Go! And Honour Mothers - A Mothering Sunday Message Series

Go! and Honour Mothers - a Mothering Sunday Message

Introduction

Today is Mothering Sunday, a time to reflect on the gift of mothers and the role of nurturing in our lives. It is a day to celebrate, appreciate, and honour the mothers, grandmothers, spiritual mothers, and all who nurture others in the love of Christ. As we explore God’s Word today, we will consider the biblical call to honour mothers, the example of godly mothers, and how this all points us to the ultimate love of God in Christ Jesus.

Motherhood is not just a biological role—it is a divine calling. It is about nurturing, guiding, and loving others in a way that reflects the very heart of God. Whether you are a mother, have a mother, or know a mother, this message applies to you. Today, we will examine the biblical principles of honour, wisdom, and divine love that shape our understanding of motherhood.

1. GO! AND HONOUR YOUR MOTHER

Exodus 20:12 (NLT): "Honour your father and mother. Then you will live a long, full life in the land the Lord your God is giving you."

The command to honour parents is one of the Ten Commandments, given directly by God to His people. The Hebrew word for “honour” is kabed, which conveys a sense of weightiness, value, and deep respect. To honour one’s mother is not merely an act of obedience but an expression of gratitude and recognition of her God-given role.

This commandment is unique because it is the first commandment with a promise: "Then you will live a long, full life in the land the Lord your God is giving you." This promise does not mean a guaranteed lifespan extension, but rather a life lived in God’s order and blessing. Honouring parents creates a culture of respect, stability, and divine favour.

Jesus Himself affirmed this commandment in Matthew 15:4, challenging those who neglected it in the name of religious tradition.

Matthew 15:4 (NLT): “For instance, God says, ‘Honor your father and mother,’ and ‘Anyone who speaks disrespectfully of father or mother must be put to death.’”

In this passage, Jesus directly references Exodus 20:12 and Exodus 21:17 to rebuke the Pharisees for their hypocrisy.

Exodus 20:12 (NLT): “Honour your father and mother. Then you will live a long, full life in the land the Lord your God is giving you.”

Exodus 21:17 (NLT): “Anyone who kidnaps someone and either sells them or still has them when they are caught must die.”

The Pharisees had created traditions, like the practice of Corban found in Mark 7:11-13), which allowed people to declare their possessions as dedicated to God, thereby excusing them from their duty to care for their parents.

Mark 7:11-13 (NLT): “But you say it is all right for people to say to their parents, ‘Sorry, I can’t help you. For I have vowed to give to God what I would have given to you.’ In this way, you let them disregard their needy parents. And so you cancel the word of God in order to hand down your own tradition. And this is only one example among many others.”

Jesus condemned this as a distortion of God's law—one that prioritised man-made rules over divine commandments. Jesus rebukes the Pharisees for their hypocrisy, pointing out how they had allowed their religious traditions to override God’s clear commands.

Jesus’ criticism of the Pharisees points to a deeper issue: when tradition and personal gain override the love and care we are called to show others, particularly our parents, we distort the heart of God's law. This passage challenges us to examine our own lives—are there areas where we use religious activity or tradition to mask our neglect of the more important duties of love, care, and honour?

Lets return to Matthew 15:4 (NLT): “For instance, God says, ‘Honor your father and mother,’ and ‘Anyone who speaks disrespectfully of father or mother must be put to death.’”

The Greek word used in Matthew 15:4 for "honour" is t?µ?? (timao), which means more than just verbal respect; it involves tangible acts of care and support. True honour is not lip service—it is lived out in love, responsibility, and obedience to God’s commands.

This verse reminds us that God takes honouring parents seriously, not as a suggestion, but as a command woven into the fabric of a godly life. It challenges us to examine our hearts—are we honouring our parents in the way God desires, or are we making excuses that place our comfort above obedience?

Jesus called out the Pharisees for making excuses not to care for their parents under the guise of religious giving. This is a sobering reminder that honouring mothers is not just about words—it requires action, care, and appreciation.

Let us not be like the Pharisees, who manipulated God's Word to suit their convenience. Instead, let us genuinely honour our parents, not only in words but in deeds—caring for them, respecting them, and demonstrating Christ’s love through our actions.