By Obinna Ejianya (9News Nigeria – Melbourne, Australia)
Today is Mother’s Day here in Australia, and I believe that similar celebrations honoring mothers take place in other parts of the world as well. This presents an opportunity to extend Mother’s Day greetings from Australia to the rest of the world and to emphasize the importance of true love and care for our mothers. Mother’s Day is not limited to biological mothers alone; it is a day to honor all maternal figures who play nurturing roles in our lives, including grandmothers, aunts, sisters, and friends.
(Bible reference: John 19:26-27 – When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, “Woman, here is your son,” and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.)
In the Bible, John 19:26-27 recounts a powerful example of love for mothers. Jesus Christ, in his selfless nature, demonstrated deep concern for his mother even in his final moments. Knowing that he would soon depart from this world, Jesus ensured that his mother would be cared for by entrusting her to the disciple he loved, John. This act of love reminds us of the importance of cherishing and providing for our parents, even when facing challenging circumstances.
Jesus Christ serves as a perfect example of living a righteous life in a flawed world. His teachings and actions have shown us the path to perfection, and he declared himself to be the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). His love for his mother exemplifies the depth of compassion and devotion that we should strive to emulate.
“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.'” – John 14:6 (NKJV)
According to accounts in the Bible, Jesus had a beloved disciple named John, whom he deeply loved. The Gospel of John portrays this disciple as a close personal friend of the Lord. Alongside Martha, Lazarus, and Mary, John is explicitly described in this Gospel as the one whom Jesus loved (see John 11:3, 5). Furthermore, John’s position at the table during the Last Supper demonstrated not only honor but also a sense of intimacy and closeness.
Recognizing the importance of ensuring his mother’s well-being, Jesus understood the need to entrust her to someone he had tested and trusted. He sought an individual who would faithfully fulfill the role of an earthly son to his mother, Mary.
A lesson derived from this exemplary demonstration of love for a mother is that children should love their mothers, provide for them, and ensure their safety and protection.
Another lesson from the Bible passage in John 19:26-27 is that Jesus Christ deemed John worthy of his trust to the point of entrusting the welfare of his mother to him. It prompts us to reflect on whether our friends can trust us to the extent that they are confident that, should anything happen to them, we would be able to care for their mother or family.
“When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, ‘Woman, here is your son,’ and to the disciple, ‘Here is your mother.’ From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.”
Sadly, in today’s society, there are instances where children neglect or abandon their parents, including their mothers. Self-centeredness and a lack of genuine love have contributed to this unfortunate trend. However, the account of Jesus and his mother teaches us the importance of valuing and caring for our parents, regardless of the circumstances. It also highlights the significance of being trustworthy friends who can support and safeguard one another’s families.
On this Mother’s Day, not only in Australia but around the world, let us take the opportunity to rekindle our love and appreciation for our mothers and maternal figures. May we strive to be worthy of the trust placed in us by our friends and loved ones. By following the example set by Jesus, we can work towards a more compassionate and loving world, where mothers are cherished and cared for with utmost respect and gratitude.
By Obinna Ejianya (9News Nigeria – Melbourne, Australia)
