The Weight A Mom Carries
Preached to: High School Students
Speaker: Pastor Amanda Hahn
This Mother’s Day, our students were challenged to see beyond the surface and recognize the countless things moms do that often go unnoticed. Using a powerful backpack object lesson, we illustrated how moms carry the weight of planning schedules, cooking meals, cleaning, budgeting, providing emotional support, praying over their children, and so much more. While many of these responsibilities are invisible, they are far from weightless.
We looked to Scripture for perspective—Isaiah 66:13 reminds us that God comforts us like a mother comforts her child, and John 19:26–27 shows Jesus caring for His own mother even from the cross. These moments reveal the depth of love and sacrifice that reflect the heart of God.
Students were encouraged to respond with honor, help, humility, and heartfelt gratitude. A simple “thank you,” an offer to lend a hand, or a sincere prayer can go a long way in lightening the load of those who care so deeply for us. This week, let’s not just celebrate moms—let’s support them.
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Night 1 – Seeing the Invisible Weight
Topic: Recognizing What Mom Carries
Questions:What are some things your mom (or caregiver) does every day that often go unnoticed?
Why do you think we sometimes take those things for granted?
How can we show more appreciation for those invisible responsibilities?
Night 2 – Reflecting God’s Heart
Topic: Moms and God’s Love
Questions:Isaiah 66:13 says God comforts us like a mother does—what do you think that means?
In what ways have you seen God's love reflected through your mom or someone who cares for you?
How can we reflect that kind of love back to our family?
Night 3 – Responding with Action
Topic: How Can We Help?
Questions:What is one practical way you can help lighten the load for your mom or caregiver this week?
Why is it sometimes hard to humble ourselves and ask how we can help?
Can we each name one thing we’re grateful for that someone in our family does?
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STARTER:
Students were asked what their moms do that they often take for granted, opening a conversation about appreciation.MESSAGE:
Through an object lesson using a weighted backpack, the speaker demonstrated the many roles moms carry—planner, chef, housekeeper, nurse, provider, spiritual leader, comforter, and more—emphasizing that while these responsibilities are often invisible, they are not weightless.DIG DEEPER:
Scripture highlighted how God compares His comfort to a mother’s (Isaiah 66:13) and how Jesus honored His mother even on the cross (John 19:26–27), reinforcing the idea that moms reflect God's love and sacrifice.APPLY:
Students were challenged to:Honor their moms (Proverbs 31:28).
Help them by easing some of their responsibilities.
Humble themselves and recognize their moms’ wisdom.
Pray for their moms and express gratitude through words and actions.
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Isaiah 66:13 (NLT)
“I will comfort you there in Jerusalem as a mother comforts her child.”
This verse illustrates how God compares His tender care and compassion to that of a mother’s comfort.
Luke 2:19 (NLT)
“But Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often.”
This verse speaks of Mary, the mother of Jesus, treasuring her experiences and the weight of her role in raising the Son of God.
Proverbs 31:28 (NLT)
“Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her:”
A description of the virtuous woman whose family honors her because of her diligent love, service, and strength.
John 19:26–27 (NLT)
26 When Jesus saw his mother standing there beside the disciple he loved, he said to her, “Dear woman, here is your son.”
27 And he said to this disciple, “Here is your mother.” And from then on this disciple took her into his home.This moment from the cross highlights Jesus’ deep care for His mother, ensuring she would be looked after even as He was dying.
