Mother’s Day

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Mother’s Day

Sermon by  Thomas Thornhill Jr


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NOTE: Due to an interruption, this lesson was pre-recorded in 2 parts.  The video was also interrupted and recorded in 2 parts.  Part 1 is located at our normal location.  For part 2, please visit YouTube and search for Mother’s Day on our page.  Here is the link: https://youtu.be/f0joCHvQkq8

LESSONS FROM THE CALENDAR (9)

Today we continue our “lessons from the calendar” series.  Today, is a day observed throughout much of the world – Mother’s Day.  Mother’s Day is a observance on the 2nd Sunday of May in the United States.  It was first observed on May 10, 1908 by Anna Jarvis in Grafton, West Virginia and another observance in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  She wanted to honor her mother, Ann Jarvis (1832-1905), who was a peace activist during the 1800s.  One of Ann Jarvis’s intents was to reunite families after the civil war.   On May 8, 1914, the U. S. Congress passed a law designating the 2nd Sunday in May as Mother’s Day.  Its intent is to recognize mothers for their positive contributions to family and society.   Celebrating mothers is observed on different days throughout the world, but the majority of observances are on the 2nd Sunday of May.   It is typically observed with flowers and gifts given to mothers as well as other acts of recognition (such as Mother’s Day cards, eating out, calls from children, attending services with their mother, etc.).  Of note, Anna Jarvis, was vehemently opposed to the commercialization of the day and wanted it to simply be a time for mothers to be recognized by their family.  That is a brief introduction to this day.

NOTE: As with each of these lessons, we are not having a special service or recognition of mothers on this day.  As noted, there is no such observance found in the New Testament by churches.  However, because our mothers are on our minds this day (and that is a good thing), it is worthwhile to pause and see what the Bible has to say about mothers.  That is the focus of this lesson.

 

