This is the third part in a teaching series for women. In the first and second parts, we explored why the Lord Jesus, in certain cases, identified women not by their personal names, but by titles such as “Woman” or “Daughter.” There’s a divine reason behind this. If you haven’t had the chance to review those teachings, feel free to message us we’ll send them to you.
Today, we move forward to explore why some women were addressed by Jesus as “Mother.”
To be called a mother is not a light thing it is a title of spiritual maturity. One does not become a mother by title alone. A mother is someone who has given birth or has taken on the responsibility of raising and nurturing others.
Jesus, during His earthly ministry, encountered many women. But not all were called “Daughter,” and not all were called “Mother.” These titles were reserved for those who had reached a certain spiritual stature.
Let’s look at a few examples from Scripture to understand what qualifies a woman to be seen by Jesus as a “mother.”
Matthew 15:21–28 (ESV)
“And Jesus went away from there and withdrew to the district of Tyre and Sidon. And behold, a Canaanite woman from that region came out and was crying, ‘Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David; my daughter is severely oppressed by a demon.’ But he did not answer her a word. And his disciples came and begged him, saying, ‘Send her away, for she is crying out after us.’ He answered, ‘I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.’ But she came and knelt before him, saying, ‘Lord, help me.’ And he answered, ‘It is not right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.’ She said, ‘Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.’ Then Jesus answered her, ‘O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire.’ And her daughter was healed instantly.”
Notice: This woman didn’t come to Jesus for her own needs. She came interceding on behalf of her daughter. She didn’t give up, even when she was ignored, dismissed, and even likened to a dog. She remained steadfast.
That is the heart of a mother to carry the burden of another as if it were her own.
Her faith, humility, and intercession earned her the recognition of Jesus. He acknowledged her not just as a woman, but as a spiritual mother a woman with the maturity to stand in the gap for others.
John 2:1–4 (ESV)
“On the third day there was a wedding at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus also was invited to the wedding with his disciples. When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to him, ‘They have no wine.’ And Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come.'”
Mary saw the potential shame that could fall on the family hosting the wedding. Even though it wasn’t her personal issue, she brought it to Jesus, revealing her heart of compassion and concern for others.
Jesus’ response might seem cold on the surface, but His choice of addressing her as “woman” (Greek: gynai) was actually a respectful and dignified term in the culture of the time. This moment shows Mary operating in mature spiritual insight acting before anyone else understood what was truly happening.
Her initiative led to Jesus’ first public miracle.
John 20:11–17 (ESV)
“But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb… Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?’… Jesus said to her, ‘Mary.’ She turned and said to him in Aramaic, ‘Rabboni!’ (which means Teacher). Jesus said to her, ‘Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brothers and say to them, “I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.”‘”
Mary Magdalene was the first to witness the resurrected Christ. She was the first to be entrusted with the gospel of the resurrection the most important message in history!
Why her?
Because she remained faithful. While others had fled, she stayed. Her deep love, loyalty, and spiritual awareness showed that she had matured in faith.
Not every woman received this kind of grace. It is reserved for those who have grown into spiritual motherhood those who can carry the gospel and nurture others into the truth.
These were women who had matured in faith, walked with God, and were used by Him to nurture nations, lead families, and guide others spiritually. They didn’t live for themselves but became vessels for others to encounter God.
When the Lord looks at you, how does He identify you?
Before looking at the lives of great male apostles like Peter or Paul, first take time to study the lives of the holy women of God in Scripture. That alone can change your life and calling.
This is one of the highest honors Jesus can bestow on a woman it places her in the same category as apostolic messengers. To be entrusted with the care of others’ souls, to intercede, to disciple, to carry the gospel this is the calling of a spiritual mother.
“Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior… They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women…” Titus 2:3–4 (ESV)
Rise up, woman of God. Step into spiritual maturity. Be a mother not just by age or biology, but by faith, intercession, and spiritual responsibility.
May the Lord bless you and recognize you as one of His faithful mothers.
Maranatha The Lord is coming!
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Prisca Yohana, known by her artist name "binti wa Mungu" born 24th december, 2000 in Dar es salaam Tanzania. Gospel artist with a deep passion for worship and spreading the message of God’s love through music.
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