A Mom's Love- Mother's Day
Bible Readings
Take a few minutes to read the Bible verses listed and ask the Holy Spirit to lead you in how this verse applies to you this week.
41 Every year Jesus' parents went to Jerusalem for Passover. 42 And when Jesus was twelve years old, they all went there as usual for the celebration. 43 After Passover his parents left, but they did not know that Jesus had stayed on in the city. 44 They thought he was traveling with some other people, and they went a whole day before they started looking for him. 45 When they could not find him with their relatives and friends, they went back to Jerusalem and started looking for him there. 46 Three days later they found Jesus sitting in the temple, listening to the teachers and asking them questions. 47 Everyone who heard him was surprised at how much he knew and at the answers he gave. 48 When his parents found him, they were amazed. His mother said, “Son, why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been very worried, and we have been searching for you!” 49 Jesus answered, “Why did you have to look for me? Didn't you know that I would be in my Father's house?” 50 But they did not understand what he meant. 51 Jesus went back to Nazareth with his parents and obeyed them. His mother kept on thinking about all that had happened. 52 Jesus became wise, and he grew strong. God was pleased with him and so were the people.
Luke 2:41-52
Memory Verse
Luke 2:51
51 Jesus went back to Nazareth with his parents and obeyed them. His mother kept on thinking about all that had happened.
Have you ever watched a mother lion and her cubs? She will lie close by them as they explore, play, try to hunt, and learn all about the new world around them. She lets them do all that while she watches them closely. At the first sign of danger, she leaps into action, protecting her cubs at all costs. The cubs are both free to explore and learn while being protected at all times.
When we read this story about Jesus and hear at the end that Mary “treasured all these things in her heart,” I picture a mother lion who protects her cubs and lets them explore. Mary knew who Jesus was. Watching Jesus grow up and prepare to leave her side couldn’t have been easy. While she wanted him to explore and learn all about who he was and who his heavenly Father was, she also wanted to protect him at all costs.
The moms I know want to hold onto their children and protect them for as long as possible. And they want to watch their children thrive and grow into who God created them to be. Those two things might seem like opposites, but they work together to form a mother’s love into an incredible thing. A mom’s love sometimes calls them to protect a child with every part of their being. And a mom’s love sometimes calls them to let go and watch as that child explores and discovers the world around them.
Pay attention to your mom’s love for you. Maybe it’s your grandmother, a female family member, or perhaps a teacher. Watch her as she watches over you and lets you explore and discover the world God created. Know that her love for you reflects God’s love for you: always watching and caring for you while you find your place in this world.
Note: If your mom or any other adult makes you feel unsafe or in danger, talk to a trusted adult, like a teacher, a pastor, or a family friend. You can also call 1-800-4-A-CHILD, available 24/7 to provide guidance and support. Your safety is essential, and God loves you very much.
Prayer
God in heaven, thank you for the moms I know and all those caring for me. Thank you for their love that reflects your love for me. Help me to show them the love that I have for them each day. Amen.Related Resources
Bret Lamsma
Bret Lamsma is the Director of Faith Formation at First Christian
Reformed Church in Denver, Colorado. He has also served churches in
California and Michigan. He has a passion for youth ministry and
intergenerational ministry in the local church. When he isn’t working at
church or writing he enjoys hanging out with his wife and 2 children,
hiking, woodworking, and watching movies.