by Benjamin Earwicker at Freeimages.com
This Sunday is Mother’s Day. The coming of this holiday caused me to reflect on the relationship Christ had with his mother, Mary.
Jesus was blessed with godly earthly parents. Joseph and Mary were devoted keepers of the law. Jesus was subject to their training and discipline (Luke 2:51). He obeyed their dictates and teachings. As an adult man he would honor the request of his mother at the scene of one of his first miracles, when he turns water to wine (John 2:1-12). Later, while hanging on the cross, he will further honor his mother by commending her provision and care into the hands of his beloved disciple (John 19:24-27).
But, Christ also gave preference to those he was teaching over his mother and brothers on one occasion. In fact, he ignores their request to speak with him, instead choosing to emphasize that he has a greater spiritual kinship to those who do the will of His Father in heaven (Mat. 12:46-50).
When we consider the overall relationship between Jesus and Mary, we discover a theme that runs through his relationship. He loved and honored his mother, but his first priority was to do God’s will. When he had gotten separated from his parents at the age of 12 discussing the law in the temple, he replied when they found him, “Did you not know that I must be about my Father’s business?” (Luke 2:49).
You see, Jesus was never really Mary’s child. She was entrusted with his care and provision. She had the duty of raising and training him, but he was always first and foremost God’s child. It is no wonder that Mary was told by the angel, “do not be afraid” when she learned about carrying the Messiah child (Luke 1:30). Having a child is overwhelming and humbling enough, imagine if you know it is the Savior of the world.
Though the parallel is not exact, isn’t this the way it really is for mothers today? Mothers are possessive and protective of their children. They are entrusted to raise and train them. They give them all their love and effort. But a godly mother understands that the child is never truly their own. The child is ultimately always God’s child. God has given their care and love into the hands of the mother, but the godly mother teaches them their first priority in life should always be their true Father in heaven.
