Sunday, May 4, 2008

Mothers in the New Testament

Monday May 5, 2008
2 Timothy 1:3-5 I thank God, whom I serve with a pure conscience, as my forefathers did, as without ceasing I remember you in my prayers night and day, greatly desiring to see you, being mindful of your tears, that I may be filled with joy, when I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also.
Background: the second letter to Timothy, 37years after the resurrection, was Paul’s last letter. He was imprisoned under harsh conditions as a common criminal under Nero and was soon decapitated.
*How does Paul link faith to service? Genuine faith leads Paul to serve God with a pure conscience, upholding Timothy, Eunice and Lois in prayer night and day.
*What do faithful mothers’ do? They pass on their faith to their children, who can tell what’s real.
Tuesday May 6, 2008
1 Thessalonians 2:7-8 But we were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children. So, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us.
Background: Forced by unbelieving Jews to leave Thessalonica after just a month of establishing a church there, Paul sends Timothy back to get news. Timothy returns with good news of faithfulness that prompts Paul to write this letter to the fledgling Assembly of believers.
*How does Paul use a nursing mother to present his message with similes’ and metaphors? 1. A baby is born: imparting the gospel of God leads the faithful to become a new creation. (2 Cor. 5:17)
2. Cherishing the newborn: Paul states he was gentle among them. 3. Mother sleeps lightly: Paul says he imparted his life 24/7 to them. 4. Mother’s love: Paul states they have become dear to him.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Matthew 12:47-50 Then one said to Him, “Look, Your mother and Your brothers are standing outside, seeking to speak with You.” But He answered and said to the one who told Him, “Who is My mother and who are My brothers?” And He stretched out His hand toward His disciples and said, “Here are My mother and My brothers! For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother.”
Background: this is the beginning stage of the Lord’s ministry.
*Was this statement dishonoring to the Lord’s family? No, it was to make the point that following God’s will makes one a part of the family of God. John 3:16 clarifies this will as whoever believes in the Son has everlasting life. There is no indication that the Lord did not meet later with His family.
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Matthew 20:20-23 Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons came to Him with her sons, kneeling down and asking something from Him. And He said to her, “What do you wish?” She said to Him, “Grant that these two sons of mine may sit, one on Your right hand and the other on the left, in Your kingdom.” But Jesus answered and said, “You do not know what you ask. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?” They said to Him, “We are able.” So He said to them, “You will indeed drink My cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with; but to sit on My right hand and on My left is not Mine to give, but it is for those for whom it is prepared by My Father.”
Background: this is the late stage of the Lord’s ministry.
*What did the mother of James and John want for her sons? Misunderstanding Christ’s kingdom as earthly, displacing the hated Roman rule, the mother wanted her sons to be the left- and right-hand men of the Lord. They concurred and later became martyrs for their faith.
Friday, May 9, 2008
John 2:3-4 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.”
John 19:26-27 When Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing by, He said to His mother, “Woman, behold your son!” Then He said to the disciple, “Behold your mother!” And from that hour that disciple took her to his own home.
Background: this is the beginning and end of the Lord’s ministry.
*What was Jesus Christ’s concern? It always was to do His Father’s will-to die for the sins of the world, having none of his own, and thus provide salvation for those who believed in Him. Even on the cross, however, he was concerned for her welfare.

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