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.
C. On the last day of the Festival, Jesus cried out! He shouted! He got everyone’s attention!
D. While he addressed everyone, I believe Jesus had his brothers in mind when he said, “If any man is thirsty, let him come to ME and drink, and the water I will give him will be like a well springing up to everlasting life! The Bible says He was talking about the Baptism in the Holy Spirit that would occur on the Day of Pentecost.
IV. MOTHER’S DAY FOR MARY BEGAN WITH A MIRACLE!
A. After the feast of Tabernacles, everyone went home. Jesus’ brothers still didn’t believe in Him.
B. Jesus went to Calvary and while He hung on the cross, none of His brothers were there to comfort Mary and stand by her in this hour of sorrow. Jesus turned to His disciple John and asked him to look after Mary.
C. It took the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ for His brothers to believe.
D. They didn’t believe in Him until a miracle took place!
E. And that’s what it will take for anyone here today to believe as well.
F. Not only did Jesus’ brothers believe, but Acts 1:14 tells us that they were present in the Upper Room on the day of Pentecost when the 120 were “All filled with the Holy Ghost and began to speak with other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.”
G. Mary knew what it was like to have some of her children saved and some of them lost…and yet you love them all the same!
H. You say, “Pastor, it’ll take a miracle for my children to get saved.”
I. I want to remind you, “It took a miracle for any of us to get saved!”
J. Thank God, He is a God of miracles!
K. You know what we came to church on Sunday instead of one of the other days of the week? Because we are celebrating the resurrection which happened on the first day of the week!
L. Today would be a wonderful day for you to decide to believe in Jesus!
M. Guess what next Sunday is? Pentecost! It’s time for every believer in the house to be baptized in the Holy Spirit!
N. Mary’s prayer for her boys was answered because of the miracle of the Resurrection and the power of the Holy Ghost.
O. Mother, your prayer can be answered, too.
Conclusion: Mother’s worry. It’s just part of the job description. But, the greatest worry a mother has is for her children’s safety. For a Christian mother, the greatest worry is for her children’s salvation. Mary, the mother of Jesus, was the same. I want to remind every mother here today, that your prayers are precious to the Lord. Don’t give up on your boys. Don’t give up on those girls. A miracle is in the making…because of your prayers!