  1. The Bible and godly mothers
    1. We need mothers – it is an established fact. If it were not for mothers, we would not be here.  We are all descendants of Adam AND Eve.   The name Eve (Genesis 3:20) means “living” or “to be alive.”
    2. Motherhood is a blessing from God – Psalm 127:3, Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, The fruit of the womb is a reward.
    3. Typically, mothers love and cherish their children –
      1. The love and affection a mother has for her child is beyond description. We see that as she will do anything for her children, even to the point of sacrificing her personal desires.
      2. 1 Thessalonians 2:7. Paul uses the analogy of a loving, nursing mother to describe their demeanor dealing with brethren.
      3. Isaiah 49:15, Isaiah compares the love of God for His people to that of a mother. “Can a woman forget her nursing child, And not have compassion on the son of her womb? Surely they may forget, Yet I will not forget you.  There are also other passages with similar thoughts – Isaiah 66:13, John 16:21 where Jesus speaks of a woman in pain in labor, but when the child is born, she forgets the anguish because of her joy.   Jesus uses that analogy to describe the joy of His disciples when He returns (after His death & possibly at the end of the age).
      4. We sometimes describe a mothers love as natural. And this is the rule. Sadly, there are exceptions, both in the occasional abuse/rejection of a child, or killing a child.  While rare, it happens.  Then there are abortions where hundreds of thousands of children are slaughtered each year so that a woman can continue her lifestyle.  2 Timothy 3:3 describes the unloving (Also Romans 1:31).  The KJV uses the term, “without natural affection”.
    4. Mothers have a purpose –
      1. 1 Timothy 2:15. God has given her a crucial role in the home. The point of this expression is that she understands and fulfills her role as each of us is called to do.
      2. Titus 2:5 and 1 Timothy 5:14 both describe her role as a homemaker (manage the house). This would include her role as a mother.
      3. NOTE: Let it be understood that a mother who chooses to stay home and manage the household is NO less important as a contributor to society. In fact, she has greater opportunity to influence the next generation (her children) because of the time she spends with them.  And she is recognized by God for this.  According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics[1], in 2024, 74 percent of mothers participated in the labor force.  68.3% of married mothers with children under 6 worked, while 78% of mothers whose youngest child was between 6-17.
      4. Do not think that a mother who stays home is NOT working a job. She is a wife, mother, home manager (keeping orderliness), cook, counselor, doctor, transportation director, educator, disciplinarian, psychologist, etc.  Done well, she makes the residence into a home.
      5. As noted in times past, the home is the foundational unit of society. The character of the home will reflect the character of society AND the church.   Proverbs 14:1, The wise woman builds her house, But the foolish pulls it down with her hands.
    5. Mothers are to be honored –
      1. Ephesians 6:1-3. Children are commanded to obey AND honor their parents.  NOTE: It was also one of the 10 commandments (Exodus 20:12).
      2. Proverbs 1:8-9, My son, hear the instruction of your father, And do not forsake the law of your mother; For they will be a graceful ornament on your head, And chains about your neck. Again, Proverbs 6:20, My son, keep your father’s command, And do not forsake the law of your mother.
      3. Proverbs 23:22-25, Listen to your father who begot you, And do not despise your mother when she is old. Buy the truth, and do not sell it, Also wisdom and instruction and understanding. The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice, And he who begets a wise child will delight in him. Let your father and your mother be glad, And let her who bore you rejoice.
      4. Proverbs 31:10-31 describes “the virtuous woman.” Vs. 28 notes, “Her children rise up and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praises her”.  NOTE:  This verse also identifies that her husband OUGHT TO recognize and appreciate her motherhood – the work she does within the household.
  2. Godly mothers in the Bible
    1. How is a godly mother described in scripture? In addition to some of the above verses, we have examples of godly mothers in scripture (and a few ungodly mothers).  Let us notice some of the qualities associated with them.
    2. Jochebed – mother of Moses.
      1. Exodus 2:1-10. When an evil Pharaoh decided to kill all newborn male Hebrews in Egypt, Jochebed (Num. 26:59), the mother of Moses hid him for 3 moths because he was a beautiful child.  But when she could no longer hide him, she took an ark and put in a river where Pharaoh’s daughter would go to bathe.  Pharaoh’s daughter found Moses and had compassion.  She adopted him.  But, Miriam, sister of Moses, came to Pharaoh’s daughter and offered to find a Hebrew woman to nurse the church.  She got Moses’ mother who was able to raise her son and teach him, even in Pharaoh’s household.  This would be the catalyst for Moses to choose his people, Israel, over staying in Pharaoh’s house (see Hebrews 11:23-26).
      2. Jochebed demonstrates the protection a mother has for her children. Consider the extreme measures she was willing to take, to save her son.   She gave him up “by faith” because it was best.
      3. Godly mothers protect their children – keeping them fed and clothed, disciplined to keep them from harm, teaching them to keep them from ignorance, etc.
      4. Godly mothers can shape the future – she found a way to keep teaching Moses, even when he was a way from her. Because of their interaction with children in the home, they can have the greatest influence in a child’s upbringing.  Proverbs 22:6, Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.
