That’s What Mothers Do

Pastor James C. Ward

May 10, 2026

Sunday Morning

Judges 5:28

The mother of Sisera looked out at a window, and cried through the lattice, Why is his chariot so long in coming? Why tarry the wheels of his chariots?

Introduction

Sisera was the captain of the army, which was in a battle against God’s people. His mother, who remains nameless, was living in his household. In following the custom of that culture, widowed mothers and unmarried sisters were under the care of the oldest living son. Sisera’s mother was constantly peeping out of the window with anticipation that her son would return uninjured from this battle. As the time dragged on, the wait became unbearable, and she cried out in agony. Let me paraphrase it for you. “Where is my son? What’s taking him so long to come back home? I hope he’s alright. If I could just hear the rumbling of his chariot wheels in the distance, I would feel a little better. He may be injured, but still alive. I know he’s a grown man and a trained soldier, but I am still his mother, and I am worried about him.”

Yes, he was a trained soldier, who had proven himself and had moved up through the ranks to become a commander, yet his mother was still concerned about his safety. To her, part of him was not a captain of the army but her little baby boy.

This story has two negatives: First, Sisera was fighting against the Lord’s people. He was on the wrong side. Secondly, he was killed in battle. His mother’s worst nightmare became a reality. So, is there a positive side to this story? Yes, there is! This story demonstrates the unending love mothers have for their children. Let me say that again: this story, as gory as it is, demonstrates the unending love mothers have for their children. A mother’s love is universal. It transcends culture, ethnicity, and even religion. This pagan woman loved her son. She could have been a better mother if she had been on the Lord’s side, but she still

loved her son. That’s what mothers do. They never stop loving their children. The nearest thing on earth to God’s love is a mother’s love.

Exposition

1. A Mother’s Love Extends From The Womb To The Tomb.

(Motherhood Is A Permanent State.)

(There Is No Such Thing As An Ex-Mother.)

(There Is No Such Thing As A Former Mother.)

(The Fellowship May Cease, But The Relationship Will Never Cease.)

(Interaction May Change, But The Love Will Never Change.)

(You Should Not Have To Put A Diaper On A Normal Teenager.)

(Humor Intended – But You Get My Point.)

2. A Mother’s Love Produces The Paradox Of “Wholesome Worry.”

(This Paradox Causes Them To Lecture A Lot.)

(Eat Your Vegetables. Do Your Homework.)

(This Paradox Causes Them To Pray A Lot.)

(Lord, Please Keep My Child Safe.)

(Thank God For Praying Mothers.)

3. A Mother’s Love Causes Her To Cry A Lot.

(Tears Of Sadness.)

(Sometimes They Have To Apply “Tough Love”, And That Makes Them Sad.)

(Tears Of Joy.)

(If You Are Going To Make Your Mama Cry, Make Her Shed Tears Of Joy.)

(Do Good. Study Hard. Stay Out Of Trouble. Be Respectful. Achieve Worthy Goals. Get Saved. Be Active In The Church.)

Closing Thoughts

Thank God for the godly mothers of Antioch-Lithonia. In this age of selfishness and materialism, it is refreshing to see Christian mothers spread the faith and set sterling examples of how to follow Christ.

Give God Glory! Give God All The Glory!