John 2:1-7 On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Now both Jesus and His disciples were invited to the wedding. And when they ran out of wine, the mother of Jesus said to Him, “They have no wine.” Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does your concern have to do with Me? My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Whatever He says to you, do it. ” Now there were set there six waterpots of stone, according to the manner of purification of the Jews, containing twenty or thirty gallons apiece. Jesus said to them, “Fill the waterpots with water.” And they filled them up to the brim.
When I remembered that today is Mother’s Day, I began singing various songs acquainted with Mother’s Day like, I’ll Always Love My Mama, Mama Said, and A Song for Mama. But what got stuck in my head was the 1990 LL Cool J (James Todd Smith) song, Mama Said Knock You Out! (Please don’t ask me why) But as I rehearsed the words of the chorus in my head, I began to recount the influence her love, guidance and correct had on my life. More importantly, I recalled her impact on my walk with the Lord. And while neither mom, or anyone else, can cause me to have fellowship with Christ, she certainly played a major role on my decision making.
If you grew up anything like me, you understand that while you might not like church, or might not want to be saved, as long as you live in mama’s house, you will abide by mama’s rules…and that included going to church and participating while you’re there. Period!
As we review today’s scripture we see that the mother of Jesus played a significant role in his ministry. I love how she commandeered his assistance (as only a mother could). Jesus was reluctant to begin his ministry, stating, My hour has not yet come. But, true to form, Mary did what most moms do. She paid him no attention. She acted like she didn’t even hear him. I love it! Lol
If you’re not familiar with this story, please note that Jesus followed his mother’s wishes and turned those gallons of water into the best wine the party goers had ever had. This scene is often referred to as his first miracle. However, I would argue that it may have been his first public miracle, and first recorded miracle, but Mary knew something about Jesus that the rest of the folk didn’t know. That the rest of us don’t know. We know him as Lord, Savior, King, Deliverer and Prince of Peace. She knew him as her son. A son she was determined to help reach his Devine destiny.
This distinction is important for us to review this morning not simply because it’s Mother’s Day, but to truly begin to understand the significance of the legacy of salvation that we all must strive to leave. It’s natural for us to get emotional when we think of our moms and dads…mostly moms! And that loving feeling is associated with lessons learned, wisdom shared, stories told and secrets unraveled. But I tell you, there’s nothing better than having a mom that’s living a holy and acceptable life before God. A mom that understands your gifting, talent, calling and election. Someone totally and unapologetically dedicated to your success.
If I were to rant this morning, I would only remind mothers and fathers, sisters and brother, aunts and uncles and adults everywhere that our charge is to make Christian soldiers of our young people, not worldly friends. There are times that we must use our influence, wisdom and knowledge to push our youths to heights they never knew they could reach. We often wonder why they aren’t worshiping with us, and serving with us. But I must ask,’did you bring them with you’? And when you did, did you make them participate? Have we created space for themin our program to be all they can be? Mary did.
Dearest Children of God, Mary seized an opportunity for her beloved son to demonstrate his giftedness that in many respects set him on his way to a glorious ministry. I dare not say that he wouldn’t have had a wonderful ministry without her; but I can certainly imagine that her support was significant. So much so that his Father, included it in the holy text.
God bless
Thanks mom!
