The Love of a Mother
What is a mother? This may sound like a silly question. But if you think about it what comes to mind? Maybe you think of hugs and kisses, or someone who has been by your side your whole life. Maybe your mom is even your best friend. And for some, maybe the relationship was not what you would like it to have been, but regardless we all have a mom.
In Scripture there are many stories about mothers and how they have influenced their children for good or for evil. In the gospel of Mark there is a neat story about Jesus, children, and mothers. Jesus just finished discussing marriage and divorce with the Pharisees, when a group of mothers started crowding around Him bringing their children for a blessing. But the disciples were not happy with what they saw, scolded the mothers, and told them to go away.
Sadness must have come across their faces, as they turned to leave. But Jesus seeing what was happening was very displeased, and said, “Don’t chase away these mothers and their little ones, bring them here, they are precious in my sight.” As they happily turned back to Jesus He said, “God’s kingdom is made up with those who have childlike faith. In fact, unless people have the faith and trust like little children, they cannot have a part in God’s kingdom.” With that Jesus reached down, lifted one by one in His arms, and blessed them. The mothers were thrilled that Jesus the Master Teacher would take time to be with their children.
We sing that song that goes something like this, “Jesus loves the little children, all the children of the world, red and yellow, black and white, they are precious in His sight, Jesus loves the little children of the world.” Children are precious in God’s sight and so are the mothers. When Jesus took the children in His arms and laid His hands upon them to give them a blessing, the mothers were comforted, and they returned home strengthened and blessed by the words of Christ. They were encouraged to take up their daily responsibilities with new optimism and to work for the good of their children.
See what happens when a mother allows Jesus to enter her heart and to bless her children. Mothers today can receive His words with the same faith. Jesus knows the burden of every mother’s heart, because his own mother struggled with poverty and her daily labor that she endured. Jesus made a long journey to relieve the anxious heart of a Canaanite woman. He gave back to the widow of Nain her only son, and when He was in intense pain on the cross, He thought of His mother’s well-being. We must remember that in every grief and every need that a mother faces Jesus will give comfort and help, all that she needs to do is ask.
Mothers may come to Jesus with all their burdens, and they will find abundant support to direct their children in the right way. The gates of heaven are open for every mother who is willing to lay her burdens at the Saviors feet. Jesus said, “Suffer the little children to come to Me and forbid them not,” is still an invitation today for all mothers to lead their little ones to Him. Mothers are so important in the raising of the next generation. How society will be in the future is determined to a great deal of how the mothers and fathers raise their kids. Parents should look upon their children as younger members of the Lord’s family and commit them to be properly educated in the love of Jesus.
How is this done? The lessons we learn from Christ we should give to our children, so they may learn correct principles. Jesus is watching the mothers with love and sympathy, and He is more than ready to hear and answer prayers of assistance for all their needs.
Will the mothers receive a reward for their labors in raising their children? Of course, listen to this quote, “When the judgment shall sit, and the books shall be opened…many will raise their crowns in sight of the assembled universe and, pointing to their mother, say, “She made me all I am through the grace of God. Her instruction, her prayers, have been blessed to my eternal salvation.” MYP 298
This promise resonates with me personally because I was once a prodigal son. It was my mother’s prayers and early instructions in my life that brought me back to Lord. So, to the mothers who have children that are living in ways they should not be, remember to lift them up in prayer. The same Jesus who loved and blessed the children while on earth has the same interest in saving your children today.
