What does a good mother want most for her children? A good job, a nice house, a happy family, sure. But on Mother’s Day 2025, Pastor Linda Reese pointed to a mother in the Bible who asked Jesus for something bigger.

A mother who asked Jesus

In Matthew 20:20-23, the mother of James and John knelt before Jesus and asked that her two sons sit at His right and left hand in His kingdom. Jesus didn’t grant the request, but He didn’t scold her either. He reminded them of the cost: “Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of?” (KJV).

Pastor Linda noticed three things in that mother’s request:

  • She wanted her sons in the kingdom. “What is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” (Matthew 16:26, KJV). Success means little if our children don’t know God. This life is an introduction to eternity.
  • She wanted them working in the kingdom. The spirit of service begins at home, as mothers and fathers set the example and pray their children into God’s work. “The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few” (Matthew 9:37).
  • She had big expectations. She wanted the very best for them, and so should we.

A job interview with God

Pastor Linda walked through Matthew 8 as if it were a job interview for serving God. There’s no promise of a house (8:20), there are storms along the way (8:23-25), some people won’t welcome you (8:34), and the greatest in the kingdom is the servant of all (23:11). Becoming a Christian doesn’t make life easier, she said, but the reward is out of this world.

For every parent and grandparent

Desire the best for your children. Teach them the ways of the Lord, raise them to serve Him, and bring them to church with you. And don’t give up on your kids or grandkids who have drifted away. Keep praying and keep looking up.

Praying for a child or grandchild? Send us their name and we’ll pray with you.