5/11/14- The Ultimate Mother- Mary

26In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary.28The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you..46And Mary said:“My soul glorifies the Lord 47and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 48for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed,.” (Luke 1)

1On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, 2and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. 3When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They have no more wine.”  “Woman,^a why do you involve me?” Jesus replied. “My hour has not yet come.” 5His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” (John 2)

25Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 26When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her,“Woman, here is your son,” 27and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home. (John 19:25-27)

Thoughts: Orthodox tradition calls Mary the mother of Jesus "Theotokos" or "Mother of God."  On this Mother's Day (5/11), perhaps it is good to take a moment and think about the good things found in Mary.  Protestants often overlook this in fearful reaction ot how in some circles Mary is worshiped as a quasi-god with statues, prayers, and bowing down to her.  But Mary is a real figure of the Bible and is to be respected though she is never worshiped in scripture (where worship is restricted to God alone).
     We can learn that Mary was blessed by God by being chosen (Lk. 1:28).  In the end, the source of all our blessing is God.  We are quick to come close to worshiping leaders, celebrities and even religious leaders, but we are all human and need God's grace and help.  Mary actually sets a wonderful example for us by her humility and humbly receiving this blessing.  All mothers need God's help and blessing, and need to humbly lift up their children to the Lord.
    Mary also helped push Jesus a bit to move him to the next level- getting Him out of the nest.  So she presents Jesus with His first opportunity for a miracle.   Good mothers are not helicopter moms who seek to smother their children in an effort to hold them close.  A major goal is to train children to be on their own with strength, grace, dignity and faith.  Strong tradition says that Joseph died early and that Jesus took care of Mary and the family.  Mary took a role as a single mom to make sure her son was taught scripture (which he quoted often), and was able to think for Himself.
    Mary was also faithful.  She visited Jesus in his ministry, and the disciples knew her well.  She was at the cross- at the very end of Jesus life and with the disciples (Acts 1:14) later.  Jesus entrusted her care to his youngest disciple who was also the only disciple at the cross- John.  Tradition has it he took care of her at Ephesus where they both died.
    The sure things we can learn from the Bible about Mary are her love for God, her love for Jesus, her humility, willingness to push her son, and faithfulness.  These are great examples to any mom, but to any human as well. 


Prayer: Lord, thank you for Mary's example. Help me to follow her example as she follows you.