February 16

Honor Your Mom

 

On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding.  When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They have no more wine.”

“Woman, why do you involve me?” Jesus replied. “My hour has not yet come.”

  ––John 2:1-4

It’s interesting that Jesus was about 30 when Mary nudged Him to turn the water into wine at the Cana wedding. While God could have launched Jesus into public ministry when he was say, 21, He instead waited until Jesus was 30. And even then, the biblical evidence suggests that it was actually Mary who decided “now’s the time.” Re-read today’s verse and note the exchange between mother and son. Doesn’t that sound like a classic—and slightly humorous—mom ask? “They have no more wine.” I can just imagine Mary’s look that went along with the statement: That wasn’t a question.

Of course, Jesus knew exactly what the subtle comment meant; His response is really interesting. It sounds like the answer I probably would have given my mom at age 30 if she asked me to do something I really didn’t want to do: “Why do you involve me?”

For years I thought, Wow, Jesus was kinda rude to His mom there! I mean, if my mom asked me to do something, I never would have responded by calling her “woman”! Here’s what I believe is going in: In this moment there is a shift from Mary being his mom, to Mary being a divine catalyst for Him to enter His time of official ministry. In other words, “woman” here can also be equivalent to our word, “ma’am,” which is a respectful term reserved for older woman. Even further, “woman” in the gospels was not a sign of disrespect, but rather a polite, often affectionate form of address equivalent to “ma’am” or “lady”––a polite way to address a woman. Overall, the term indicates that Jesus saw women as individuals worthy of direct, personal interaction, often using the address of “woman” in moments of profound theological or relational significance.

On the human level, is Jesus hesitant? Slightly irked? Both, it seems. But, He obeys His mom and again, on a spiritual level, something shifts: His public ministry has begun.

Jesus models respect for His mother, and gives us some key guidelines.

Respecting our parents isn’t an emotion, it’s a mandate. This one is tough for some of you to hear, I know. If you had a poor relationship with your mom, or were mistreated or abused, extending respect is a big pill to swallow. Thankfully, the action of respect does not require emotional agreement. Put another way, God can provide the grace you need to do something you otherwise couldn’t do. I’ve seen it over and over in my life: An adult son who was abandoned, neglected, or otherwise mistreated by his mom is finally able to forgive her. What once seemed impossible due to bitterness and trauma is suddenly possible through the supernatural direction and guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Jesus modeled respect toward His mother, even when He said, “It is not yet my time,” inferring that she was asking Him to begin His public ministry before the appointed time. His response? He honored His mother’s request to turn the water into wine—the first of His public miracles.

No matter what kind of relationship you have (or had) with your mom, it’s important to extend respect. It may not be easy, but I guarantee you that when you take this biblical step to honor you mother (and your father), the Lord will honor your actions.

Father, thank You for my mom, and help me to show her the respect You desire for me to show her.