Embracing the Legacy of Unsung Mothers and Service
Summary
Today, we reflected on the profound, often unseen influence of mothers and spiritual mothers in our lives, drawing inspiration from both personal stories and the biblical account of Tabitha (also known as Dorcas) in Acts 9. The nurturing, sacrificial love of mothers is a reflection of God’s own tender care for us, shaping not only individuals but entire communities and even the course of history. Abraham Lincoln’s life, for example, was deeply marked by his stepmother, Sarah Bush Lincoln, whose steadfast support and love molded him into the leader we revere today. In our own lives, we are shaped by “other mothers”—teachers, mentors, and spiritual leaders—whose faith and encouragement set us on paths we might never have found alone.
Turning to Scripture, we see in Tabitha a model of Christlike service and leadership. Though little is known about her personal life, Luke honors her as the only woman in the New Testament explicitly called a “disciple” in the feminine form. In a male-dominated society, Tabitha’s devotion and service to the poor and widows stood out, not for public acclaim, but for the undeniable impact she had on her community. When she died, her absence created a crisis so deep that the community moved quickly, in faith, to seek her restoration. Their grief and hope, mingled together, prompted Peter to pray for her resurrection, and God answered for the sake of the community she so faithfully served.
Tabitha’s legacy is not just in the acts of kindness she performed, but in the enduring love and gratitude she inspired. Luke’s deliberate use of her Greek name, Dorcas, signals to all readers—across cultures and generations—that every community needs a Dorcas: someone whose quiet, consistent service uplifts the vulnerable and brings glory to God. The true measure of a life well-lived is not found in status or recognition, but in the love and service we offer to others, leaving behind a legacy that outlasts us.
As we look ahead, let us strive to be unsung heroes in our own families, churches, and communities. Let us recognize and honor the women—mothers, sisters, and spiritual mothers—whose faithfulness sustains and grows the body of Christ. And let us commit ourselves to building a community marked by love, service, and the kind of legacy that points others to Christ.
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Key Takeaways
- The Transformative Power of Spiritual Motherhood
The influence of “other mothers”—whether biological, spiritual, or through mentorship—can shape destinies in ways that are often invisible but deeply significant. Like Sarah Bush Lincoln for Abraham Lincoln, these figures nurture, encourage, and set us on paths we might never have found alone. Their faith and love are often the foundation upon which lives of purpose and service are built. [02:10]
- Unsung Heroes: Faithfulness Over Fame
Tabitha’s life reminds us that God sees and honors those who serve quietly and faithfully, even when the world does not. The only time the New Testament uses the feminine form of “disciple” is for Tabitha, highlighting that true discipleship is not about public recognition but about devotion and service. In God’s kingdom, the unnoticed sacrifices of unsung heroes will be richly rewarded, and their impact is often greater than we realize. [13:40]
- Service That Leaves a Void
The depth of Tabitha’s service was revealed not just in her life, but in her absence. When she died, her community’s urgent response and heartfelt grief showed how indispensable her love and care had been. A life of undeniable service is one that, when gone, leaves a void that cannot easily be filled—a challenge to us all to serve in such a way that our absence would be deeply felt by those we love and serve. [19:30]
- Legacy Beyond Wealth: The Enduring Impact of Love
Tabitha’s legacy was not material wealth, but the enduring gratitude and love of those she served. Luke’s use of her Greek name, Dorcas, was intentional, inviting all readers to remember and emulate her example. The richest legacy we can leave is not in possessions, but in the lives we touch and the love we sow, which continues to bear fruit long after we are gone. [24:20]
- Building a Community of Care and Service
The resurrection of Tabitha is a call to build communities where no one is overlooked or left behind. Just as Tabitha’s return inspired her to encourage others, we are called to reach out to the lonely, the vulnerable, and the spiritually orphaned around us. Our collective commitment to love and serve transforms not only individuals but the entire community, making the church a true reflection of Christ’s love. [28:42]
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Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:45] - The Incalculable Value of Mothers
[03:10] - Abraham Lincoln and the Power of a Stepmother
[06:20] - Personal Stories of “Other Mothers”
[09:00] - Introducing Tabitha: The Other Mother in Acts
[11:30] - Peter’s Healing Ministry in Lydda and Joppa
[13:40] - Tabitha: The Only Female “Disciple”
[16:10] - Unsung Heroes in the Early Church
[19:30] - The Community’s Grief and Faith
[21:50] - Parallels to Jesus’ Miracles
[24:20] - The Legacy of Dorcas: Why Her Name Matters
[26:30] - What Will Your Legacy Be?
