APR 8

John 2:1-4
Memorise Exodus 21:17
"Honour thy father and thy mother"

HOW SHOULD WE ADDRESS OUR PARENTS?

There was a marriage in Cana of Galilee, and Jesus went there together with his mother to celebrate at the marriage feast. Halfway through the festivities, they ran out of wine. Mary then turned to Jesus and told him so, perhaps worried that this would bring disgrace to the family hosting the feast. Possibly implicit in her statement, was also a request for Jesus to demonstrate his miraculous ability, to somehow provide wine for them. However to this Jesus replied, "woman, what have I to do with thee? Mine hour is not yet come." (John 2:4). At first glance, this reply seems a bit surprising. In our present lingo, to call your mother ‘woman’ is most disrespectful, and the phrase ‘what have I to do with thee’ sounds even confrontational! However we know for sure that Jesus, being sinless, was not addressing His mother in the way that we think He is. Examining the phrase in the original, we would realize that the word translated as ‘woman’, is actually a term of respect, of one which you would use to lovingly address an older lady. The next phrase is an idiomatic expression in Greek that literally translates as ‘what is it to you and to me?’ Through this verse, Jesus is expressing the fact that as God, this issue is of his concern and not Mary’s. But within it is also an exhortation for her to dismiss her fears and anxieties, and to trust in Him, not as her son, but as God. We can see that she understood, for in the next verse, she gives instruction to the people to do whatever Jesus tells them to do. But through this small incident, we see the love and patience of Jesus in addressing Mary, always with respect and with a good purpose. Although Mary was mistaken in trying to tell Jesus what to do, he never got angry, but instead encouraged her faith. Of course the circumstances were rather unique, as He was the Son of God and knew all things.

For us, we must ask ourselves how our relationships with our parents are like. Oftentimes they may ask you questions out of love and concern, being interested to know more about your life. What sort of responses do you give them? Do you snap back with impatient indignation? Even when your parents might have said something wrong, remember that they too are human and can make mistakes. Do not be so quick to correct them or berate them for their errors, but instead to take the example of Jesus to respond in love, desiring to encourage, comfort and strengthen. Realize that your parents are people too and need encouragement as well!

Thought: Has familiarity (with parents) bred contempt (from you)?
Prayer: Lord, help me to always honour my parents.