Embracing Grace: The Transformative Power of Mothers
Summary
Today is a day to honor and celebrate mothers, recognizing the unique and irreplaceable role they play in our lives and in the life of the church. Mothers are often the quiet, sacrificial givers—those who nurture, encourage, and support us, sometimes with very little, yet always with great love. But what is it that makes moms such remarkable givers? The answer is found in the transforming power of God’s grace. God’s grace is the wellspring from which mothers draw their strength, their compassion, and their ability to give so freely and generously.
Looking at Luke 8, we see women like Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Susanna, who were deeply impacted by Jesus. These women, having experienced healing and liberation through Christ, responded by supporting His ministry out of their own resources. Their giving was not out of obligation, but out of hearts transformed by grace. God’s grace first brings healing—sometimes physical, sometimes spiritual, and sometimes in ways we don’t fully understand. For those who carry deep wounds, such as the pain of a prodigal child or the loss of a loved one, God’s grace is able to touch and heal even the deepest places in our souls.
God’s grace also includes the marginalized. In a world that often divides and excludes, God’s grace breaks down every barrier—cultural, economic, or otherwise. No one is too far from the reach of God’s love. This is a powerful reminder that in Christ, we are all chosen, all valued, and all included.
Furthermore, God’s grace empowers us to serve. It is not by our own strength or out of mere duty that we give, but by the overflow of God’s kindness working in us. Whether serving behind the scenes or in visible roles, God’s grace enables us to persevere, to give sacrificially, and to find joy in serving others.
Finally, God’s grace emboldens us. Like Mary Magdalene, who stood by Jesus at the cross and was the first to witness the resurrection, we are given courage to stand firm in our faith and to share the hope we have in Christ. This grace is not just for mothers, but for all who are willing to receive it, reflect it, and respond to it. May we all be instruments of God’s grace, transformed by the greatest Giver of all.
Key Takeaways
- God’s Grace Heals and Liberates
God’s grace is not limited to physical healing; it reaches into the deepest wounds of our souls. Whether it’s the pain of loss, disappointment, or a prodigal child, God invites us to bring our hurts to Him. His grace is sufficient to bring healing, even when answers are not immediate or as we expect. Trusting in His sovereignty, we can find peace and restoration in His presence. [37:36]
- Grace Includes the Marginalized and Breaks Barriers
God’s grace shatters the walls that divide us—be they cultural, economic, or social. In Christ, no one is left out or picked last; all are chosen and valued. This truth calls us to see others through the lens of grace, extending inclusion and love to those who may feel overlooked or excluded. The church becomes a true family when we live out this radical inclusion. [43:16]
- Empowered to Serve by Grace, Not Obligation
Service that flows from grace is marked by joy and perseverance, not by compulsion or duty. God’s grace activates our gifts and resources, enabling us to serve in ways that build up the body of Christ and bless our communities. Even the smallest acts of service, done in grace, have eternal significance and are noticed by God. [46:07]
- Grace Emboldens Us to Stand and Witness
The story of Mary Magdalene reminds us that grace gives us courage to stand firm, even when others falter. She was present at the cross and the first at the empty tomb, a testimony to the boldness that comes from a life touched by grace. We too are called to be bold in our faith, trusting that God will give us the words and strength to witness for Him. [49:22]
- Receive, Reflect, and Respond to Grace
God’s grace is a gift offered to all, but it must be received personally. Once received, we are called to reflect that grace to others—showing kindness, forgiveness, and generosity. Finally, we respond by serving with joy and standing boldly for Christ, allowing His grace to rewrite our stories and shape our legacy. [53:06]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[03:22] - Mother’s Day Video and Flower Presentation
[07:03] - Announcements and Birthdays
[16:39] - Reflecting on Memories of Mom
[18:26] - Prayer for All Women and Mothers
[19:37] - Praying for Moms’ Legacy and Vision
[20:52] - The Lord’s Prayer
[26:29] - Personal Memory: Mom’s Cinnamon Rolls
[29:25] - Mother’s Day Quiz
[31:06] - The Giving Nature of Moms
[31:47] - God’s Grace Makes Moms Great Givers
[36:17] - The Effects of Grace: Healing and Liberation
[42:29] - Grace Includes the Marginalized
[45:00] - Grace Empowers Us to Serve
[48:12] - Grace Emboldens Us: The Example of Mary Magdalene
[51:31] - Applications: Receive, Reflect, Respond
[54:23] - Closing Prayer and Benediction
[58:31] - Farewell and Blessing
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Transforming Power of God’s Grace in the Lives of Mothers (and All Believers)
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### Bible Reading
Luke 8:1-3 (ESV)
> Soon afterward he went on through cities and villages, proclaiming and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with him, and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, and Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod’s household manager, and Susanna, and many others, who provided for them out of their means.
