Lessons From Mary - A Mother's Day Sermon

49 “Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?”[f] 50 But they did not understand what he was saying to them.

51 Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart. 52 And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.

Hypothetical scenario:

Mary had heard about the miracles that her son Jesus was performing, and the large crowds that were following him. She knew that his message was different from what the people were used to hearing, and that it was causing controversy. But nothing could have prepared her for the day when she was publicly persecuted and ridiculed because of Jesus's ministry.

It was a sunny afternoon, and Mary had gone to the market to buy some food for dinner. As she walked through the crowded streets, she heard whispers and murmurs from the people around her. She tried to ignore them, but then she heard someone shout, "Look, it's Jesus's mother! The mother of that blasphemer!"

Mary froze, feeling as if the ground had opened up beneath her feet. She looked around and saw that people were pointing at her, some of them sneering, others spitting on the ground. She realized with horror that she was being publicly ridiculed and persecuted because of her son's ministry.

She tried to make her way through the crowd, but people kept shouting insults at her. "How could you raise such a rebel?" one man yelled. "You should be ashamed!" shouted a woman. Mary's heart was pounding in her chest, and she felt like she was going to faint.

As she stumbled through the market, Mary realized that she was not the only one being persecuted. She saw other followers of Jesus being mocked and ridiculed, some of them even being beaten by angry mobs. It was as if the whole city had turned against them.

Mary knew that her son's message was true, and that he was doing God's work. But in that moment, she felt so alone and afraid. She prayed silently, asking for strength and courage to endure the persecution.

Eventually, Mary managed to make her way home, where she collapsed on the bed, weeping. She knew that the road ahead would be difficult, but she also knew that she could rely on her faith and the love of God to carry her through.

Fourthly, Mary teaches us the importance of family. Mary's role as a mother was central to her life. She loved Jesus deeply, and was committed to raising Him in a way that honored God. Mary's love for her family is an example for us. It reminds us of the importance of investing in our families, of nurturing relationships with our children and spouses, and of making family a priority in our lives.

Luke 2:51 - 51 Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart. 52 And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.

Finally, Mary teaches us the value of sacrificial love. Mary's love for Jesus was sacrificial. She was willing to endure great pain and suffering for the sake of her son. She watched as He was arrested, beaten, and ultimately crucified, yet she remained by His side, offering her love and support. Mary's love reminds us of the sacrificial love that Jesus demonstrated for us on the cross. It reminds us of the importance of laying down our lives for others, and of the power of love to transform our lives and the lives of those around us.