[28:42] - Building a Community Like Tabitha
[30:04] - Call to Prayer and Response
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: The Unsung Influence of Spiritual Mothers (Acts 9:32-43)
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### Bible Reading
Acts 9:32-43 (NIV)
This passage tells the story of Tabitha (Dorcas), a disciple in Joppa known for her acts of kindness and service, her death, and her miraculous resurrection through Peter’s prayer.
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### Observation Questions
1. What specific acts of service did Tabitha (Dorcas) do for her community, and how did the people respond to her death?
2. According to Acts 9:36, what unique title does Luke use for Tabitha, and why is this significant?
3. How did the widows and others in the community show their grief and appreciation for Tabitha when Peter arrived?
4. In the sermon, what examples were given of “other mothers” who shaped lives outside of their own families? [03:10]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Luke chose to highlight Tabitha as the only woman in the New Testament called a “disciple” in the feminine form? What does this say about her role in the early church? [13:40]
2. The community’s urgent response to Tabitha’s death showed how much she was needed. What does this reveal about the kind of impact a life of service can have on others? [19:30]
3. The sermon mentioned that Tabitha’s legacy was not material wealth, but the love and gratitude of those she served. How does this challenge our usual ideas about what makes a life “successful”? [24:20]
4. After Tabitha was raised, the story says “many people believed in the Lord.” What connection do you see between acts of service and the spread of faith in a community?
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### Application Questions
1. Who are the “other mothers” or spiritual mentors in your life who have shaped your faith or character? How have they influenced you, and have you ever thanked them? [03:10]
2. Tabitha served quietly and faithfully, without seeking recognition. Are there ways you can serve in your family, church, or community that might go unnoticed but are still important? What holds you back from serving in these ways? [13:40]
3. The community felt a deep void when Tabitha was gone. If you were to move away or be absent, who would feel your absence most? What does this say about the way you are currently serving others? [19:30]
4. The sermon challenged us to leave a legacy of love, not just possessions. What is one specific way you can invest in someone’s life this month that will have a lasting impact? [24:20]
5. Tabitha’s story is a call to build a community where no one is overlooked. Who in your life or church might be feeling lonely, vulnerable, or spiritually orphaned? What is one thing you can do this week to reach out to them? [28:42]
6. The pastor shared personal stories of teachers and mentors who shaped his life. Is there someone you could be a spiritual mother, father, or mentor to right now? What would it look like to encourage or support them? [03:10]
7. The sermon mentioned that sometimes women’s contributions in the church are overlooked or undervalued. How can we as a group do a better job of recognizing and supporting the gifts and leadership of women in our community? [13:40]
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Thank God for the spiritual mothers and mentors in your life. Ask for eyes to see those who need encouragement and for the courage to serve faithfully, even when no one notices. Pray that your group and church would be a community marked by love, service, and a legacy that points others to Christ.
Devotional
Day 1: The Unsung Hero: Tabitha’s Faithful Discipleship
Tabitha was recognized as a true disciple, the only time in the New Testament the feminine form of “disciple” is used, highlighting her devotion and faithfulness in a male-dominated society. Her life reminds us that God sees and values those who serve quietly and faithfully, even when the world overlooks them. The women who followed Jesus, like Tabitha, played crucial roles in supporting His ministry, witnessing His resurrection, and spreading the gospel, often without recognition or praise. Their stories encourage us to honor and emulate the unsung heroes among us, knowing that God will reward faithfulness in the little things with greater things in eternity. If you feel unseen in your service, remember that God sees you and will one day honor your sacrifices. [13:40]
Acts 9:36 (ESV)
Now there was in Joppa a disciple named Tabitha, which, translated, means Dorcas. She was full of good works and acts of charity.
Reflection: Who in your life quietly serves others without recognition, and how can you encourage or thank them today for their faithfulness?