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### Observation Questions
1. According to Luke 8:1-3, who were some of the people traveling with Jesus, and what had He done for them?
2. What specific ways did Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Susanna, and the other women support Jesus’ ministry? ([36:17])
3. In the sermon, what are some examples given of the kinds of wounds or hurts that God’s grace can heal? ([38:21])
4. How does the sermon describe the way God’s grace breaks down barriers between people? ([43:16])
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think the women in Luke 8 responded to Jesus by supporting Him out of their own resources? What does this say about the connection between experiencing grace and generosity? ([31:47])
2. The sermon mentions that God’s grace is not just for physical healing, but also for deep wounds of the soul. How might this understanding change the way someone approaches God with their pain? ([37:36])
3. The pastor said, “God’s grace shreds those barriers” that divide us. What are some modern examples of barriers in the church or society that God’s grace can overcome? ([43:16])
4. Mary Magdalene was described as “the last at the cross and the first at the tomb.” What does her example teach us about the courage that comes from grace? ([49:22])
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon talked about God’s grace healing even the deepest wounds, like the pain of a prodigal child or the loss of a loved one. Is there a wound in your life that you need to bring to God for healing? What would it look like to trust Him with that pain this week? ([38:21])
2. The women in Luke 8 served Jesus out of the overflow of grace, not out of obligation. Think about your own acts of service—are there areas where you serve out of duty rather than joy? How could you invite God’s grace to change your motivation? ([46:07])
3. The sermon emphasized that God’s grace includes the marginalized and breaks down every barrier. Is there someone in your life or community who feels left out or overlooked? What is one practical way you could extend grace and inclusion to them this week? ([43:16])
4. The pastor asked, “How can you support the mission of Jesus with your time, talent, resources, or encouragement?” What is one specific way you could use what God has given you to serve others in the coming month? ([36:17])
5. Mary Magdalene’s boldness came from a life touched by grace. Is there a situation where you feel afraid to stand up for your faith or to share hope with someone? What would it look like to ask God for courage in that area? ([49:22])
6. The sermon closed with three applications: receive, reflect, and respond to grace. Which of these is most challenging for you right now—receiving God’s grace, reflecting it to others, or responding by serving? Why? ([53:06])
7. The pastor said, “Let God’s grace rewrite your story.” Is there an area of your life where you need a new chapter or a fresh start? What step could you take this week to invite God’s grace into that part of your story? ([52:15])
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite group members to pray for one another, especially for mothers and women in the group, that God’s grace would continue to heal, include, empower, and embolden each person to serve and love as Christ has loved us.
Devotional
Day 1: God’s Grace Heals and Liberates
God’s grace is the source of true healing and liberation, reaching into the deepest wounds of our lives—whether physical, emotional, or spiritual. Just as the women who followed Jesus were healed of evil spirits and sicknesses, so too does God offer His healing touch to all who call upon Him. Sometimes healing comes instantly, sometimes gradually, and sometimes not until eternity, but God’s grace is always present, bringing comfort and hope even in the hardest moments. If you carry a wound today—perhaps from loss, disappointment, or a prodigal loved one—know that God invites you to bring it to Him, trusting that His grace is sufficient to restore and renew your soul. [38:21]
Luke 8:1-3 (ESV)
"1 Soon afterward he went on through cities and villages, proclaiming and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with him, 2 and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, 3 and Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod’s household manager, and Susanna, and many others, who provided for them out of their means."
Reflection: Is there a place in your life where you need God’s healing or liberation today? Will you bring that specific hurt or need to Him in prayer, trusting His grace to meet you there?
