mother too!
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