A MOTHER’S LOVE - Someone Special
A MOTHER’S LOVE - Someone Special
INTRODUCTION:
Matthew 6:33 “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”
This Bible verse is one of my favourite verses, not just because of the cogent instruction, secret of blessing and life skill embedded in the passage, but it holds an integral key value to my heart and memory.
My mum repeatedly
recites this verse during our daily family devotion. One interesting thing
about our family devotion then was that all our visiting friends would
automatically partake, not just by listening because my mum would have
everybody pray one after the other. Indeed, I can call her “blessed”. Happy
Mother’s Day mum.
1. What was the nationality of the woman who came to Jesus (Mark 7:26)? What was His statement (in our text) concerning this?
POINTS:
“They all need Jesus” –
irrespective of nationality, race and background
Reach out to Jesus (He will
reach out to you)
Background/History… irrelevant –
your need and action
The answer (What do you want? Do
you really want it?)
Obstacles are what you see when
your eyes are off the goal
Offences will come
How do you deal with offences (most of the time at point of breakthrough)
Boldness: She displayed remarkable boldness by approaching Jesus despite
cultural barriers.
Ephesians 3:12 - "In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him."
Persistence: Her persistence illustrates the importance of faith and
perseverance when seeking help, regardless of background or circumstances.
Hebrews 11:1 - "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."
Breaking Barriers: Jesus’ interaction with her shows that His message transcends
cultural and ethnic boundaries, emphasizing that faith is accessible to all.
Galatians 3:28 - "There is neither Jew nor Greek, neither bond nor free, neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus."
Grace: Jesus’ statement regarding the children's bread and the dogs
teaches us about grace and humility.
James 4:6 - "But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble."
Faith: Jesus commended her faith, revealing that God honors genuine
faith, regardless of its origin.
Matthew 15:28 - "Then Jesus answered
and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou
wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour."
2. What spiritual virtues did the woman exhibit in coming to Jesus for physical healing for her daughter?
Life’s circumstances are Points
of contact that push us to God
When faced with circumstances, is
God your first option?
Gospel – good news
What have you heard? (relating
to your circumstances)
What have you done about it?
Faith – Connection
Action – Obedience
Ask (Ask, Seek, Knock)
Living Faith: She displayed tremendous faith in Jesus’ ability to heal her
daughter, believing that He could provide the miracle she sought.
Hebrews 11:6 - "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him."
Perseverance: Despite Jesus initially seeming to reject her request, she
persisted in her plea, demonstrating her steadfastness and determination.
Galatians 6:9 - "And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not."
Humility: She approached Jesus with humility, recognizing her position and
need for His mercy rather than demanding healing based on entitlement.
James 4:10 - "Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up."
Courage: Coming to Jesus as a Gentile woman in a predominantly Jewish
context required courage; she crossed societal barriers to seek help for her
daughter.
Joshua 1:9 - "Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest."
Compassion: Her motivation was rooted in concern for her daughter’s
suffering, showcasing a deep love and compassion that reflects the heart of
God.
1 Peter 3:8 - "Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous."
Greatness: Jesus highlighted her faith as "great," underscoring
that true faith is recognized and rewarded by God, regardless of societal
status or background.
Matthew 15:28 - "Then Jesus
answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even
as thou wilt."
3. Why do you feel Jesus acted as He did toward the woman? How might you have reacted if Jesus had shown such a seemingly unconcerned attitude toward your need?
POINTS:
Jesus is good all the time (He
does no evil)
All things work together for
good (including the ones you understand or not)
Test of virtues, purpose, action
and reaction (God will have a tried people)
Don’t give up on God’s will
(discover and pursue it)
What is the spiritual barometer of your reactions?
Testing Faith: Jesus’ initial reluctance to respond to the woman’s pleas was a
way to test her faith and perseverance. By allowing her to demonstrate her
determination, highlighting the importance of unwavering faith.
James 1:3-4 - "Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing."
Perfect example: His response served as a teaching moment not only for the woman but also for His disciples and the surrounding crowd, showing that faith transcends cultural boundaries.
Humility: By comparing the woman’s request to taking the children’s bread
and casting it to dogs, Jesus emphasized the importance of humility and the
humility required to receive grace and healing.
Luke 14:11 - "For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted."
Faith Across Cultures: Jesus’ actions demonstrated that true faith is recognized by
God, irrespective of ethnic or cultural background. This foreshadows the
Gospel's reach beyond the Jewish people.
