Lessons From Mary - A Mother's Day Sermon

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Today, as we celebrate Mother's Day, I would like to take this opportunity to reflect on the life of Mary, the mother of Jesus, and the lessons we can learn from her. Mary is an example of a strong, faithful, and courageous woman who endured many hardships in her life. She faced persecution, emotional stress, and uncertainty, yet she remained steadfast in her faith and devotion to God. Her life offers many valuable lessons that we can apply to our own lives, especially for the women in our families who are living up to Mary's legacy.

Firstly, Mary teaches us the value of obedience to God. When the angel Gabriel came to her with the news that she would conceive a child by the Holy Spirit, Mary responded with humility and obedience, saying, "I am the Lord's servant. May your word to me be fulfilled." (Luke 1:38). Mary's obedience to God's plan for her life, even though it was not easy, is an example for all of us. It reminds us that sometimes, we may not understand God's plan for our lives, but we must trust in His wisdom and obey His will. This requires humility, trust, and a deep relationship with God.

Secondly, Mary teaches us the importance of faith. Mary's faith in God never wavered, even in the midst of great trials and difficulties. When she and Joseph were forced to flee to Egypt to escape King Herod's persecution, Mary did not lose faith in God's protection and provision. Similarly, when Jesus was crucified, Mary stood by His side, demonstrating her unwavering faith in God's plan for salvation. Mary's faith encourages us to trust in God, even when the path ahead seems uncertain or difficult.

Luke 1:39 – 56

At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, 40 where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! 43 But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 45 Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!”

Mary’s Song

46 And Mary said:

“My soul glorifies the Lord

47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

48 for he has been mindful

of the humble state of his servant.

From now on all generations will call me blessed,

49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me—

holy is his name.

50 His mercy extends to those who fear him,

from generation to generation.

51 He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;

he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.

52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones

but has lifted up the humble.

53 He has filled the hungry with good things

but has sent the rich away empty.

54 He has helped his servant Israel,

remembering to be merciful

55 to Abraham and his descendants forever,

just as he promised our ancestors.”

56 Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.

Thirdly, Mary teaches us the value of perseverance. Mary's life was not easy. She faced many challenges, from the ridicule and gossip of her peers, to the danger of persecution and even death. Yet, through it all, she persevered. She continued to trust in God and remained steadfast in her commitment to raising Jesus. Her perseverance is a reminder to us that even when life is difficult, we must keep pressing on. We must remain faithful to God, and not give up in the face of adversity.

We see this in - Luke 2:41 – 51. 41 Every year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the Festival of the Passover. 42 When he was twelve years old, they went up to the festival, according to the custom. 43 After the festival was over, while his parents were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but they were unaware of it. 44 Thinking he was in their company, they traveled on for a day. Then they began looking for him among their relatives and friends. 45 When they did not find him, they went back to Jerusalem to look for him. 46 After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 47 Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers. 48 When his parents saw him, they were astonished. His mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you.”