Jesus, as a Mother

What are your favourite images or metaphors for Jesus? There are plenty of them in the Bible and in the history of Christian thought. Last week, we focussed on the Good Shepherd.

One unusual though persistent image has been that of Jesus as mother. We find it in Jesus’ lament over Jerusalem: “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!” (Matthew 23:37; cf. Luke 13:34). It is present in the image of Jesus as the mother pelican used by the early church—feeding her children with her body. And it is present in a very beautiful prayer from one of the most significant theologians in Christian history—Anselm of Canterbury (1033-1109). It was Anselm who said that theology (God-talk) is “faith seeking understanding”.

Jesus, as a mother you gather your people to you;
you are gentle with us
as a mother with her children.

Often you weep over our sins and our pride,
tenderly you draw us from hatred and judgement.
You comfort us in sorrow and bind up our wounds,
in sickness you nurse us
and with pure milk you feed us.

Jesus, by your dying, we are born to new life;
by your anguish and labour
we come forth in joy.

Despair turns to hope through your sweet goodness;
through your gentleness, we find comfort in fear.
Your warmth gives life to the dead,
your touch makes sinners righteous.

Lord Jesus, in your mercy, heal us;
in your love and tenderness, remake us.
In your compassion, bring grace and forgiveness,
for the beauty of heaven, may your love prepare us.