Mother's Day For Mary

MOTHER’S DAY FOR MARY

Text: John 7:1-41

Although Jesus was the only begotten Son of God, He was not the only child that Mary had. While Jesus was conceived of the Holy Ghost, Mary had other children by Joseph after Jesus was born in Bethlehem. According to Matthew 13:55-56, Jesus had 4 brothers: James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas, as well some sisters, though we don't know how many or their names. What a family affair it must have been in Joseph’s carpenter’s shop in Nazareth. Mary was a busy mother, raising a family. Scripture is silent on the life of Jesus from the time he was 12 until he was 30. 18 years of mystery. But we know that Mary’s family had the same issues to deal with that any family must face. Tradition tells us that Joseph died young, leaving Mary a widow to face life alone…except for her children. Jesus' brothers lived their whole lives with Him...yet our text says they didn't believe in Him (John 7:5). Mark’s Gospel tells us they thought Jesus was crazy (Mark 3:21), but Mary kept praying for her boys. It was hard for those brothers to live with Jesus, but it was harder to live without Him. It took Jesus’ death and resurrection and a persistent mother's prayers before those boys’ eyes were opened. Jesus' brothers were absent at Calvary, but present in the Upper Room! "They all met together and were constantly united in prayer, along with Mary the mother of Jesus, several other women, and the brothers of Jesus." (Acts 1:14). Thank God for a praying mother who kept believing for her boys to be saved and filled with the Holy Ghost! There is hope for your family too this Mother's Day because Jesus rose from the dead and poured out His Spirit on those who chose to believe!

I. WHY DIDN’T JESUS’ BROTHERS BELIEVE IN HIM?

A. Maybe they felt like they didn’t measure up to Him. After all Jesus was sinless.

B. According to our text they wanted Jesus to be popular (John 7:3-4).

C. Sounds like some today. His brothers would’ve believed if Jesus had just accepted their lifestyle…if He would just change a few of the rules…if He would’ve tried to be more culturally relevant…if He was just a little more hip. But, there was only one problem…Jesus is the SAME yesterday, and today, and forever. Jesus’ brothers believed what someone else said about Him. And that’s where so many are today. They look at the polls to see what they should believe. But, it doesn’t matter where Jesus stands in the Gallup poll, friend, it only matters what Jesus means to YOU.

D. A.B. Simpson wrote these words 100 years ago and they are just as true today:

What will you do with Jesus?

Neutral you cannot be;

Someday your heart will be asking,

“What will He do with me?”

E. They didn’t like what he preached (John 7:7). He spoke out against sin. He called it by name. He loved sinners and was even their friend, but He never compromised with them. He preached against evil and his message was one of hellfire and brimstone!

F. They were religious, but left Jesus out (John 7:8). Our text says, His brothers went to the Feast of Tabernacles…they went to the Temple…they were religious…but they left Jesus behind when they went. Religion will not bring your closer to Jesus…only a relationship with Him. Going to church will not save you…but going to Jesus will.

II. JESUS WENT TO CHURCH…BUT HE SHOWED UP LATE

A. I’ve seen this happen many times. A church service begins with pomp and circumstance, but there’s only one problem…Jesus isn’t there. The worship is bumping and grinding…but Jesus isn’t there.

B. Everyone has come to church and the building may be full…but they’ve all left Jesus behind. He not in their thoughts, in their worship, nor in their attitudes.

C. It can happen so easily. In Rev. 3:20, Jesus was on the outside of the church building knocking…trying to get into the Church at Laodicea! They were popular…they were involved in the community…they were careful to not declare an opinion on anything controversial…they refused to be extreme…they were lukewarm…they stayed in the middle of the road on every topic…and they were rich…they had it all…they were having church and they didn’t even need Jesus anymore! He was on the outside knocking saying HEY! You forgot about me!

III. WHEN JESUS ARRIVED AT CHURCH, HE HAD SOMETHING TO SAY

A. He always does. The reason some churches have nothing to say these days, is because Jesus isn’t there. And, if He shows up, they don’t allow Him to speak for Himself!

B. Jesus didn’t arrive on this occasion until the middle of the festival, and boy did the people begin to talk! They all had an opinion.