Photo Credit – ogranizeyourstuffnow.com/wordpress
The sixth message in a series called “Not a Fan” will be presented at the church I attend today. The message is titled “A Mom’s Amazing Journey”. The sermons can be listened to or watched by clicking on the link called Pastor’s Podcast on the page at this link: First United Methodist Church Waco.
Below is an outline of the message. I will be helping today during the message as I operate the computer and camera used to present the message. Later today, I will watch the podcast and write some thoughts. Have a wonderful Mother’s Day.
The words in black were prepared by the church staff and the words in blue were notes I included as I listened.
1. GOD’S PLANS INCLUDES MOMS.
“This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary…”
Matthew 1:18 (NIV)
“Mary responded, ‘I am the Lord’s servant, and I am willing to accept
whatever He wants. May everything you have said come true.’ And
then the angel left.” – Luke 1:38 (NLT)
For all Moms, God has a plan and purpose for you. Mary’s response was “Yes” to the angel.
2. REAL MOMS HAVE REAL STRUGGLES.
“After the celebration was over, they started home to Nazareth, but
Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents didn’t miss Him at first,
because they assumed He was with friends among the other travelers.
… His parents didn’t know what to think. ‘Son!’ His mother said to
Him. ‘Why have You done this to us? Your father and I have been
frantic, searching for You everywhere.’ ” – Luke 2:43-44 & 48 (NLT)
Jesus is twelve and they go to the Passover. Mary and Joseph loose Jesus but he was not really lost but He was in His Father’s house. Jesus had a bigger mission that was bigger than His family.
3. MARY’S CHILD WAS ALSO GOD’S CHILD.
“ ‘They have no more wine’ she told Him. ‘How does that concern you
and Me?’ Jesus asked. ‘My time has not come yet.’ But His mother
told the servants, ‘Do whatever He tells you.’” – John 2:3b-5 (NLT)
There is this transition taking place between Jesus and Mary. Jesus has an earthly family but God is making preparations for Jesus to be head of a new family called the church family.
4. MARY’S CHILD CAME TO BEGIN A NEW FAMILY.
“Someone told Jesus, ‘Your mother and Your brothers are outside,
and they want to speak to You.’ Jesus asked, ‘Who is My mother?
Who are My brothers?’ Then He pointed to His disciples and said,
‘These are My mother and brothers. Anyone who does the will of My
Father in heaven…’ ” – Matthew 12:47-48 (NLT)
History is changing at this point. There is a distance between Mary and Jesus because God was in the process of forming not a nuclear family but a God family through grace and forgiveness by Christ on the Cross. The church family is in all places throughout the world. Every child is not just a child of a family but also a child of God.
5. THE END IS REALLY THE BEGINNING.
“When Jesus saw His mother standing there beside the disciple He
loved, He said to her, ‘Woman, this is your son.’ And He said to this
disciple, ‘She is your mother.’ And from then on the disciples took her
into his home.” – John 19:26 – 27 (NLT)
Mary saw many amazing things but also many dark things. She saw her Son on the Cross. Jesus was in the process of growing a new eternal family.
6. THE NEW FAMILY BEGAN WITH PRAYER.
“They all met together continually for prayer, along with Mary the
mother of Jesus, several other women, and the brothers of Jesus.” – Acts 1:14
Over two thousand years later, the family of God is now on the other side of the planet; right at your local church. Mary became not just the mother of Jesus but also His follower just like you.
This Day With God - A Spiritual Journey 