Devotional: Spiritual Mothers

Read John 19:25-27 Most of us are familiar with this text. It is one of the seven last saying of Jesus from the cross. As Jesus hangs dying, He entrusts the care of His mother into the hands of the disciple whom He loves, believed to be John the son of Zebedee. In Sunday school and in commentaries emphasis is placed on Jesus’ concern for his mother who is poor. Recently I have been thinking about this text. After all Mary did have other children including Jesus’ brother James. James became the head of the church in Jerusalem and he wrote the book that bears his name. Why did Jesus tell his mother and the disciple that they were now mother and son? Why did the disciple take Mary into his home? As stated, Jesus had other sibling, but they did not yet believe that Jesus was the Messiah .Also, there was an occasion when His mother and brothers and sisters were looking for him. When Jesus was told that they wanted to see Him He said, “‘My mother and My brothers are these who hear the word of God and do it’” (Luke 8:21, NASB). This reminds me of my time lived in Cleveland, Ohio. There were several older women who called me son. Many of these women had their own sons, and they knew that my mother was living. They called me son because of the spiritual nature of our relationship. If you are blessed to have a spiritual mother who looks out for your welfare, thank God. A spiritual mother is one who gives you a home in her heart. This person (s) may be your biological mother and/or some other woman who loves you and values your relationship. Father in heaven we thank you for our mothers, our biological mothers and our spiritual mothers. Amen.