Honor and Obey Our Mothers

TEXT: Exodus 20:12; Proverbs 10:1; 15:20; Ephesians 6:1-3

OBJECTIVE

The students will understand that God's plan is for mothers (parents) to teach their children the ways of God; and for children to honor and obey their mothers (parents).

BIBLE LESSON OUTLINE

Introduction: Show a picture of a mother and a child. Talk about how special mommies are.

Progression of Events:

1. God knew we needed someone to care for us so He gave us mommies (or other care givers).
2. God's plan is for mothers (parents) to teach their children the ways of God.
3. God's plan for children is to obey and honor their mothers (parents).
4. Discuss ways children can honor their mother.

Climax: It is God's commandment that we honor our parents. We must obey this law if we are to enjoy God's blessing on our lives.

Conclusion: Parents have been ordained by God to teach us. We should respect and obey them.

Response: The students will be able to explain the responsibilities of mothers (parents) and children in regard to each other.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

In contrast to most historical cultures and many even of today, the Biblical view of women is not one of social or religious inferiority. The four "mothers" of the Hebrew nation, Sarah, Rebekah, Leah and Rachel, were always considered with reverence by the Jews. In 1 Peter 3:5, they are called "the holy women." Even a superficial reading of the Bible will make evident the great influence women had in all aspects of the society, howbeit not always for the good. Women like Sarah, Miriam, Rahab, Deborah, Hannah, Ruth, Esther, Elisabeth, and Mary played a tremendous role in shaping the Bible narrative. Indeed, five women are included in the genealogy of Christ (Matthew 1:1-16).

The family unit was created by God (Genesis 1:27-28; 2:21-25) and its preservation is of utmost importance to Him. Three of the Ten Commandments are in reference to it. "Honour thy father and thy mother . . . Thou shalt not commit adultery . . . Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's . . . wife."

A great distinction appears when one compares ancient Jewish and Christian home life with that of the neighboring heathens' home life. In contrast to those heathen societies where women were considered only property and children could be disposed of at the whim of their parents, Scriptures like Proverbs 19:14, "a prudent wife is from the Lord," and Psalm 127:3, "children are an heritage of the Lord," are like a breath of clean air.

To each, God has given a unique role. To the wife God says, "submit to your husband"; to the child God says, "honor and obey your parents"; and to the husband and father God says, "love, cherish and provide for your family." When all three are functioning as God has directed there is great blessing. When any of the three are in rebellion to God's plan there is great trouble.

IN-CLASS ACTIVITIES

• Give each of your students a copy of the gift package (see Patterns for Unit 4, Page 61). You may wish to remove the vertical ribbon before reproducing the pattern. Ask your students what they would choose if they could give their mother any present in the world. Let them draw their "gift" inside the gift box as you talk about the fact that the best present we can give our mothers is our obedience to her and to God.
• Help each student make a Mother's Day gift. Bring one plain white plastic plate per child, permanent color markers, ribbon and glue. Trace each child's hand in the center of his plate. Let him decorate the rest of the plate with markers. Write the child's name and year at the bottom of the plate. Glue a piece of ribbon to the back to make a hanger.
• A Helping Hands motto can be made from a folded piece of construction paper. Use each child's hands as a pattern and trace around his hands, one on each half of the paper. Print the following verse below the hands: "My little hands, dear Mother, are not so very strong, but I'll show how much I love you by being helpful all day long."
• To make a crayon rubbing picture, cut a flower shape from cardboard and place under a sheet of typing paper (see Patterns). Color over the paper with crayon. Use a sharp pointed knife to cut out shaded areas. Use a hole punch for flower centers. Mount the crayon rubbing on construction paper and write "Mother Loves Me," at the bottom.
• Cut a vase or flower pot from construction paper. Draw or make from ribbon or cord several stems coming from the pot (see Patterns). Mount on a contrasting sheet of construction paper or other backing. Have the children draw flower shapes and attach them on the end of each stem and write on it a way they can honor and obey their mothers, such as Don't whine, Be good, Pick up toys, Say "I love you," Do what she says.

QUESTIONS

1. What does honor mean?
2. What does it mean to honor our parents?
3. What are some things our mothers do for us?
4. What are some things we can do for our mothers?
5. What are several reasons for obeying our parents?
6. What is the meaning of "nurture and admonition of the Lord"?
7. Why would it be impossible to love God with our whole heart and not love or honor our parents?
8. What might you do today to show your mother you love her? Your father?
9. Can you remember some time when you did something your mother or father had told you not to do? When they found out, how did they feel? How did you feel?
10. If they never found out, Who does know all about it?
11. How does He feel? Now that you remember, what should you do?

PRE-SCHOOL SUGGESTIONS

• The following is a recitation that could be recited if you have a special Mother's Day program; either by one student or your whole group.
  
   Congratulations, Daddy,
   On this Mother's Day;
   I'm sure glad you didn't
   Let my mommy get away.
  
   For she's the finest mommy
   A child could ever know;
   And on this happy Mother's Day,
   I want to tell her so.
• Show pictures of mothers with children, also birds feeding their babies, animals with their babies.
• Your mother picked out a special name just for you! Make a little book in which you have printed in large letters many names, including the names of the children in your class. The older children may "find" theirs in the list.
• Mothers show love. Bring a large purse or tote bag with items that show their care. (Comb, hankie to dry tears, Band-Aids for "owies," little book or toy for fun, a Bible, treat, car keys to go to the store, the park, or church, etc.)

REVIEW IDEAS‍

• The week before this lesson mail or send home a card containing a "coupon" (construction paper, etc.) telling them to be sure to obey you by bringing it the following Sunday. Each of those bringing their coupon back receives a reward. Explain that obedience reaps happiness and rewards—whether obeying God, teachers, parents, etc.
• Have a great grandparent, grandparent, parent and child, each telling the next generation about obeying God. The child could then tell her doll, or his friend, about Jesus, thus practicing to tell the next generation.
• The week before, announce you are going to have a contest. Pass out entry blanks for those who wish to participate (see Patterns). For your review time, read aloud the entries you have collected. Select the winner by a show of hands or written ballot. You may wish to display the entries on a "We Honor Our Mothers" board.

SUPPORT MATERIAL

• I'm Glad God Thought of Mothers — A Happy Day Book, Standard Publishing
• A Kid's Guide to Understanding Parents — by Joy Wilt
• Berry, one of the Ready-Set-Grow! series, Gospel Publishing House