Day 2: God’s Grace Includes the Marginalized
God’s grace knows no boundaries and breaks down every dividing wall—cultural, social, or economic. In Christ, no one is left out or picked last; all are chosen and loved. The women who followed Jesus, some of whom were considered outsiders in their society, were welcomed and included in His ministry. God’s grace extends to everyone, regardless of background or circumstance, and invites each of us to belong fully to His family. If you have ever felt overlooked or excluded, remember that in God’s eyes, you are chosen and cherished, called to be part of His story. [43:16]
Ephesians 2:14 (ESV)
"For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility."
Reflection: Who in your life might feel left out or overlooked? How can you extend God’s inclusive grace to them in a tangible way this week?
Day 3: God’s Grace Empowers Us to Serve
God’s grace not only saves us but also empowers us to serve others with joy and purpose. The women in Luke 8 responded to Jesus’ grace by supporting His ministry out of their own resources, serving not out of obligation but from hearts transformed by God’s kindness. In the same way, God equips each of us with gifts, talents, and resources to build up His church and bless our communities. When you feel weary or unnoticed in your service, remember that God sees and values every act of love done in His name. Let His grace be your motivation and strength to keep going. [46:07]
1 Peter 4:10 (ESV)
"As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace."
Reflection: Where is God inviting you to serve or give out of the overflow of His grace in your life? What is one specific way you can step into that calling this week?
Day 4: God’s Grace Emboldens Us to Witness
God’s grace gives us courage to stand firm in our faith and to share the hope we have in Christ, even when it’s difficult. Mary Magdalene, transformed by Jesus’ grace, was the last at the cross and the first at the empty tomb—boldly witnessing to the risen Lord when others had fled. God’s grace emboldens us to speak up, to love courageously, and to testify to His goodness in our lives. You don’t have to have all the right words; simply trust God to use your story and your presence to point others to Him. [50:32]
Acts 1:8 (ESV)
"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."
Reflection: Who is one person you can share your story of God’s grace with this week, either through words or actions? What step will you take to do so?
Day 5: Receive, Reflect, and Respond to God’s Grace
God’s grace is a gift offered to all—receive it, reflect it, and respond to it with a life of joyful service and bold faith. No matter your past or present, God’s grace can rewrite your story, giving you a new beginning and a new purpose. As you receive His grace, let it overflow into the lives of others: extend forgiveness, show kindness, and serve sacrificially. Let your life be a testimony to the greatest Giver of all, and allow His grace to shape your legacy for generations to come. [53:06]
Titus 2:11-12 (ESV)
"For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age."
Reflection: In what area of your life do you most need to receive God’s grace today—and how can you intentionally reflect and respond to that grace in your relationships and actions?
Quotes
You know, we're here to honor and thank moms today, are we not? And it's really interesting. Moms are always givers, aren't they? They will rather let the child have something else on their plate than for them. They'll even take it off their plate for the other child. But where do they learn that? Where do moms learn to be moms of grace? They have to learn it from somewhere. How do they become such great givers? That's what we want to talk about today. We want to talk about how the effects of God's grace make moms the greatest givers. [00:31:11]
The effects of God's grace make moms the greatest givers. My Bible is open to Luke chapter 8 that Kay read. Kay, thank you so much for reading that. Happy Mother's Day to you especially, right? Because you read the scripture. In this passage, we see some things beginning to happen that have been different in the ministry of Jesus. Up until this point, a lot of his meetings were in the synagogues. And the synagogues weren't really that big. They were small little buildings. But all of a sudden, Jesus' ministry begins to mushroom. [00:31:57]
So let's see how God's grace impacts our moms from these women that were impacted by Jesus. We see, first of all, that when it comes to this is the effects of God's grace makes moms great givers. That's the big idea. If you remember nothing else, remember that today. God's grace is what makes not only moms great givers, but all of us, all of us. [00:36:45]
Sometimes God heals dramatically and it happens like that. Sometimes God's healing is a process. Sometimes God doesn't heal in this life. He ultimately heals. But he does not heal in this life. I don't understand it. I can't determine when one happens or the other. Is it wrong to pray for healing? Absolutely not. [00:37:55]
