A Mother’s Protection Reflects God’s Covering
“How often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings…” (Matthew 23:37)
The Heart of a Mother
Welcome to this devotional series on the heart of a mother, leading up to Mother’s Day. This devotional honors the uniquely crafted heart God gave women and mothers.
In this verse, Jesus shows deep compassion for the people of Jerusalem who have repeatedly rejected God. Out of sorrow and longing, He yearns for them to come under His cover, as the hen for her chicks.
What beautiful imagery of Jesus' heart and the female heart that desires to protect and care for her children. While fathers also care for their children, it's the mother's heart that especially yearns to protect and care for others. The mother's heart most reflects Christ's heart in this area.
I witnessed this many times as my children were growing up. My wife would provide the naturally gentle care I lacked.
While our children were young, we were at a museum, and one of our twin daughters got lost. I was calm in that moment and responded with intention. But my wife led the effort to find our daughter. She wasn't emotional, but she was emotionally connected. She sprang into action with her mama-bear instincts and became a force to be reckoned with.
When we found our daughter, she reacted with compassion and tender love. I, on the other hand, was ready to give a lecture about not getting lost.
This natural desire to protect and care reflects God's heart.
A mother hen does not reason with danger—she covers her young with her own body. Christ reveals that God's love moves toward us in the same way: shielding, surrounding, and drawing us close when fear or harm comes our way.
When a woman comforts a hurting child, prays for her family, or guards those in her care, she lives out this sacred reflection of God's heart.
Today, let this verse remind you that the mother's heart is not only a gift to families—it is a window into the heart of God Himself, who gathers His children under the shelter of His love.
Reflection
Where have you seen God's protective heart expressed through a woman in your life?
Questions to explore in Scripture and take to the Lord in prayer:
What does the Bible say about a mother’s love?
What does Jesus mean by “like a hen gathers her chicks”?
How does God protect us like a mother?
What does Matthew 23:37 mean?
How is a mother’s love similar to God’s love?