Mother: Where Would We Be Without Her?

By Karen McBride
Published in the Dunndeal Gazettes May, 2023

As we celebrate our mothers this Mother’s Day, let’s take a moment to remember the most famous mothers of all time, Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ. We read of Mary throughout the Bible in Luke, Mark, Matthew, John and Acts.

The first story of Mary is the most well-known. As a young girl, an angel appeared to her and said she would become pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Her faith and trust in the Lord were truly amazing as she answered “I am the Lord’s servant. Let everything you’ve said happen to me.” Luke 1:38.

We don’t know much about Jesus’ childhood except for one event that is told in the Bible. Every year, Mary and Joseph went to Jerusalem for the Feast of Passover. In Luke 2:41-45, we learn when Jesus was 12 years old, they were returning home with a large caravan of people, thinking he was with them. After a day’s travel, they were looking for him, assuming he was walking with family members only to discover he was not.

You can imagine the panic Mary and Joseph must have felt. There were no phones to call to see if Jesus was still in Jerusalem. We know once again they had to put their faith in God to watch over him until they could return.

When they found him three days later, he was “in his father’s house” sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking questions. The teachers were amazed at his understanding.

Later we learn of Mary supporting her son’s ministry. She is at the wedding when Jesus turns water into wine, the first sign revealing his glory. We assume that Joseph has passed away, as it is Jesus, his mother Mary, and his disciples at a wedding in the village of Cana. John 2:1-11 shares the story.

When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They have no more wine.” “Woman, why do you involve me?” Jesus replied. “My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”

This shows us her belief in her son and his power, going as far as to instruct servants to have faith and do what he says.

Mary was mentioned again at Jesus’ crucifixion. In John 19:25-27 we learn that Jesus asks John to take care of his mother after he passes away:

Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, “Woman, here is your son,” and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.

Throughout all the trials and tribulations, watching her son suffer in unimaginable ways, she held steadfast in her faith. So, on this Mother’s Day, remember a special woman who trusted God and followed Him even when it was the darkest time of her life. She trusted in Him knowing there was a purpose for all the pain and a greater glory than she could ever imagine.

How different our world would be if we followed obediently when God spoke to us, and answered, “I am the Lord’s servant. Let everything you’ve said happen to me.”

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