Happy Mother's Day!

For Sunday, May 11, 2025:

John 2:5 ESV: “Jesus’ mother said to the servants, ‘Do whatever he tells you.’”

Mary, Jesus and his disciples were all invited to a wedding in Cana. Back then, a wedding was a multi-day celebration. The reception could last for a week! But this festivity was embarrassingly about to end prematurely. They had run out of wine. Because water wasn’t purified like it is nowadays, wine was the standard beverage served with meals, so without wine, the gala would come to an abrupt halt.

Mary commented to her son, “They have run out of wine,” to which Jesus replied, “What does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come.” Mary ignored his protest and told the servers, “Do whatever Jesus tells you!”

So Jesus stepped up and did the right thing. He honored his mother! Jesus had the servers bring big stone water jars to the Maitre’d. While being transported, the water changed into wine, and the Maitre’d asked why they had saved the best wine for last?

So examining Jesus’ behavior, even though it was not yet his time to go public with his ministry, it was a good decision to honor mom. Following his example, today we celebrate Mother’s Day in the US. It’s a good day to figuratively put mom up on a pedestal. My own mother has passed, so I can only remember her. But I honor my wife, the mother of my children. I honor my two daughters and my son’s wife, who are mothers to my grandchildren.

As Christians, we should honor all women, whether or not they are actually mothers. God saw that it was not good for man to be alone, so he gave us partners. Honoring women honors God’s decision! We should follow in Jesus’ footsteps and honor our mothers and all women – especially today!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Jesus' Mother

For Sunday, May 9, 2021 – Happy Mother’s Day!

John 19:26-27 NLT: “When Jesus saw his mother standing there beside the disciple he loved, he said to her, “Dear woman, here is your son.” And he said to this disciple, “Here is your mother.” And from then on this disciple took her into his home.”

Even when faced with his earthly demise, Jesus made sure his mother was well cared for. Q: Who could help out? Who was his best friend? Who could he trust?

A: John, one of his best friends – one of the 12 – one of his close inner circle – kind, loving and gentle John. Jesus knew that his mother would be in good hands with John --- and conversely, John would be in good hands with her! Jesus had given each of them a future – he had shown them hope during a dark time!

So today we honor mothers and all women – Why? Because they’re awesome, but also because that’s what Jesus did!

Blessings and safety to all today!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship, 3249 30th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55406

Honor your Mother

May 4, 2015 Monday Message:

“Jesus said to the disciple whom He loved, ‘Here is your mother.’ And from then on, this disciple took her into his home.” John 19:27 NLT

This coming Sunday is Mother’s Day. I believe that God sees Mothers as special people, and apparently Jesus feels that way too. From the cross, his concern wasn’t for himself, but rather for the provision and ongoing safety of his mother.

Last Sunday at church, a shall child approached an older woman, shouting, “Grandma!” She whispered to me, “We’re not really related. It’s just that everybody calls me ‘grandma.’” I think Jesus would have liked that. Some women are mothers to their children; and other women are mothers to us all. God is responsible for placing all these women in our midst.

Several years ago, I compiled a Mother’s Day prayer for use in a worship service. I think we’ll use it again this year. Feel free to use it yourself, or to share it. Let’s all honor the special women in our lives on this special day.

Mother’s Day Prayer:

Most Gracious Heavenly Father,

We thank You for all mothers, to whom You have entrusted the care of human life from its very beginning in the womb, those with selfless motherly-love for the children in their lives.

LORD, be with all women, including those who may have no children of their own, yet unselfishly care for the children of others. Father, may they know the joy of fulfilling this motherly calling of women, whether in teaching, nursing, religious life, or any other work or relationship that shines the light of Jesus into the world.

May all mothers teach faith to their children, growing daily in the knowledge of Jesus. Grant women the wisdom to share this knowledge faithfully with all who depend upon them.

And through the Holy Spirit, comfort those who sorrow for children who have died; comfort parents whose children who are ill; comfort those with children estranged from their families, children who are in trouble or danger of any kind. Help grieving parents rely on Your tender mercy, LORD, and the knowledge that You love ALL your children.

And God, fill our women with your inspiration, strength, and heavenly blessing. May they receive Your Grace abundantly in this life, and share eternity in Your presence in the life to come.

We pray to You in the name of Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord and Risen Savior. AMEN.”

Norton Lawellin

Let’s worship together! Jesus in the City Fellowship (JICF) gathers at 10 a.m. every Sunday in the North end (gym) of the Oliver Ministry Building, 2647 Bloomington Ave., Minneapolis. This week, May 10, we’ll first honor the special women in our lives, and then open up Acts 20. See you at church!