Jochebed's Journey

A Mother’s Faith That Changed History

Introduction:

Today, as we gather to celebrate Mother's Day, we're diving into a powerful story that reminds us how transformative a mother’s love and faith can be.

We’re going to talk about Joch-e-bed (JAHK uh bed), a mother whose faith not only saved her son but also set the stage for the deliverance of a nation.

It's a story that pushes us to consider: What can God do with a faith like that?

Let's turn our Bibles to Hebrews 11:23-27, as we uncover the story of a woman who dared to see beyond her circumstances, whose faith declared that God’s promises are bigger than life's imperfections.

1. A Mother’s Faithful Protection (v. 23)

Hebrews 11:23 NKJV

By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden three months by his parents, because they saw he was a beautiful child; and they were not afraid of the king’s command.

Imagine a Hebrew mother, holding her newborn son, Moses, knowing that any day he could be taken from her by Pharaoh’s cruel decree.

Yet, what does she do?

She hides him for three months!

Her decision to hide Moses wasn’t a simple act of defiance—it was a bold move of faith.

By all standards --She was a hero.

She made a bold choice, hiding her son from a king's deadly decree.

Faith that saves has one distinguishing quality; saving faith is a faith that produces obedience, it is a faith that brings about a way of life.

Billy Graham

Her faith didn't make her reckless; it made her determined.

She believed God had a plan for Moses, and she was determined to see that plan unfold.

Illustration: Think about your own life. How many of you had a mom or a spiritual mother who believed in you when no one else did?

Who saw potential in you when all you saw were problems?

This was Jochebed!

Application: Each of us should be inspired by Jochebed’s remarkable courage and take bold steps of faith of our own.

When God nudges you to protect, to stand up, to believe in something bigger, step out in faith.

God is calling us to be protectors of destinies.

Transition: Jochebed’s faith did more than protect Moses; it prepared him.

2. Teaching Identity and Faith (v. 24-25)

Moving to verses 24 and 25, we see Moses at a pivotal moment:

Hebrews 11:24–25 NKJV

By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin,

Moses grew up and made choices that no doubt sprang from what he learned at his mother’s knee.

When it came time to choose between palace luxury and his people’s plight, Moses knew his true identity because Jochebed had taught him his real heritage.

His mothers faith during their limited time together equipped him for this significant, life-defining decision.

Illustration: Just like Moses at the palace, many of us face choices every day.

Will we choose comfort over calling?

Ease over excellence?

Application: Our challenge is to live out the identity God has for us, to choose His way, even when it’s tough.

That’s how we honor those who've poured into us.

That's how we live out our faith.

Transition: And Jochebed’s faith was not just about the present; it was about a vision for the future.

3. Seeing Beyond the Visible (v. 26-27)

As we continue into verses 26 and 27, we encounter Moses at a defining juncture in his faith journey:

Hebrews 11:26–27 NKJV

esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward. By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured as seeing Him who is invisible.

Moses looked to the reward, seeing the invisible.

Where did that vision come from?

It started with Jochebed.

She didn’t just save his life; she sowed into his spirit a vision for something better, something beyond the here and now.

Her vision taught Moses to look beyond what was visible and to trust in the invisible, eternal God.

Illustration: Think of a time when your mother or a spiritual mother encouraged you to pursue something meaningful, not because it was easy, but because it was right.

Let’s take this a step further.

How many of you have been inspired by someone whose faith taught you to dream bigger, to see further, to reach higher?

Vision is seeing the invisible.

Jonathan Swift

This is the kind of vision that sees past today’s struggles, aiming straight for the rewards that last forever.

Application: We honor our mothers and spiritual mothers by living lives that reflect not just earthly success but heavenly values.

Let's honor that gift by living a visionary faith.

Let’s not settle for what we can see, but reach for what we can’t, because that’s where faith lives.

That’s where God moves.

Conclusion:

Today, as we honor our mothers and all those who've mothered us, let’s remember the example of Jochebed. Her faith changed her son, and her son changed a nation. Imagine what our faith can do if we dare to believe as she did. Let’s be people of faith, people of vision, people who protect, prepare, and propel the next generation into God’s promises.

Closing Prayer:

Father, thank You for the faith of Jochebed and all the mothers who have shaped our lives. Help us to live boldly, prepare purposefully, and envision faithfully.

Strengthen us to be your hands and feet, reflecting Your love and light in all we do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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