Mothers of the Bibleಮಾದರಿ

Rufus’ Mother: A Spiritual Mom

“Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother, who has been a mother to me, too.” —Romans 16:13, NIV

Years ago, I walked into church with one child missing a shoe, another with an orange juice stain down his shirt, and a baby who refused to stay in the nursery. When I plopped down in the pew with a grunt, a kind older woman smiled at me. Throughout the service, she helped me soothe my fussy baby, giving me a much-needed moment to breathe. That day, she wasn’t just a kind woman—she became a spiritual mom to me.

In Paul’s brief yet deeply personal note, we catch a glimpse of Rufus’ mother—a woman who extended her maternal care beyond her biological family. While we know little about her name or specific actions, her impact is undeniable.

Biblical scholars suggest that Rufus may be the same person mentioned in Mark 15:21—the son of Simon of Cyrene, the man compelled to carry Jesus’ cross. If this is true, then Rufus’ family likely had firsthand experience with Jesus’ suffering and resurrection. His mother therefore became a source of comfort, wisdom and encouragement for others, including Paul.

This passage reminds us of the powerful role spiritual mothers play in the lives of those around them. Rufus’ mother didn’t see love as something limited to her own children; instead, she saw the broader family of God and stepped into the lives of others with compassion. Her example challenges us to consider how we, too, can nurture others spiritually—whether it’s mentoring a young woman in the faith, encouraging a tired mom or simply being present for someone in need.

As moms, our days are often filled with the demands of raising our own children. But Rufus’ mother shows us that our influence doesn’t have to stop there. There are people in our churches, neighborhoods and schools who need spiritual encouragement and nurturing. God may be calling us to step into that role, just as Rufus’ mother did for Paul.

Challenge: This week, take a moment to pray and ask God to show you someone outside of your family who could benefit from your spiritual encouragement. Whether it’s by helping them run errands, offering to drive them to an appointment, or simply sending a text to check in, step into their life with the heart of a spiritual mother. You never know how God might use your care to shape their journey of faith.