Example of a Great Mother!

Scripture Text

Luke 1:26-38, 45-55, John 19:25-27

Intro: As we honor our mothers today I would like for us to look at some characteristics that make a great mother. In the bible we have the story of the greatest mother that ever lived. Her name is Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord. What made her so great?                                  

 I. Mary was chosen and highly favored of God. Luke 1:28a (NKJV)  And having come in, the angel said to her, "Rejoice, highly favored one,

    God was well  pleased with her life.

God saw the pureness of her heart and her love for Him. She was the ideal woman to be Jesus’ mother. God chose Mary to fulfill His plan for her life! (V:26) God has chosen you Mother to fulfill His plans for your life. He has highly favored you thru His Son Jesus.

II. The Lord’s presence was with Mary. Luke 1:28b the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!" She was blessed among women. She was blessed because the Lord God was with her and she was to become the mother of His Son, Jesus Christ. She was the special recipient of God’s grace and so are you Mother. Since Christ has come, every mother and person can now... be highly favored by God: have the Lord's presence with them, and be blessed among all others. A godly mother is blessed among women!

III. Mary was to bear the Messiah. Luke 1:31-33 (NKJV) 

31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus. 32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. 33 And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end." God chose her apparently, because from her response throughout this passage, she had a sweet spirit that was full of softness, warmth, and tenderness, and she was responsive and willing,thoughtful and kind. Godly mothers are to have these same characteristics. They bear the fruit of the Spirit . Galatians 5:22-23 (NKJV) 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 

23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. Mothers are very important in carrying out the plan of God for the world just as Mary. We wouldn't be here otherwise! Where would we be without godly mothers in our lives? Godly mother's display God's love to her family and others!

 IV. Mary was submissive to God’s will. Luke 1:38 (NKJV)  Then Mary said, "Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her. Mary submitted to God's will, knowing that she was merely the Lord’s servant. Mary obeyed despite the risks, "Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word." She took the risk of faith, for she knew that God was asking her to serve him. God's will for all mothers is to be submissive to His will in every area of their lives! His way is best!

 V. Mary read and memorized God’s word. Luke 1:45-55 (NKJV) ⁴⁵ Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of those things which were told her from the Lord." ⁴⁶ And Mary said: "My soul magnifies the Lord, ⁴⁷ And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. ⁴⁸ For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant; For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed. ⁴⁹ For He who is mighty has done great things for me, And holy is His name. ⁵⁰ And His mercy is on those who fear Him From generation to generation. ⁵¹ He has shown strength with His arm; He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. ⁵² He has put down the mighty from their thrones, And exalted the lowly. ⁵³ He has filled the hungry with good things, And the rich He has sent away empty. ⁵⁴ He has helped His servant Israel, In remembrance of His mercy, ⁵⁵ As He spoke to our fathers, To Abraham and to his seed forever." 

God's word was of utmost importance to Mary. It took priority in her life.

1.  God was the subject of her song (v.46).

2.  Mary rejoiced in God her Savior for His favor toward her. (v.47-48).

3.  Mary proclaimed the greatness of God’s power, holiness, mercy, and faithfulness, strength. (v.49-55). She taught her faith to Jesus as He grew up!

 VI. Jesus' love for His mother an example for us. John 19:25-27 (NKJV) ²⁵ Now there stood by the cross of Jesus His mother, and His mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. ²⁶ When Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing by, He said to His mother, "Woman, behold your son!" ²⁷ Then He said to the disciple, "Behold your mother!" And from that hour that disciple took her to his own home. The first woman mentioned at the Cross is Jesus’ mother. She was there because of her never ending love for her Son, and Jesus' love for His mother was evident by His making provisions for Her welfare even in the midst of His great suffering. We are to follow Jesus' example and show love and help take care of our mothers if they are still living. How many mothers are neglected as they grow older? May that never be said of your mother because mothers are God's gift to the world. She brought you into being!

Conclusion: If your mother is living, tell her and show her your love not only today but every remaining day she has left on this earth. Show honor to her! Let her know how you feel about her!

Invitation: Mary proclaimed in Luke 1:47 ^“My spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.” Can you say the same today? Do you know for sure as Mary did that God has saved you through Jesus Christ? If not confess your sins to Jesus and ask him to forgive and save you right now. Every mother living or in Heaven wants all of their children saved so they can see them in Heaven!