If you're suffering from one of those wounds God says call upon me and allow me to touch that portion of your soul today let me bring healing trust in the grace of god to bring healing to that hole in your soul you know moms serve quietly and they serve sacrificially as well like these women mary magdalene and joanna many provide behind the scenes many of you work behind the scenes of this church in dramatic ways that if you didn't get things done a lot of what happens on sunday morning wouldn't occur would not occur. [00:40:00]
How can you support the mission of Jesus? How can you support the mission of heritage bible church with your time, your talent and your resources or just your encouragement? How does God, how has God's grace touched you that you can use that now to touch others? What would that look like? [00:41:30]
But here's the other thing about God's grace. It breaks down every dividing wall in our culture, including cultural barriers, including racial barriers, including economic barriers, including you fill in the blank. God's grace shreds those barriers. Paul says in Ephesians 2 that he is our peace that has broken down every wall that divides us. [00:42:59]
If God's grace breaks down all these barriers, then no one is too far away to the grace of God. No one is. No one is too far to be brought into the kingdom of God because God's grace goes farther, deeper, wider, higher than anything that you might think would divide you from Christ. Isn't that great? Moms know that. Moms know that. [00:44:10]
God includes you today with his grace. He's got you covered. He's going to give you the strength and ability to do what he's called you to do in raising that grandchild. Thirdly, God's grace empowers. This is a great verse right in here. After he describes who these women are, Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Susanna, he says this, and many others who were contributing to the support out of their private means. [00:45:00]
God's grace empowers us to employ our gifts and abilities. See, we don't serve in the church or in the community or our families out of ought to or compulsion, although some days it feels that way. But God's grace is what empowers us. It gives us the motivation to keep going when we want to throw in a towel. It gives us the encouragement at the end of the day when you've spent every house of your energy and God says, I'm watching what you're doing. [00:45:43]
God's grace just doesn't save us from our sins. It activates God's purposes and resources in us for his glory. You catch that? God's grace not only saves us from the wrath to come, but it employs us to help build up the body of Christ. That's the beautiful thing. It's not about us. It's about what he's trying to do in through each of us. It's a beautiful thing. [00:46:34]
Where might God be inviting you specifically to serve in the body of Christ here at Heritage? And it doesn't have to be on Sunday morning. It could be somewhere out in the community. Maybe there's someone you know that doesn't get many visitors. What would it look like if you allowed Christ to empower you to go visit someone at Acacia who doesn't give any visitors? Or someone in memory care who just needs someone to sit by them today. [00:47:24]
God's grace emboldens us to witness for Christ. Just like Mary Magdalene. That is something I pulled out of this not from her but from her biography. I go, that's right. She was the last at the cross. And she was the first at the tomb. Boom. And she was the first to see the risen Lord. Boom. I mean, you could just hear the mic drop. Boom. [00:49:40]
God's grace will empower you to be bold in your faith. Don't worry about it if you don't have the right words. Allow his grace to embolden you. Remove the barriers. Surrender those to Christ and say, God, I'm just going to trust you to allow your word to be shared with this person in front of me. I'm going to allow your grace to allow me to speak up when someone says something contrary to your word. [00:50:54]
In this passage today, we've seen how moms are impacted by God's grace. We see how it heals, how it includes, how it empowers, and how it emboldens. These women responded not out of compulsion or obligation, but because their hearts and their lives were touched by God. God's kindness. That grace is still offered to anyone, not just moms today. It's offered to anyone today. [00:51:40]
Let God's grace rewrite your story today. Let it rewrite. Let it rewrite it. He will. He'll give you a whole new life. A whole new way of living. A whole new chapter. And even more importantly, a whole new ending. Your life doesn't have to end on a sovereign note. It can end on the sweetest refrain because of the grace of God. [00:52:43]
Be someone who extends God's grace to others today. Show them the grace of God when others mock them or talk behind their back. You be different. We can be different because of God's grace. So reflect it. Receive it. Reflect it. Thirdly, respond to it. Serve with joy. Give sacrificially. And stand boldly for Jesus Christ. [00:53:16]
Beloved, the reason why moms are the greatest givers is because they've been impacted by the greatest giver of all. God and His grace. If God is speaking to you today, don't refuse it. Receive His grace. Don't wait. Let the Lord Jesus Christ transform your life like He did for Mary, Joanna, Susanna, and so many others today. [00:53:53]
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