By Ronya Osman
I believe that motherhood is a divine call to discipleship, commissioned to us by Christ himself. As mothers, I feel that we should pay close attention to Jesus’ relationship with His disciples. Jesus had an intimate relationship with His disciples. He was patient, and encouraging. He trained, forgave, and loved them. Jesus drew them to a life of purpose and meaning and I believe we are to do the same with our children. Of course, our Father will draw our children to Him through grace. We are not expected to be God, but we are expected to “Feed His Lambs”.
"I believe that motherhood is a divine call to discipleship, commissioned to us by Christ himself. "
In 1st Peter the Word says “Be shepherds to God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be. Not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.”
In John, Jesus commands two separate things of His disciples. Feed my lambs and take care of my sheep.
When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?" "Yes, Lord," he said, "you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my lambs." Again Jesus said, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me?" He answered, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Take care of my sheep."(John 21:15-16)
Lambs are young sheep and Jesus requests something especially different for His lambs. Keep in mind that lambs are not only the young in age, but also the young in grace. We are to feed His lambs; otherwise, they will go hungry. God’s word is the nourishment our children so desperately need, Matthew 4:4 Jesus answered, ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ If left hungry they will feed on the poisonous pastures of the world. No matter how much teaching and feeding we do, our children will be exposed to this world, and the devil will deceive them at one point or another, but the Word says, in Proverbs 22:6, “Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.” I wholeheartedly trust that if our children are filled to the brim with nourishment and if we, as mothers commissioned by Christ, shepherd our lambs, shelter and protect them, they will not be devoured by the wolves of the world.
In 2nd Corinthians, Paul explains that we are Christ’s ambassadors. The definition of an ambassador is an authorized representative or messenger. We have been trusted with this unofficial position of representing Christ. Jesus has called us to share His Word and love with others. What better place to start then with our children? This is a huge responsibility, but when Christ calls someone to a certain work, he gives him or her what he or she needs to carry out that work.
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age(Matthew 28:19-20).
Notice that Jesus made sure he fed Simon breakfast before commissioning him.
When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?" "Yes, Lord," he said, "you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my lambs."
It is important for us to have our own fill of nourishment first, before we can suitably nourish our children. Once we are filled with the gospel and love in Christ, we can teach love. Once there is a fire burning in our hearts, then we can convey that fire to our children. Jesus intercedes for us. Let us draw near to him and seek His counsel daily. Let us ask for His help during this commission of holy work known as motherhood.
I believe that motherhood is a divine call to discipleship, commissioned to us by Christ himself. As mothers, I feel that we should pay close attention to Jesus’ relationship with His disciples. Jesus had an intimate relationship with His disciples. He was patient, and encouraging. He trained, forgave, and loved them. Jesus drew them to a life of purpose and meaning and I believe we are to do the same with our children. Of course, our Father will draw our children to Him through grace. We are not expected to be God, but we are expected to “Feed His Lambs”.
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In 1st Peter the Word says “Be shepherds to God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be. Not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.”
In John, Jesus commands two separate things of His disciples. Feed my lambs and take care of my sheep.
When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?" "Yes, Lord," he said, "you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my lambs." Again Jesus said, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me?" He answered, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Take care of my sheep."(John 21:15-16)
Lambs are young sheep and Jesus requests something especially different for His lambs. Keep in mind that lambs are not only the young in age, but also the young in grace. We are to feed His lambs; otherwise, they will go hungry. God’s word is the nourishment our children so desperately need, Matthew 4:4 Jesus answered, ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ If left hungry they will feed on the poisonous pastures of the world. No matter how much teaching and feeding we do, our children will be exposed to this world, and the devil will deceive them at one point or another, but the Word says, in Proverbs 22:6, “Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.” I wholeheartedly trust that if our children are filled to the brim with nourishment and if we, as mothers commissioned by Christ, shepherd our lambs, shelter and protect them, they will not be devoured by the wolves of the world.
In 2nd Corinthians, Paul explains that we are Christ’s ambassadors. The definition of an ambassador is an authorized representative or messenger. We have been trusted with this unofficial position of representing Christ. Jesus has called us to share His Word and love with others. What better place to start then with our children? This is a huge responsibility, but when Christ calls someone to a certain work, he gives him or her what he or she needs to carry out that work.
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age(Matthew 28:19-20).
Notice that Jesus made sure he fed Simon breakfast before commissioning him.
When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?" "Yes, Lord," he said, "you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my lambs."
It is important for us to have our own fill of nourishment first, before we can suitably nourish our children. Once we are filled with the gospel and love in Christ, we can teach love. Once there is a fire burning in our hearts, then we can convey that fire to our children. Jesus intercedes for us. Let us draw near to him and seek His counsel daily. Let us ask for His help during this commission of holy work known as motherhood.
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