Church Life Updates - May 2013

There are many wonderful and new things happening this month, but we thought it would be more that appropriate and appreciated to begin by sharing how-much our mothers mean to us! So let’s do so through the lens of God’s Word.

In John chapter 19 verses 26-27 we read, “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 to his own home.” What strikes me most about this passage is the importance Jesus places on the care and comfort of His mother, as He is enduring great pain, suffering and torment. Here Jesus is, hanging on a cross. Exhausted, beaten and battered. He could rightfully and understandably “check-out”, but passing in and out of consciousness He utters powerful words of comfort, concern and control. He commands that His mother be taken in and cared for; adopted so to speak. Though Jesus had four half brothers and several sisters he plead with John, a dearly loved disciple, to make sure that she would be honored. Jesus had built, and is still building, His family the church. His mother was part of this new family by Christ’s command and initiative. In the same way God initiates Himself today through the church, asking us to take in those whom He loves, including our own mothers.

Jesus honored His mother, setting an example for us. Jesus didn’t always agree with His mom, and He even said a thing or two that have caused some to speculate whether He rejected His mother at a time during His ministry. But we see here that this wasn’t true in the least. She may have been out of sync with Him here and there, but over-all the Son cared deeply for His mother and made it real obvious. I can imagine that when Jesus spoke these words, His mother at the time felt helpless, powerless and even confused. She couldn’t save Him, offer Him adequate comfort in His misery, or rescue her little boy (as mothers often feel about their grown children). Yet Jesus offers to her what she could never give to Him.

We are left this narrative of Jesus’ interaction with His mother for a reason; for many reasons at that. One of which is for us to imitate Christ. To offer to our mothers perhaps what they could never give to us, for one reason or another. Maybe your mom still sees herself as your guardian, though the role has somewhat been reversed. Maybe you have always “parented” your mother. Perhaps your mother still parents you and it is greatly appreciated! Maybe your mother has passed away and Mother’s Day brings up painful, or pleasant memories. Whatever your situation is with your mother, honor her as Jesus honored His.

“Who can find a virtuous woman? She is far more precious than jewels... Strength and honor are her clothing, and she can laugh at the time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and loving instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the activities of her household and is never idle. Her sons rise up and call her blessed. He husband also praises her: Many women are capable, but you surpass them all! Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord will be praised.” ~Proverbs 31:10, 25-30