A ONE-OF-A-KIND MOTHER'S DAY
John 19:25-27
Mother's Day at the Foot of the Cross

  1. Reflections of a Mother
    1. What would it have been like to be the mother of Jesus?
      1. In Luke 1, Angels come and announce Jesus' birth to Mary
      2. Luke 2:8-20, Shepherds hear about the birth & visit the baby Jesus
          Luke 2:17-20 "When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told."
      3. Luke 2:21-40, Jesus is presented at the Temple when He was 8 days old
          Luke 2:33-35 "The child's father and mother marveled at what was said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: 'This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.'"
      4. Luke 2:41-52, Jesus at 12 yrs. old in Temple
          Luke 2:51 "Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart."
    2. Some years later, notice the scene at the foot of the cross ….
      1. This was not just another day for Mary, the Mother of Jesus. Many dreaded the coming day as Jesus often spoke about His coming crucifixion and for years Mary had seen Jesus walk closer to this cursed hill called "the Skull."
        She would have gladly taken His place if it were possible, but it wasn't. Few people will stand by you like your mother.
      2. Out of His agony, Jesus looked upon His mother and His closest friend John and spoke the words….
          John 19:25-27 "Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, 'Dear woman, here is your son,' and to the disciple, 'Here is your mother.' From that time on, this disciple took her into his home."
    3. Following Jesus to the Cross involves Risk
      1. Jesus had often spoke about the Cross and the dangers of following Him.
        Mark 8:31-38
        1. Irony is that to gain eternal life, you have to die. Die to self & its desires
        2. What would you give in exchange for your soul?
        3. Those who risk everything for God will never lose
      2. Life here is so short in comparison to eternity.
        1. The older you get, the faster the years go by
        2. Capture the Moment with "Wet Oatmeal Kisses" by Erma Baumbeck

  2. Jesus and His Earthly Relatives (John 19:26-27)
    1. Some of Jesus' last words were to two people He loved the best; His Mother and Apostle John
    2. Mark 6:1-6 - Jesus had at least 4 brothers and 2 sisters, but they didn't believe in Him at this time (Mark 3:20-21, 31-35)
      1. They didn't want to be associated with a criminal so Jesus gave His mother into the care of John, the beloved Apostle.
      2. This was Jesus' last will and testament from the cross
    3. Jesus died as He lived--compassionately thinking of other people's needs

  3. Jesus' Ultimate Destiny
    1. Although Jesus cared deeply for His earthly relations, His first loyalty was to God.
      1. During Jesus' life, He was always about His Father's business.
    2. Jesus knew that the Cross was the very reason He was sent to this earth.
      1. 1 Timothy 2:3-6 "This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men--the testimony given in its proper time."
      2. Romans 5:6-8 "You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
      3. Mark 10:45 "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
    3. Mary could not keep her son from death because His destiny was the Cross and then He would return to heaven as redeemer to reign and rule with God, the Father.

  4. A Mother's Day Like No Other
    1. Mary would never experience another day like that day at the foot of the cross
    2. In fact, there will never have to be another Mother's Day at the cross because Jesus died for sins once for all.
    3. Because of His sacrifice, each of us can be a part of the family of God.
        Are you a part of God's family?

Ted Edwards

West-Ark Church of Christ, Fort Smith, AR
Morning Sermon, 9 May 1999

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