Embracing Motherhood: A Journey of Sacrificial Love

Devotional

Day 1: Christ’s Love for the Church is Sacrificial and Transformative

The love that Christ has for the church is not merely a natural affection or a matter of convenience; it is a supernatural, sacrificial love that goes beyond human understanding. Just as a mother sacrifices for her children, Christ gave Himself up for the church, nourishing and cherishing it as His own body. This love is the foundation of our identity as the bride of Christ, and it calls us to recognize our immense worth in His eyes, despite our imperfections, backgrounds, or struggles. We are invited to see ourselves as cherished, chosen, and deeply loved, not because of our own merit, but because of His great love and sacrifice. [08:33]

Ephesians 5:29-32 (ESV)
"For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, because we are members of his body. 'Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.' This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church."

Reflection: In what area of your life do you struggle to believe that you are truly cherished and worth Christ’s sacrifice? How might embracing this truth change the way you see yourself and others today?

Day 2: God’s Jealous Love Protects and Defends His People

God’s love for His people is fiercely protective and deeply personal, described in Scripture as a godly jealousy. When threats and accusations come against us, we are not left to fight alone; instead, we are called to bring our burdens and battles to God, trusting Him to intervene on our behalf. Just as He defended Israel against Sennacherib, God steps in for His bride when she turns to Him, showing that His jealousy is not possessive but protective, longing for our devotion and well-being. [23:23]

2 Kings 19:21 (ESV)
"This is the word that the Lord has spoken concerning him: 'She despises you, she scorns you—the virgin daughter of Zion; she wags her head behind you, the daughter of Jerusalem.'"

Reflection: What “letters” or pressures are you carrying today that you need to bring before God, trusting Him to defend and care for you?

Day 3: The Church as Mother: Nurturing, Gentle, and Life-Giving

The church is called to embody the nurturing and gentle care of a mother, partnering with Christ in the creation of new life and spiritual growth. Just as a nursing mother tenderly cares for her children, the church is to be gentle with those who are growing in faith, providing spiritual nourishment and guidance at every stage. This motherly role is not about perfection, but about faithfully loving, teaching, and walking alongside others as they become new creations in Christ. [27:39]

1 Thessalonians 2:7 (ESV)
"But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children."

Reflection: Who in your life or in your church community needs gentle encouragement or spiritual nourishment today, and how can you offer it to them?

Day 4: Called Out: Becoming Daughters of Zion, Not Babylon

God calls His people to leave behind the values and influences of the world—symbolized by Babylon—and to embrace their true identity as daughters of Zion. This means rejecting the pursuit of power, prestige, and false sources of salvation, and instead returning to God’s original intention for us: to be shaped by His love, humility, and salvation. Our King comes not in worldly strength, but in humility, inviting us to find our worth and purpose in Him rather than in the fleeting promises of culture. [36:10]

Zechariah 2:7 (ESV)
"Up! Escape to Zion, you who dwell with the daughter of Babylon."

Reflection: In what ways are you tempted to find your identity or security in the values of “Babylon” rather than in your calling as a daughter or son of Zion? What is one step you can take today to return to God’s way?

Day 5: The Church Partners with Christ in New Creation

As the bride, mother, and daughter, the church is invited to partner with Christ in the ongoing work of new creation—bringing hope, healing, and new life to a world in need. We are not only recipients of God’s love but also participants in His mission, shining as a light and extending the invitation to others to join the journey toward the city whose builder and maker is God. This calling is both a privilege and a responsibility, as we nurture, guide, and welcome those who are seeking a place to belong and a hope that endures. [41:10]

2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV)
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."

Reflection: Who around you might be longing for newness of life or a place to belong, and how can you partner with Christ and the church to welcome and nurture them this week?

Sermon Summary

Motherhood, as seen through the lens of faith, is a profound calling marked by sacrifice, wisdom, and love. Reflecting on my own mother’s journey, I see how she made difficult decisions to protect and nurture her children, even when she lacked formal qualifications or resources. Her willingness to homeschool us, despite her own educational limitations, was not about convenience but about conviction—a conviction rooted in love and a desire to break cycles of pain and generational trauma. This kind of sacrificial love is a living metaphor for the way God loves and cares for His people.

Scripture often uses the images of mother, bride, and daughter to help us understand our relationship with God and with one another. The church is described as both the bride of Christ and the mother who nurtures new believers. Just as a mother nourishes and cherishes her children, so Christ nourishes and cherishes the church. This is not a natural or common-sense love, but a supernatural, sacrificial love that lays down its life for the beloved. We are reminded that, despite our imperfections, our infighting, and our differences, Christ still gave Himself for us. The church, with all its flaws, is still worth it in the eyes of God.

God’s jealousy for His people is not petty or insecure, but protective and passionate. When the world threatens or accuses, God steps in as our defender, just as He did for Israel against Sennacherib. We are invited to bring our burdens and threats to Him, trusting that He will act on our behalf. This divine jealousy is a reminder that we are deeply valued and fiercely loved.

As the church, we are called to partner with God in the ongoing work of new creation. We nurture, guide, and gently care for those who are growing in faith, just as a mother cares for her children. This process is ongoing; we are all in the midst of being formed and transformed, awaiting the fullness of our adoption and redemption.

