T2W Fall Online Bible Study

Week Four –  Love Our Neighbor- Teach Our Children
Women of the Bible - Mary mother of Jesus
by Carri Pratt

“But to the saints that are in the earth, 

and to the excellent, in whom is all my delight.” Psalm 16:3

Mary's Story

One of the greatest saints and most compassionate encouragers was Mary, mother of Jesus Christ.  Consider her words immediately following the amazing news that she would bear the child of God, "I am the Lord's slave, said Mary. "May it be done to me according to your word." Then the angel left her."  Luke 1:38  Facing great persecution she simply gave in to the will of God.  Would we be so willing to bear such a responsibility?

As mothers, we have the same responsibility Mary had in raising Jesus, to teach them the things God wants them to know.  "And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man." Luke 2:52  

It is an amazing fact that it was Mary who encouraged Jesus to do His first miracle! When they were attending a wedding Mary noticed that the wine was gone.  The wedding was most probably for a family member, which would explain why Mary seemed to feel a personal obligation to the groom.  When Mary encouraged Jesus to perform His first miracle, His response was, “What has this concern of yours to do with Me, woman?” Jesus asked. “My hour has not yet come.” John 2:4

Mary had great faith.  She knew Jesus was the Son of God and could do great things.  She believed in Him and encouraged Him in a loving manner.  If Mary's actions assisted Jesus in beginning His ministry, then, what can our praise do for our own children?  All mothers have an amazing ministry within their own home encouraging and teaching their children.  We also have a responsibility to encourage our brothers and sisters in Christ, also known as the "saints that are on the earth" Psalm 16:3.

 

It is our obligation as daughters of God to reach out to our children, family members, and Christian sisters with love, support, truth and encouragement.  Peace and joy can be ours if we choose to share our Savior's love and delight in our saintly/earthly family.

Challenge:  Remind your child that God loves them. Encourage your child to do what God has put him or her on this earth to do.  Pick one Christian sister to "share delight" with this week.

Read Mary's story at www.Biblegateway.com