A Mom's Love- Mother's Day

May 11, 2024

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.

Luke 2:41-52

Memory Verse

Luke 2:51

But his mother treasured all these things in her heart. (NIV)

written by Ron VandenBurg
illustrated by Chad Thompson

Casey comes into the kitchen. Mom and Dad are at the table. Dad is reading a book. Casey has her coat on. She asks, “Mom, can I go to my new friend Jayla’s house?” We see the speech balloon explosion of Mom’s questions before Casey can go anywhere. Mom says, “Where do you know Jayla?” “Where does Jayla live?” “When will you be back?”

Without looking up from his book, Dad whispers, “Translation: I love you. Be safe.” Questions continue. Who else will be there?” “What are you going to do there?”

Casey hugs Mom together lovingly. Dad whispers again, “You’d better have all the answers.”Casey says, “I love you too, Mom!” Questions continue: “Is there a parent home?” “Will you text me when you get there?”

Print Comic

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.

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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.