4: A Mom Who Became a Disciple
Key Passage
On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus' mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine was gone, Jesus' mother said to him, “They have no more wine.”
“Woman, why do you involve me?” Jesus replied. “My hour has not yet come.”
His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”
John 2:1-5
Devotional
Newspaper headlines often give you a snapshot of cultural sentiments regarding a particular subject in life. Here's a couple of recent newspaper headlines about the subject of motherhood:
"The Tragedy of Being a New Mom in America" - The Wall Street Journal
"How Society Has Turned Its Back on Mothers" - The New York Times
"Moms Express Concern about Kids Sports Starting at 4 Years Old" - MSN.com
"How Working Mothers Can End the Day Less Depleted" - Forbes.com
Let's face it - motherhood is an essential, significant, joyful, and challenging assignment. In addition to the historical pressures of raising children and the changing landscape of the American household, there is less support for moms in today's culture than ever. So, as Christians in the 2020s and beyond, we must respond to these difficult headwinds and ask, "What does it look like for a mom to be a disciple?"
The testimony of Mary in the Scripture is so essential in answering this question because we are given a beautiful model of a mom who became a disciple. Mary was not a preacher (though mothers can be), a business leader (though this is also possible), or one of the extraordinary evangelists in the New Testament storyline. Instead, she is known as Jesus' mom. And she also became a disciple.
What can moms today learn from Mary who also want to continue their own journeys of discipleship?
• Mary "was there." She showed up! Sometimes, the very presence of a mother is a ministry in and of itself. She was in the presence of Jesus and put herself amid a divine opportunity. Moms show up!
• Mary noticed a need. Mary somehow had developed a keen awareness of the moment's need, probably due to hosting or being part of events like this herself. She noticed the lack of wine. God had given her the gift of perspective.
• Mary involved Jesus. The meaning of this miracle (Jesus turning water to wine) is multifaceted. The miracle has a practical, relational, and spiritual dimension.
• Mary involved others. She said, "Do whatever He tells you." While Mary was not called to pour the wine herself, she had the leadership ability to get others involved.
The above actions are simple, but powerful. Jesus' first miracle would have never happened without the intervention of His mom. The four actions above might also be crucial to your discipleship journey if you are a mother.
Moms - Where is God calling you to maintain a presence, even in this busy season? What needs is He showing you there? How can you involve Jesus and others in meeting those needs?
Daily Prayer
"God, I thank you for motherhood and for the mothers in my life. I pray for the mothers in our community (include yourself if you are a mom). Invite them into deeper friendship with You. Strengthen them and give them the ability to be present in the lives of others. Amen."