      5. Godly mothers have faith – Hebrews 11:23 – by faith Moses was hidden and raise. The faith of a mother will often be passed on to her children.  We need to trust God (faith) as we do our best, including raising our children.
    3. Hannah – mother of Samuel
      1. 1 Sameul 1:10-12. Hannah was the wife of Elkanah.  She was barren and mocked because of it. One year she goes to the temple during a feast and prays to YHWH.  She pleads for a child and promises that if she conceived she would dedicate him to the LORD.  Hannah conceives and Samuel is born.  After Samuel was weaned, she brought him to Eli, the High Priest and he was left with him to serve the LORD.  Vs. 28, Therefore I also have lent him to the Lord; as long as he lives he shall be lent to the Lord.” So they worshiped the Lord there.  Samuel, of course, will become a prophet and judge among the Israelites.  But every year, Hannah would bring Samuel a new robe and check on his wellbeing.  She was blessed with 5 more children because of her faithfulness.
      2. Godly mothers pray. Hannah’s prayers and faithfulness prompted her to be heard by God.  She showed complete faith in the LORD.  If a godly mother genuinely cares about her children, she is going to pray for that child regularly. She is also a testament to the fact that God hears the prayers of the godly.  James 5:16 tells us that the effective, fervent prayer of the righteous avails much.  1 John 5:14-15.
      3. Godly mothers keep their word – to God and others. Children need to see honor and integrity in their parents, even when the decisions are difficult or painful.  The home is the foremost place where integrity and virtue will be observed and learned.  In our homes, we tend to let down our guard.  But that is still no excuse to not be faithful.  Children will pick that up.
    4. Lois and Eunice – examples and teachers
      1. Acts 16:1 – we are introduced to Timothy while Paul and Silas are preaching in Asia minor in Derbe and Lystra (2nd preaching journey). Here we read that his mother believed, but his father was a Greek (and likely an unbeliever).   2 Timothy 1:5 – We are introduced by name to them where we find Lois is the grandmother and Eunice is the mother of Timothy.  Timothy, would become Paul’s foremost trusted companion.  In his youth, it is believed that Paul was “mentoring” him to continue his work even after he was gone.   We read again about them in 2 Timothy 3:15, how Timothy from childhood had known the holy scriptures.
      2. Godly mothers seek to instill their faith in their children. Not only do they SHOW godliness, they teach their children.  They train them up in the way they should go (Proverbs 22:6)
      3. Godly mothers begin to instill godly values early. It is during the formative years that one has the greatest likelihood of establishing the direction one will take in life.
      4. Godly mothers instill truth in their children. It was this truth that caused Timothy to become such an asset to Paul and others.
      5. Godly mothers are godly, even in less than ideal circumstances. There is no indication they received any help from Timothy’s father.  He was likely an unbeliever, but that did not stop mother and grandmother from teaching Timothy.  Faithfulness is an individual action and children will see it.  While it is clearly best if BOTH parents are faithful, one who is alone in faith still must set a godly example.
    5. Mary, mother of Jesus
      1. Mary is a unique example of a mother. She conceived miraculously having never known a man (Luke 2:26-27, Matthew 1:24-25).  While we know very little about the childhood of Jesus, we are introduced to one incident in Luke 2:41-52 when at age 12, Jesus goes with his mother and father to Jerusalem.  He stays behind as they leave, and when they find Him in the temple He is teaching.  He demonstrates an understanding  of his purpose.  Mary of course was concerned about His absence and rebukes Jesus.  We read in vs. 51 Then He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was subject to them, but His mother kept all these things in her heart.  We will read of Mary from time to time in the gospel and even at the foot of the cross of Jesus.
      2. Godly mothers faithfully submit to God’s will. As we saw with Hannah above, so Mary was faithful to God.  If one is faithful to God from the outset that will govern the decisions they make throughout their lives, INCLUDING raising their children.
      3. Godly mothers instill godly values in their children. Like Lois and Eunice, clearly Mary took time to teach Jesus.  Luke 2:52 notes that Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men. Godly mothers will do their best to raise their children based upon God’s teachings.
      4. Godly mothers stand with their children through the good and bad times. We never read anything negative about Mary.  She is there with Him to the end (cf. John 19:25-27), and very likely saw Him after He arose.

And thus we can see some of what is said in scripture about godly mothers.  We find passages describing their work and examples worthy of following.  The call of motherhood is both honorable and demanding. And while the observance of Mother’s Day is not found in scripture, it is clear that mothers are worthy of our honor.  And it should not be a once a year occasion, but something we do “all the time”.  And if she tried to raise you right, what better gift can you give her than to submit to God’s will, even as she has done?  What about you?  What does your mother mean to you? Think about it!

[1] Employment Characteristics of Families Summary (April 23, 2025), https://www.bls.gov/news.release/famee.nr0.htm  Accessed, May 9, 2025.

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