Finally, we are called to leave behind the influences of the world—the “daughters of Babylon”—and embrace our identity as daughters of Zion. Our value is not found in power, prestige, or worldly success, but in the humble salvation offered by Christ. Whether we are nurturing others, being nurtured ourselves, or responding to the call to return to God, we are invited to step into these metaphors and live out our identity as the bride, the mother, and the daughter in God’s family.

---

Key Takeaways

1. Sacrificial Love Redefines Legacy True love often requires us to make inconvenient, costly decisions for the sake of others, as seen in the example of a mother who chooses to break cycles of pain and protect her children. This kind of love is not about having the right credentials or resources, but about a willingness to learn, grow, and give of oneself. In God’s eyes, such sacrificial love is powerful enough to change the course of generations. [04:13]
2. The Church as Both Bride and Mother God uses the metaphors of bride and mother to describe the church’s relationship to Christ and to the world. As the bride, the church is cherished and pursued by Christ with a supernatural love; as the mother, the church nurtures, protects, and brings new life to those who enter her care. This dual identity calls us to both receive God’s love and extend it to others in tangible, nurturing ways. [13:35]
3. God’s Jealousy is Our Protection When we face threats, accusations, or pressures from the world, God’s jealousy for us is not a sign of insecurity but of deep, protective love. He steps in as our defender when we bring our burdens to Him, reminding us that we do not have to fight our battles alone. Our value to God is so great that He intervenes on our behalf, asking us to trust Him with our struggles. [23:23]
4. Gentleness in Spiritual Growth Spiritual maturity is a process that requires gentleness, patience, and care—much like a mother nurturing her child. The church is called to create an environment where new believers can grow at their own pace, receiving the “milk” of the Word before moving on to deeper truths. This approach honors the reality that transformation takes time and that everyone is on a journey toward maturity. [27:39]
5. Leaving Babylon, Becoming Daughters of Zion Our identity is shaped by the influences we allow into our lives. To be a “daughter of Babylon” is to be shaped by the world’s values of power and prestige, but God calls us to return and become “daughters of Zion,” defined by humility, salvation, and belonging to Him. This is an invitation to reject false sources of worth and embrace the true, life-giving identity God offers. [36:10]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:00] - Family History and the Move to Sydney
[04:13] - The Sacrifice of Motherhood
[05:04] - Homeschooling and Its Challenges
[06:12] - Defining Motherhood Through Sacrifice
[07:00] - The Flock and the Shepherd Metaphor
[07:53] - Biblical Metaphors: Bride, Mother, Daughter
[08:33] - Christ and the Church: The Great Mystery
[11:10] - Jesus as the Bridegroom
[12:34] - The Intimacy of Marriage and God’s Love
[13:35] - The Church’s Worth and Imperfection
[17:02] - Diversity and Imperfection in the Church
[20:21] - God’s Jealousy and the Story of Sennacherib
[23:23] - Bringing Our Battles to God
[24:45] - God’s Jealousy in the New Testament
[26:21] - Partnering with God in New Creation
[27:39] - Gentleness and Growth in the Church
[29:36] - The Church as the New Jerusalem
[36:10] - Leaving Babylon, Becoming Daughters of Zion
[41:10] - Invitation and Response

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Ephesians 5:29-32 — "For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ also does the church, because we are parts of His body. For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. This mystery is great; but I am speaking with reference to Christ and the church."

- 2 Kings 19:21
"This is the word that the Lord has spoken against him: 'The virgin daughter of Zion has shown contempt for you and mocked you; the daughter of Jerusalem has shaken her head behind you.'"

- Galatians 4:26-27
"But the Jerusalem above is free; she is our mother. For it is written, 'Rejoice, barren woman who does not bear; break forth and shout, you who are not in labor; for more numerous are the children of the desolate than of the one who has a husband.'"

Observation Questions

In Ephesians 5:29-32, what comparison does Paul make between Christ and the church, and what does this reveal about how Christ treats the church?
According to the story in 2 Kings 19:21, how does God respond when His people are threatened or mocked by outsiders?
In Galatians 4:26-27, what does Paul mean by calling the "Jerusalem above" our mother, and what is the significance of the barren woman rejoicing?
The sermon described the church as both a bride and a mother. What are some ways these two metaphors are used to describe the church’s relationship to Christ and to believers? [[07:53]]

Interpretation Questions

What does it mean that Christ "nourishes and cherishes" the church as His own body? How does this shape our understanding of how God views us, even with our imperfections? [[08:33]]
The sermon talked about God’s jealousy for His people as protective, not petty. How does this kind of jealousy differ from human jealousy, and what does it say about God’s character? [[23:23]]
The metaphor of the church as a mother suggests a process of nurturing and growth. What might it look like for a church community to be gentle and patient with new believers? [[27:39]]
The call to "leave Babylon and become daughters of Zion" is a call to reject worldly values. What are some practical ways believers can recognize and resist the influence of "Babylon" in their own lives? [[36:10]]

