The Apostle Mom

For Christians, Apostles are people the resurrected Jesus commissioned to go and tell the world the good news of Jesus Christ.  After His resurrection, Jesus appeared to the disciples (minus Judas) and told them to go to all nations and make disciples (Matthew 28:19).  As a result, we call disciples like Peter, James, John, and Andrew Apostles.  Jesus appeared to Paul on the road to Damascus and commissioned him to witness to the gentiles (Acts 9, 22, & 26).  As a result, Paul described himself as the Apostle to the gentiles (Romans 11:13).

With that definition of apostle in mind, Mary Magdalene is the first Apostle of the Christian church.  Each of the Gospels tell us that Mary was one of the first witnesses of Jesus’ resurrection.  In John, Jesus commissions Mary to go and tell the disciples of His resurrection (20:17).  Mary races to the disciples with the good news: “I have seen the Lord!”

There are women in each of our lives that follow Mary’s apostolic example every day.  They answer Jesus’ call and tell us the good news of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.  I am a follower of Jesus because of it.  My mom, Sunday school teachers, preachers and professors have made me a better disciple of Jesus Christ through their obedience to Jesus’ call.  I know many of you are too.

This Mothers Day, as we honor our biological moms, remember the mothers of Jesus’ church.  Celebrate the many faithful women who announce Jesus’ resurrection in work places, homes, and communities every day.  Take time to thank and hug the women who came into your life and announced, “I have seen the Lord!”