Romans 2:11 - "For there is no respect of persons with God."
Personal/natural Reaction to Seemingly Unconcerned Attitude:
Disappointment: Feeling disappointed or discouraged, questioning the worthiness
or the love of God in that moment.
Doubt: Struggle with doubt about whether faith was enough or if God
truly cared.
Confused: In response to apparent disinterest
4. We have many beautiful
accounts in the Bible which depict a mother’s love. How do you think these
mothers felt in a time of emotional stress?
Moses’ mother, as she put her
son into the basket in the river — Exodus 2:3
Hannah, as she left her son
with Eli — 1 Samuel 1:24-28
Mary, as she watched Jesus hang on the cross — John 19:25
Moses’ Mother:
Heartache and Sacrifice: Placing Moses in a basket and releasing him into the river
likely caused profound heartache.
God sees it all and understands
Psalm 56:8 - "Thou tellest
my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle: are they not in thy
book?"
Mothers often face decisions that involve deep emotional turmoil, yet they may feel compelled to make sacrifices for the greater good of their children.
Hannah:
Joy with Mixed feelings: While Hannah experienced joy in fulfilling her vow to dedicate
Samuel to the Lord, she also must have being emotional as she left him with
Eli.
-We can trust God and leave the
consequences to Him
Proverbs 3:5-6 - "Trust in
the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In
all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."
Mothers may experience conflicting emotions as they act with faith and hope, trusting God with their children’s futures even when it hurts.
Mary:
Deep Grief and Helplessness: Witnessing her son’s crucifixion would have filled Mary with
indescribable grief and a sense of helplessness, as she saw Him suffering.
-There is yet hope for those who
mourn
Matthew 5:4 - "Blessed are
they that mourn: for they shall be comforted."
Mothers can experience profound sorrow and loss, yet they cling to the hope of comfort and peace that can come from their faith in God.
General Application Points about Mothers and Emotional Stress:
Role of Faith: Each mother’s story highlights the importance of faith in navigating through emotional stress, reminding us that trusting in God can provide strength in difficult times.
The Power of Love: The fierce love exhibited by these mothers serves as a reminder that love often entails sacrifice and heartache but is ultimately a powerful force in nurturing.
Hope and Resilience: The stories encourage us to hope and remain resilient in the
face of struggles.
Romans 5:3-5 - "And not
only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh
patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not
ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost
which is given unto us."
5. Christ is our example. What kind of concern and care did He show toward His mother? See Luke 2:51 and John 19:26-27.
POINTS:
Christ-like care
Walking in His steps
Honouring others:
·
As unto God
·
Not conditional
·
No exceptions
The love of God (Wins all the time, penetrate through circumstances)
Respect and Obedience: Jesus was subject to his earthly parents. He demonstrated
respect and obedience to His mother. This was an expression of His care and
consideration for her role in His life.
Ephesians 6:1 - "Children,
obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right."
Respecting and obeying parents is a vital expression of love and care that honors familial relationships and demonstrates the importance of obedience.
Compassion: Jesus expressed deep concern for Mary’s well-being, ensuring she would be cared for after His death by entrusting her to the disciple John.
Balancing Priorities: Jesus’ actions exemplify a balance between His divine mission
and earthly responsibilities, teaching us the importance of not neglecting
family duties while pursuing our calling.
While commitment to God’s
calling is essential, fulfilling responsibilities towards family is also a
pivotal aspect of discipleship.
6. Tell of some ways our mothers show their love for us without words. How can we reciprocate?
POINTS:
Emotional (Unspoken)
Body language
Resources (Kind, cash, fringe, tangible,
intangles…)
Attention
Care
Ways Mothers Show Love Without Words:
Acts of Service: Mothers often perform countless tasks for their children, from
cooking meals to taking care of household chores, reflecting their love through
service.
Reciprocation: We can show our gratitude by serving them in return—helping with chores, running errands, or preparing meals for them.
Sacrifice: Mothers frequently sacrifice their own needs and desires for the
sake of their children, whether it’s time, resources, or personal ambitions.
Reciprocation: Acknowledge their sacrifices and express appreciation, making an effort to prioritize their needs and comfort.
Physical Touch: Simple gestures, such as hugs, kisses, or holding hands, can
convey deep affection and emotional support, often communicating love without
words.
Reciprocation: Be open to physical expressions of affection and initiate hugs or comforting touch to show your love in return.
Quality Time: Spending time together without any formal agenda illustrates
love. Whether it’s watching a movie, sharing a meal, or taking a walk, these
moments matter significantly.
