READ | SERMON NOTES
SUMMARY l Mother’s Day often brings up emotional questions. One familiar example is the shipwreck scenario: if only one person could be saved, would it be your spouse or your mother? While there may be no right answer, it reminds us how precious and irreplaceable mothers are. The sermon centred on Matthew 15:21-28, where Jesus commended the Canaanite woman’s “great faith” as she sought healing for her suffering daughter. The passage highlights three reasons to honour and thank God for mothers.
- Thank God for Mothers Who Brave Great Obstacles for Their Children (Matthew 15:21–24)
The Canaanite woman faced enormous barriers in approaching Jesus. She lived in a patriarchal society where women generally did not approach rabbis publicly. She also interrupted Jesus during a time of withdrawal with His disciples. As a Gentile and Canaanite, she was considered unclean and historically hostile to the Jews. Humanly speaking, she had every reason to stay away. Yet none of these obstacles mattered because her daughter was suffering.
This reflects the nature of motherhood. Mothers willingly leave their comfort zones and endure hardship for their children. One example shared was of a mother who travelled alone to China years ago seeking cancer treatment for her son despite the uncertainty of the journey. Another grandmother lovingly cared for her unresponsive granddaughter for twelve years after a terrible accident and later thanked God for the years she could still love the child.
Mothers are often taken for granted. They may seem repetitive, nagging, or overly concerned, but much of this is simply their way of expressing care and staying connected to their children. One day, only memories of their voice and presence may remain. Proverbs 31:28 reminds us that children are called to rise up and call their mothers blessed.
- Thank God for Mothers Who Bear Pain and Humiliation for Their Children (Matthew 15:25–26)
The Canaanite woman not only faced obstacles; she also endured humiliation. Even when Jesus initially responded that His ministry was directed first to Israel, she refused to give up. She kept pleading and crying out for mercy because her love for her daughter was greater than her pride. Likewise, many mothers quietly endure pain, criticism, and sacrifice for their children without recognition.
Rev Lim shared a childhood memory from his Primary One days. Seeing his mother arrive at school, he was initially excited, only to later realise she had been called in because of his poor performance. As a child, he did not understand the humiliation and emotional burden she carried while listening to criticism about her son. Looking back, he recognised the quiet pain his mother endured out of love for him.
He also reflected on growing up with parents who had lived through World War II and the racial riots in Singapore. Rev Lim recalled how his mother would gather the children and explain what to do if violence came to their home. The parents would stay at the front while the children escaped through the back. Though frightening at the time, it revealed the sacrificial instinct of parents willing to risk themselves for their children’s safety.
Such sacrificial love reflects the love of Christ Himself. As Richard of Chichester wrote in the hymn Three Things We Pray (UMH 493), “Thanks be to Thee, my Lord Jesus Christ… for all the pains and insults Thou hast borne for me.” In a profound way, the sacrificial love of mothers echoes Christ’s love; willing to endure suffering and humiliation for others.
- Thank God for Mothers Who Believe in Jesus (Matthew 15:27–28)
The faith of the Canaanite woman stands out powerfully in this passage. Although she was an outsider and considered unworthy, she believed deeply in the mercy and grace of Jesus. She kept crying out, “Lord, have mercy on me. Lord, help me,” because she trusted that Jesus was compassionate and able to save. Even when she spoke of receiving only the crumbs from the master’s table, she demonstrated remarkable faith that even the smallest measure of Christ’s grace would be enough.
A moving pastoral encounter was shared about a family who requested baptism for their 52-year-old daughter with Down’s Syndrome. Because of cultural shame surrounding disability, the family had hidden her from public view for many years, yet they had lovingly cared for her throughout her life.
As the daughter approached the end of her life, the mother longed for her to know the peace, love, and hope found in Jesus. Though not from a Christian background, the mother understood deeply the mercy and grace of Christ and entrusted her daughter into His hands. Like the Canaanite woman, she came in humility and hope, trusting in the compassion of Jesus.
Many mothers continue praying faithfully for their children through disappointment, darkness, and uncertainty. Though situations may seem hopeless at times, they continue seeking Jesus and trusting in His faithfulness.
Conclusion
The sermon ended with a personal reflection from Rev Lim after attending a friend’s mother’s funeral. When invited to dinner afterwards, he declined because he already had plans to dine with his own mother. In that moment, he realised many of his friends no longer had that privilege. Though conversations with his elderly mother were often simple because of her hearing difficulties, he treasured every remaining moment with her.
Mother’s Day is therefore not only a celebration, but also a call to gratitude and honour. Cherish and appreciate our mothers while we still can. We thank God for mothers who overcome obstacles, bear sacrifice quietly, and continue trusting Jesus faithfully. May God strengthen and encourage every mother with His grace, peace, and love.
(Sermon notes by Alex Choe)
PONDER | REFLECTION QUESTIONS
- What aspects of my mother’s nature/life am I most grateful and thankful to God for?
- In what way does this communicate God’s love to me?
- How can I offer this love to others who need to experience God’s love?
