7 Things Every Mother Faces

The mother of three notoriously unruly youngsters was asked whether or not she'd have children if she had it to do over again. "Sure," she replied, "but not the same ones."

When my son graduated from high school, he had to give a speech. He began by reading from his prepared text: "I want to talk about my mother and the wonderful influence she has had on my life. She is a shining example of parenthood, and I love her more than words could ever do justice." At this point he seemed to struggle for words. After a pause, he looked up with a sly grin and said, "Sorry, but it's really hard to read my mother's handwriting."

Matthew 1:18–24 (NKJV) Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. 19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. 20 But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. 21 And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.” 22 So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: 23 “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.” 24 Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife,

INTRO. I know what some of you are thinking. You’re thinking, “Pastor H has lost it. It’s Mother’s Day and he’s about to preach a Christmas message. I know he turned 65 recently, but I didn’t think he’d reach senility so soon!”

Well, I thought we would look at some things in the NT about Mary, the mother of Jesus, and see some parallels that every mother faces or experiences.

1. THE ANNOUNCEMENT

There was an announcement by angels about the birth of Jesus! We just read Matthew’s account of that. You say, “Pastor, that didn’t happen when my child was born.” Maybe angels didn’t show up at your door, but there was an announcement about the birth of your child.

Every couple I know made an announcement about the fact that they were going to have a baby. We sent out birth announcements to our family and friends about the birth of both of our girls. We were excited that they were going to make their way into this world. Even adoptive mothers are glad to make the announcement that they’re going to have a child! There is a wonder about the miracle of little lives entrusted to our care!

2. THE ASTONISHMENT

Now, I also know there are sometimes when a child is not planned. At least in the minds of the parents. Mary and Joseph were not even married yet. They were both astonished at the announcement that they were going to have a child when they had not even been married. And everybody else was astonished too. Look at what Elizabeth said to Mary in:

Luke 1:43 (NKJV) But why is this granted to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?

People can say some hurtful things to mothers sometimes. But notice that Elizabeth was thrilled to hear Mary’s news:

Luke 1:44 (NKJV) For indeed, as soon as the voice of your greeting sounded in my ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy.

“Elizabeth’s loudly spoken words, Blessed (eulogemene, lit., “well spoken of”) are you among women, carry the idea that Mary is the most honored of all women. Elizabeth called her the mother of my Lord. In Luke the term “Lord” (kyrios) often describes Jesus. It has a double meaning. “Lord” would be more important for a Greek reader than would the term “Christ” (meaning “Messiah”), for the Gentiles had not been anxiously awaiting the Messiah. On the other hand, the Septuagint often used the word “Lord” (kyrios) to translate Yahweh. In v. 45 Elizabeth said Mary was blessed (makaria, “happy”) because she believed what God had told her.”

Martin, J. A. (1985). Luke. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 2, p. 206). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

This tells us that Mary visited Elizabeth with a joyful heart not with skepticism about the angel’s announcement. But she was amazed that she was chosen by God to be Jesus’ mother!