Reciprocation: Dedicate time to be with them, engaging in activities that they enjoy or simply being present with them.
Listening: Sometimes, mothers show their love by being present and
listening to their children, fostering a sense of safety and understanding even
without directly giving advice.
Reciprocation: Practice active listening with your mother, showing her that her thoughts and feelings are valued and important.
Additional Ways to Reciprocate:
Express Affection Verbal: While mothers show love without words, expressing your love
verbally through "I love you" or "Thank you" can strengthen
the bond.
Small Gestures: Surprise her with small gifts or handwritten notes that express
your appreciation, truly reflecting your love.
Support Their Interests: Encourage and support your mother's interests and hobbies,
showing that you recognize her individuality and passions apart from being a
mother.
7. What is the highest spiritual responsibility a mother and father have toward their children? See Deuteronomy 6:5-7.
POINTS:
Parent’s First-hand-experimental-Practical-example
You can’t give what you don’t
have
Children needs spiritual formative
basic life’s skills
Boundaries (spiritual boundaries
in issues of life)
Spiritual orientation
Spiritual Institution (Church
fellowship and worship)
Sound doctrine curriculum
Spiritual support
Spiritual guidance
Spiritual mentoring
Spiritual discipline
Reward them when they are doing
it right
Encourage them to do more
Highest Spiritual Responsibility of Parents:
Love the Lord: Parents should love the Lord wholeheartedly - the foundation of
their relationship with God and their parenting role.
Deuteronomy
6:5 - "And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with
all thy soul, and with all thy might."
Cultivating a personal and deep love for God in front of children teaches them the importance of putting God first in life.
Teach God’s Commandments: Diligently teach the children about God’s commandments and His
ways, ensuring that spiritual truths are passed down.
Deuteronomy 6:7 - "And thou shalt teach
them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in
thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and
when thou risest up."
Regularly engaging children in discussions about faith during everyday moments helps make spiritual teachings a natural part of life.
Godly Behavior: Model godly principles and behaviors, serving as examples of
what it means to live according to God's will.
1 Corinthians 11:1 - "Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ."
Create a Spiritual Environment: Establishing a home that prioritizes faith practices, such as
prayer, worship, and reading the Bible, helps ensuring a spiritually nurturing
environment.
Joshua 24:15 - "And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; … but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."
Encourage Good interaction: An environment where children feel comfortable asking questions
about faith, allowing them to explore their beliefs and develop a personal
relationship with God.
Isaiah 28:10 For precept must be
upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a
little, and there a little:
Being open to discussions and inquiries
about God helps children develop a deeper understanding of and commitment to
their faith.
8. Read 2 Kings 4:1-7. In what manner does this account show us how a mother’s love for her sons brought physical help through spiritual means?
POINTS:
The spiritual drives/controls
the physical
Life’s Circumstances (A point of
spiritual contact)
Options and alternatives will
limit spiritual and rapid breakthroughs
God first (in consultations)
Present your reasonable cause
(not your complaints)
Listen to obey
The seeming unreasonable and
simple methods
You have a part to play
Just obey (rapidly, completely, joyfully, extra mile)
Seeking – Right source: She sought for help from Elisha - demonstrating her love and
concern for her sons’ future.
James 4:2 -
"Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye
fight and war; yet ye have not, because ye ask not."
In times of need, it is vital to seek help through prayer and by reaching out to trusted spiritual leaders or brethren.
Faith: She displayed faith in God’s provision when she followed
Elisha’s instructions, even though her circumstances seemed dire.
Trusting in God's provision encourages us to act on faith, believing that He will meet our needs, especially for our loved ones.
Available Resources: Elisha instructed her to gather empty vessels, showing that God
can use what we have - no matter how small or insignificant - to perform
miracles. Every resource can be a means of divine provision.
1 Corinthians 1:27 - "But God hath
chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath
chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are
mighty;"
We should recognize and utilize the resources at our disposal, understanding that they can become tools for God’s provision.
Provision: The miracle of the oil multiplying until all vessels were full
is a testament to God’s abundant provision stemming from a mother’s request for
her sons’ welfare.
Ephesians 3:20 - "Now unto
him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think,
according to the power that worketh in us,"
Have faith in God’s ability to provide exceeding abundantly - our needs can be met in ways we cannot imagine.
Love-driven: The widow’s love for her sons motivated her actions.
CONCLUSSION: FAITH OF OUR MOTHERS
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