Mary of Nazareth, the wife of Joseph of the tribe of Judah, was the mother of Jesus the Nazarene, the Christ through whom Yahweh redeemed the world. She is a fascinating figure in the Bible, and we hear very little of her when Jesus began active ministry. What kind of mother was she to Jesus, and what can mothers learn from her example?
According to the synoptic accounts, Mary was the earthly vessel through whom the Messiah entered this world. Her body housed and nurtured the fetus that was to become the saviour of the world. That was a huge task, being a carrier of and for Yahweh. Since there was no record of a sickly baby Jesus, it’s safe to believe that Mary took good care of herself during her pregnancy. Knowing what mandate lay on the head of the baby she had, she must have been careful and highly selective of many things
Mary didn’t have many friends then; according to Luke, she pondered things in her heart. There’s a point in motherhood where you don’t have to tell anyone what’s happening in your child’s life. Imagine what would have happened if Mary had gone around announcing to all who had ears to listen that the baby she was carrying was a miracle baby who would save the entire world. Jesus would have died too early, and the world would have been in peril.
Who Mary associated with
Mary was going through a novel event, and no matter how much she loved and respected her parents, they wouldn’t understand what she was dealing with. So, she went to Elizabeth, the other person who was going to have a miracle baby. And as soon as Elizabeth saw her, Elizabeth knew! Her baby knew! Then flowed words of magnification from Mary. It comforted Mary that Elizabeth understood her. We also find comfort in knowing that people understand us even though we have not said much. Iron sharpens iron, and Mary would need all the grace and oil that Elizabeth carried when her own time came.
Mary kept everything to herself and pondered over the incidents of Jesus: from the visit of the wise men from the East to the disappearance of Jesus from their caravan only to be found three days later in the temple.
What lessons can mothers pick from Mary, the mother of Jesus?
Receive prophetic instructions about your children
Knowing their mission here on earth will define clearly how to raise them. It is not too late to find out what your child’s mission and destiny is. You must also know how you will aid their development to attain the goal.
Associate with like-minded people
Mothers with vision must mingle with other mothers with vision. Never mingle with those without a vision or a plan for their children. Be respectful, kind, and polite, but don’t keep company. They are not going anywhere and they may drag you with them.
Meditate more than you meddle
Mary “pondered” over finding Jesus in the temple after they had looked for him for three days. After that, Jesus remained obedient to his mother. Mary didn’t discuss him, from what we know in the Bible. Be selective about what you tell people about your children. Not everyone will worship them; some will actually bring down a whole nation/community just to kill your miracle child.
Be ready to stand by your child throughout their journey to fulfillment of destiny
Even though we hear little of Mary after Jesus started His ministry, we know that was always near. She was there when the passion began, and she stood at Golgotha as her son bled out. Even then, she didn’t announce that He was the Messiah. She stood by Him until he finished his job and ascended into Heaven. Then she stayed with the disciples.
Focus on your assignment towards your child and yourself.
Even though Mary carried the saviour, she accorded respect to Elizabeth, her senior. She didn’t carry herself proudly because she was the mother of the Messiah. But she stuck to her own assignment, raising Jesus with the revelation that she received. Your child is only better at the assignment they have been given. They are not necessarily better than all other children.
As mothers, we carry the seed of the next generation and nurture it to fruition for the benefit of all and sundry. Don’t downplay your importance in the life and destiny of your child and the community as a whole.