Application Questions

The sermon shared a story about a mother making sacrifices to protect and nurture her children, even when it was inconvenient or costly. Can you think of a time when you (or someone you know) made a difficult decision out of love for someone else? What motivated that choice, and what was the outcome? [[04:13]]
The church is described as both a bride cherished by Christ and a mother nurturing new believers. In your own experience, have you felt more like someone being nurtured, or someone nurturing others? How can you step into both roles in your faith community? [[13:35]]
When facing threats, accusations, or pressures from the world, the sermon encouraged us to bring our burdens to God, trusting Him to defend us. Is there a specific "letter from Sennacherib" (a threat, worry, or accusation) in your life right now that you need to bring to God? What would it look like to do that this week? [[23:23]]
The sermon emphasized the importance of gentleness and patience in spiritual growth, comparing it to a mother feeding her child milk before solid food. Are there areas in your spiritual life where you need to be more patient with yourself or with others? How can you practice gentleness in those areas? [[27:39]]
The call to leave behind the "daughters of Babylon" and become "daughters of Zion" is about embracing a new identity rooted in Christ, not in worldly success or power. What are some influences or values from the world that you feel tempted to chase? How can you intentionally choose humility and belonging in Christ instead? [[36:10]]
The sermon mentioned that the church is not perfect, yet Christ still gave Himself for it. How does this truth affect the way you view the church, especially when you notice its flaws or disagreements? [[17:02]]
The idea of partnering with God in new creation means helping others grow in faith and being open to transformation ourselves. Who is someone in your life that you can encourage or nurture in their faith journey this week? What is one practical step you can take? [[29:36]]

Sermon Clips

She didn't want to pass that down she had already made a massive decision to change her life to give her life to god to break the neck and the yoke of that abuse and that generational curse and still yet wanted to bring more protection and so as a young mother a young christian a young church planter she decided that one of the best things that she could do with her time is to teach her children leslie ann came home from school and she started homeschooling and i say this to talk about the decision and the feat of the decision that it is my mother did not complete grade 12. [00:03:24] (50 seconds)

So this metaphor here is comparing God's relationship with his people to that of a marriage. And it's a bridge to help us understand marriage better, but also to help us understand God's love for us better.Marriage is one of the most poignant relationships in society that we have.It's one of the most intimate ones. It's one of the most shared ones in terms of every culture. We understand.understand what this is because of the natural order of things and the connection that happens in between two people.And so it's that metaphor that God uses to explain how much he loves us using the most powerful of relationships. [00:12:19] (55 seconds)

God loves the church so much that he became her savior.Ephesians 5 .23 says that he himself became the savior of the body, the church. And Paul goes on to say in verse 25 that Christ also loved the church and gave himself up for her.He gave himself up for her, for the church. The mother is worth it. [00:14:29] (23 seconds)

He has dealt with humanity for thousands of years. And still, He dies on the cross because He loves us. Because He loves His bride. And the church, the mother. The mother is worth it. Jesus is jealous of His bride. Say that with me. He's jealous of His bride. He's jealous. He is jealous. [00:20:21] (27 seconds)

He's jealous when we look to other things for salvation. He's jealous when we first look at things for help outside of God and outside of what he can do for us. When the pressures of life come, when the stings of life come, when things come and try and steal us away, he feels that jealousy in his heart. And if you'll bring it to him, he'll step in. [00:26:21] (23 seconds)

He will come and he will seek and he will save us. He loves us. He loves us.And as a bride, the church, we partner in creation with God.Paul uses the language of birth constantly when speaking about the formation of new life and new creation in the lives of the church. In labor, the church is until Christ is formed. Galatians 4 and 9, my children with whom I am again in labor until Christ is formed in you, he says. [00:27:28] (33 seconds)

Paul is talking here about the approach of a mother to those in the church to help them grow, to help them strengthen, to help them grow in their understanding of God and in their spiritual lives, and to get closer to him. And he says, I'm doing so, and I'm not trying to make you eat solid food right away.I'm bringing you into this place with the milk of the world, not solid food because you're not able to consume it. [00:28:26] (29 seconds)

We bring newness of life into these lives that come into the church around us shining the light we become that shining light on a hill saying that this way is life we the church become the personification of wisdom saying come with us we know the way of wisdom and therefore of life or come to us and we will do you good and so really today we live out the invitation that moses gave his father -in -law in numbers 10 and 29 we are setting out to the place which the lord said i will give it to you a city not made with hands whose builder and whose maker is god the new jerusalem the church come with us and we will do you good the church is the mother that looks out for and does good to those who would come to it. [00:32:59] (62 seconds)

In old testament speech i would say or in hebrew the idea of being daughter of was to try was getting across an idea that somebody is influenced by the culture of or they're influenced by the thinking of or the art of a particular area so to be a daughter of babylon when you described somebody as being a daughter of babylon that came with a certain level of understanding you understood what their priorities were you understood how they thought you understood what they thought you understood what they valued you understood what meant something to them and what didn't mean something to them you understood their idea of morality and everything else. [00:35:05] (58 seconds)

Ask a question about this sermon

Chatbot

Transcript

What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?

Were there any personal stories shared?