Mother’s Day 2026

Things moms do better than anyone

Grocery Shopping, Cooking, Cleaning, Reassurance, The death glare, Holidays, Pack, Cheerleader, Being crafty, Dealing with dad

Leading up to Jesus crucifixion, He was brutally beaten, then sent to carry his cross up that hill. Unable to physically accomplish this task we read a simple verse that is often over looked. 

Mark 15:21 ESV

• There is only 2 places in scripture that Rufus is mentioned. 
• There’s no direct connection in scripture that these are the same person. 
• There at least 2 non biblical references that a man named Rufus was a strong spiritual leader in Rome. 
• Marks gospel was written over 30 years after the crucifixion and was meant to appeal to Rome. 
• Why is Rufus important today? This is one of His subtle ways to give direction to mothers. 

Romans 16:13 ESV

• It’s believed that Simon and his family came to Christ after the crucifixion. 
• Rufus grew up hearing the eyewitness testimony of his father carrying the cross for Jesus.
• Did Jesus have conversation with Simon as he carried the cross?
• Did Simon experience guilt for carrying the cross?
• What we know is that this day changed him and the direction of his whole family. 
• It is believed that his family became strong leaders in the Christian faith. 
• Today especially it is important to notice the impact that Simon’s family had on Paul. 
• Rufus’s  mother was like a mother to Paul as well. 

We don’t know where Paul’s biological mother was. She may have been a great mom, she may have been distant, she may have disowned him, she may have died, we just don’t know. 

Rufus’s mom took him as her own. This Paul prior to conversion was a ruthless persecutor of the Christian faith. He was abusive and a murderer then turned to follow Christ. He became a leader and church planter who wrote at least half of the New Testament. This second mother took him in and cared for him like one of her own and Paul received her as a mother to him. 

2 Timothy 1:3-7 ESV

• Paul identifies that Timothy’s  faith was lead and encouraged by his mother figures. 
• He is encouraged to remember that faith and lean in to it. 
• So far everything what we have looked at has been subtle directives for mothers to teach, train, and invest into their family and others along the way.
• We are subtly told to value and respect these mothers. 

Paul writes to Titus on how to lead the church and gives clear and direct words for both men and women. 

Men we have been able to coast this morning realizing it’s Mother’s Day and this message is geared towards mothers. However in addressing women Paul has to address the men as well. So the words here are for both men and women. Paul is direct so take a moment to prepare yourself to receive these words. 

Titus 2:1-8 ESV 

• Paul is speaking to both men and women. 
• Verse 1 is for Titus to teach sound doctrine. 
• Verse 2 is for men. There’s a lot said quickly and then gives time to process while speaking to women. 
• Verses 3-5 are for the women. How to live, what to teach, and who to teach. 
• Verse 6 he goes back to the men. Who to teach, what to teach, how to live. 

Conclusion

Ladies would you like to invest like Rufus’s mom?

The call today isn’t restricted to the women. 

Would you consider reaching out to someone else this week? 

Buy them a cup of coffee and share your life with them. Then ask to meet up with them again next week.