A Mother Specially Chosen By God

In a week’s time, we will be celebrating Mother’s Day. Mothers have a special place in our hearts, because they play such an important role in the family, and especially in the raising up of the children in the home. None of us chose our own mothers; nevertheless, our mothers will always be precious to us.

There was a mother who was specially chosen by God. She was selected by God even before she was married. She was selected even though she was not of any noble or wealthy standing. She was selected to be the mother of the Saviour. She is none other than Mary, the mother of Jesus. What made Mary so special that God would choose her? Let us consider some of Mary’s exemplary qualities as a mother:

Mary cherished her child

“And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed” (Luke 1:46-48)

Some mothers in this world dread their mothering duty. Not Mary. When the angel Gabriel revealed to Mary that she would conceive the Saviour, it must have been shocking news. After all, she was still a virgin. Also, the immense responsibility of raising the Son of God must have been a daunting prospect. Nevertheless, Mary demonstrated her faith by humbly accepting God’s assignment (Luke 1:38). Furthermore, her appreciation towards God for the opportunity to be the mother to Jesus can be seen in her song of praise to God (Luke 1:46-56). To all mothers: do you cherish the role that God has given to you as a mother?

Furthermore, we can see Mary’s appreciation for her role by the way she mothered Jesus. Her journey as a mother was truly no walk in the park. She gave birth, not in her own hometown, but in Bethlehem when she and Joseph had to travel there for the census (Luke 2:1-7). When Jesus was still a toddler, the family had to flee to Egypt for a time in order to escape the wrath of King Herod (Matthew 2:13-18). Since Joseph was but a lowly carpenter, they did not enjoy the luxuries of life, but rather, lived the simple life (Mark 6:3). As Jesus was growing up, Mary brought Him along to attend the pilgrimage feasts in Jerusalem, which was no short journey from Nazareth (Luke 2:41-42). In spite of all these challenges, we see Mary doing her best to be a godly mother towards Jesus. We appreciate all mothers who cherish their role by playing their part as godly mothers, in training up their children in the way of the Lord (Proverbs 22:6).

Mary was conscientious towards her child

“And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart” (Luke 2:51)

Some mothers in this world are too busy to give the necessary attention that their children require. Not Mary: she was an attentive mother. Granted, she had lost Jesus briefly when He was 12 years old. Eventually, she found Jesus in the temple conversing with the teachers of the law. Despite being only 12 years old, Jesus asked His earthly parents a profound question: “How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?” Instead of dissing her child off, Mary kept these words in her heart (Luke 2:49-51). We learn from Mary that parenting is not a one-way street. Parents need to learn to listen and be attentive to their children, so that we can understand their needs and problems. If we fail to be understanding towards them, it may be harder to nurture them; instead, we might provoke them to anger (Ephesians 6:4). To all mothers: have you been attentive towards your children?

We see Mary’s attentiveness towards Jesus in her diligence in training Him to serve God. This started even when Jesus was a baby, when she and Joseph brought Jesus to the temple to be circumcised (Luke 2:21). When Jesus was 12, they brought Jesus to Jerusalem to observe the Passover feast. The journey from Nazareth to Jerusalem was no short journey: during those days, it would be at least a day’s journey. Furthermore, when we see Jesus, at the age of 12, having the ability to reason with the religious teachers at the temple, it is a testimony to the work that Mary had done in the home. While fathers do have the responsibility to train the children (Ephesians 6:4), mothers have been tasked to be “keepers at home,” and that duty includes the upbringing of the children (Titus 2:4-5). We appreciate all mothers who have been training their children attentively and conscientiously.

Mary consecrated her child

“And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her” (Luke 1:38)

Some mothers in this world are concerned about whether their children can become financially well-to-do, so that they can become a source of financial support to them when they grow up. Not Mary: she dedicated Jesus for God’s service. The angel Gabriel had made it clear even before Jesus’ birth that He would be the Son of God and the Saviour of the world (Luke 2:26-38; Matthew 1:18-25). From the beginning, this was the task that Mary was prepared to do: to prepare Jesus to fulfil His duty towards the Father. To all mothers: are you preparing your children to serve the Lord?

Jesus grew up, and did indeed dedicate Himself to the Father’s work (John 6:38). At 30 years of age, Jesus began His 3.5 year ministry on earth, preaching the gospel throughout Israel. It was a thankless job, for Jesus did not even have a permanent place that He could call home (Matthew 8:20). Obviously, Mary could not count on Him for financial support. Furthermore, Jesus would ultimately die on the cross. Mary, who was there on Calvary, had to endure what no mother wishes to experience: she witnessed the death of her own child (John 19:25-27). Mary was a faithful mother who dedicated her child to God at her own personal cost. We appreciate all mothers who put aside their selfish desires in order to dedicate their children for the Lord’s service.

A call to all mothers

Society is pulling women away from their role as mothers. Society is changing the definition of womanhood and motherhood. To all mothers, do not allow society to detract you from the role that God has given to you. The most important work that you could ever do is not out there somewhere; it is in the home. Let us learn from Mary, to appreciate the role of motherhood; to be attentive mothers; to be mothers who will dedicate the children for the Lord’s service. May the Lord bless the precious hands that rock the cradle. Happy Mother’s Day!