Mother’s Day is typically a special day for most of us. It’s amazing how many of us have a special connection with our moms long into adulthood. There is a gentle undertone that you can always find comfort when you reach out to talk with your mother. How many times have we seen the image of a tough guy with a tattoo of a heart that reads, “Mom,” on his arm?
Yes, moms have a relationship that is generally more connected with their children than even fathers. A few years ago, the Hallmark Greeting Card Company provided an opportunity for inmates to receive a free Mother’s Day card to send out if they desired. Ninety-six percent responded that they would like to receive one. Having such a good response for Mother’s Day, Hallmark made the same offer for Father’s Day. Surprisingly, only about 20% responded to send out a card to their dad. The message was loud and clear.
Our moms have an overwhelming influence in our lives. Jesus also had a special relationship with his earthly mother as well. She witnessed his first steps, the first time he scraped his knee, and his learning to speak and read. She watched him as a young boy of 12 who was lost in the crowd and later found teaching with authority to the religious leaders at the temple.
She was the catalyst for his first miracle, turning water into wine at a wedding. It was upon her instructions that this happened. She continued to watch the miracles he performed and the power in which he spoke, changing the entire way the religious understood who God is.
It was also Mary who was there when everyone turned their backs on her son. One week earlier they cried, “Hosanna,” only to then shout, “Crucify him,” a few days later. How devastating it must have been.
Finally, Mary was there at the cross during Jesus’ darkest hour. It was on the cross that we see in John 19:26–27 that Jesus locked eyes one last time with his mother. In his final hours before his death, he instructs John to take care of Mary and make sure she has a home with him. What love even the Lord Jesus had for his mother!
Here’s a little tip: Honor your mother and call her more often. Surprise her—stop by even when it’s not Mother’s Day. You will be amazed at how much it will mean to her. Better yet, ask her if you can go to church together. We will never get this time back, so make it count!