Day 2: A Life of Undeniable Service
Tabitha’s acts of service were so impactful that her community could not imagine life without her; when she died, the widows she had clothed and cared for mourned deeply and urgently sought Peter’s help, believing in the possibility of her restoration. Her legacy was not in her status or wealth, but in the tangible love she showed through her deeds—making clothes for widows and meeting the needs of the vulnerable. The community’s grief and action reveal how a life of selfless service leaves a lasting mark, inspiring faith and hope in others. Consider how your daily acts of kindness, no matter how small, can become a source of comfort and strength for those around you. [19:50]
Acts 9:39 (ESV)
So Peter rose and went with them. And when he arrived, they took him to the upper room. All the widows stood beside him weeping and showing tunics and other garments that Dorcas made while she was with them.
Reflection: What is one practical way you can serve someone in need this week, following Tabitha’s example of tangible love?
Day 3: Imitating Christ in Faith for the Community
Peter’s decision to pray for Tabitha’s resurrection was inspired by the community’s faith and grief, and his actions closely mirrored Jesus’ raising of Jairus’ daughter, showing that following Christ sometimes means stepping out in faith for the sake of others. The parallel between “Talitha cumi” and “Tabitha, get up” is intentional, reminding us that God calls us to imitate Christ’s compassion and boldness, especially when our community is in need. When we see the needs and pain around us, we are invited to pray and act with faith, trusting that God can bring new life and hope. Let your faith be moved by the needs of others, and don’t hesitate to intercede boldly for your community. [22:10]
Acts 9:40-41 (ESV)
But Peter put them all outside, and knelt down and prayed; and turning to the body he said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. And he gave her his hand and raised her up. Then, calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive.
Reflection: Where do you see a need in your community that calls for bold prayer and action, and how can you step out in faith to meet it?
Day 4: Leaving an Undying Legacy
Tabitha’s legacy endured beyond her lifetime, as Luke intentionally recorded her Greek name, Dorcas, so that future generations—especially Greek-speaking believers—would remember her example of love and service. Her life teaches us that the most valuable inheritance we can leave is not material wealth, but a legacy of faith, compassion, and service that inspires others to worship God and care for the vulnerable. When we invest in others and serve with humility, our impact can ripple through families, churches, and communities for generations. Ask God to help you build a legacy that points others to Christ and brings joy to those in need. [24:20]
Proverbs 13:22 (ESV)
A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, but the sinner’s wealth is laid up for the righteous.
Reflection: What kind of spiritual or relational legacy are you building, and what is one step you can take today to invest in others for God’s glory?
Day 5: Building a Community of Care and Inclusion
The story of Tabitha calls us to be a community that reaches out to the lonely, the widows, the spiritual orphans, and those without support, making our fellowship a place of love, care, and practical help. Just as Tabitha’s return brought renewed hope and purpose to her community, we are invited to make our church and our lives a source of encouragement and belonging for those who feel forgotten. This summer, let us commit to being present, reaching out, and serving together, so that everyone—regardless of their background or need—can experience the love of Christ through us. [30:04]
James 1:27 (ESV)
Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.
Reflection: Who around you might be feeling isolated or unsupported, and how can you intentionally reach out to include and care for them this week?
Quotes
So who is your other mother? Who is your other mother or spiritual mother? Today I want us to study the other mother who served and shaped so many others in the book of Acts. Her name is Tabitha and her story is Acts chapter 9. [00:04:54] (16 seconds)
Tabitha lived a life of an undying legacy. There is an intriguing even strange element in Tabitha's story that is her Greek name Dorcas. Both Tabitha and Dorcas means a deer or gazelle and you know biblical scholars they wonder why Luke translated and recorded her Greek name Dorcas here. He mentioned the Dorcas twice and Tabitha did not work with the Greek widows but only with the Jewish widows. [00:24:22] (32 seconds)
Luke wanted his readers, mostly Greek people, to remember Tabitha's legacy. Luke knew that we need Dorcas in every family, in every church and every community. Wherever there is a Dorcas, widows will worship God with gratitude and the poor will praise the Lord with joy. [00:25:25] (27 seconds)
Let us be the community of Dorcas. Let us not be so individually, you know, whatever focusing on vacation. I mean, go to vacation, by all means, go to vacation. But point is, while you're in the Dallas, let us really join together. Reach out to those widows, spiritual widows, those spiritual orphans, people without the support system, lonely people around us. Let us reach out and really serve them and care for them. [00:29:33] (30 seconds)
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