Unsung Heroes: The Power of Selfless Love
Summary
This morning, I reflected on a moment of deep joy and vulnerability as a father, lying between my daughters, arms outstretched, feeling the weight of their heads and the beauty of their trust. That moment, fleeting as it is, reminded me of the kind of “kingdom on earth” Jesus spoke about—a kingdom not built on power, achievement, or influence, but on selflessness, closeness to God, and the courage to love sacrificially. As parents, we often wonder who our children will look up to when they stop listening to us. The world offers many heroes—athletes, influencers, leaders—but Scripture points us to a different kind of heroism.
Turning to the opening chapters of Exodus, we find seven women—some named, some not—whose courage, faith, and selfless actions made possible the deliverance of Israel. These women, from different backgrounds and social standings, did not seek recognition or power. Instead, they risked everything for the sake of others, embodying the very qualities Jesus would later describe in the Beatitudes. Shiphrah and Puah, the Hebrew midwives, defied Pharaoh’s murderous command out of reverence for God. Moses’ mother hid her son, risking her life to preserve his. Miriam, his sister, watched over him and bravely intervened at the right moment. Pharaoh’s daughter, moved by compassion, defied her own culture to save a Hebrew child, and her maidservant played a quiet but essential role. Finally, Zipporah, Moses’ wife, acted decisively to save her husband’s life when no one else could.
These women, often overlooked, are the true heroes of the story. Their selflessness, courage, and faithfulness are what ushered in God’s purposes. They looked like Jesus long before He walked the earth. Today, as we celebrate and honor the women among us—mothers, daughters, sisters, friends—we recognize that the kingdom of God is revealed not in worldly success, but in the quiet, often unseen acts of love, sacrifice, and faith. The good life, as Jesus taught, belongs to those who are close to God, even (and especially) in their weakness. Let us look to these women, both in Scripture and in our own lives, as examples of what it means to live out the upside-down kingdom of God.
Key Takeaways
- True heroism in God’s kingdom is marked by selflessness and courage, not by power or recognition. The seven women in Exodus risked everything for others, often without any promise of reward or acknowledgment. Their actions remind us that God’s purposes are often advanced through those who quietly and faithfully serve, even when the world overlooks them. [15:59]
- The Beatitudes reveal that the “good life” is not about worldly success, but about being close to God, especially in our weakness and suffering. Jesus flips our expectations, teaching that those who mourn, who are meek, who hunger for righteousness, are truly blessed—not because of their circumstances, but because of the nearness of God in those moments. [10:21]
- God uses people from all backgrounds, ages, and social statuses to accomplish His will. The women in Exodus included midwives, a slave, a princess, a servant, a mother, a sister, and a wife—each playing a unique and vital role. No act of faithfulness is too small or insignificant in God’s eyes; every role matters in the unfolding of His story. [24:08]
- Selfless service, especially when it goes unnoticed, is a hallmark of Christlikeness. The maidservant who fetched Moses’ basket, like so many who serve behind the scenes, models the kind of humility and willingness that Jesus Himself displayed when He washed His disciples’ feet. We are called to value and emulate this kind of service, knowing it is precious to God. [26:00]
- Women in Scripture—and in our lives today—are often the unsung heroes who reflect the heart of Jesus. Whether in moments of strength or weakness, their faithfulness, compassion, and perseverance reveal the kingdom of God in our midst. We are called to honor, appreciate, and learn from their example, recognizing that God sees and values every act of love and sacrifice. [34:03]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[02:03] - A Father’s Bedtime Reflection
[10:21] - Rethinking Heroes and the Beatitudes
[12:11] - Introducing the Seven Women of Exodus
[15:59] - Shiphrah and Puah: Defying Pharaoh
[17:50] - The New Law and the Risk to Israelite Mothers
[18:47] - Moses’ Mother and the Ark of Rescue
[20:34] - Miriam’s Watchful Courage
[24:08] - Pharaoh’s Daughter and the Maidservant
[25:03] - Miriam’s Bold Intervention
[26:00] - Moses’ Adoption and the Power of Compassion
[26:52] - Zipporah’s Decisive Action
[31:01] - The Unseen Impact of Faithful Women
[32:07] - The Upside-Down Kingdom in Everyday Life
[34:03] - Honoring the Women Among Us
[37:11] - Encouragement for Moms and Women
[39:10] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Unsung Heroes of Exodus and the Upside-Down Kingdom
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### Bible Reading
- Exodus 1:8–2:10 (The stories of Shiphrah, Puah, Moses’ mother, Miriam, Pharaoh’s daughter, and the maidservant)
- Exodus 4:24–26 (Zipporah saves Moses)
- Matthew 5:1–12 (The Beatitudes)
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### Observation Questions
1. In Exodus 1–2, what specific actions did Shiphrah and Puah take in response to Pharaoh’s command, and what was their motivation? ([15:59])
2. How did Moses’ mother and sister, Miriam, each play a role in saving Moses’ life? What risks did they take? ([20:34])
3. What did Pharaoh’s daughter and her maidservant do when they found Moses in the river? How did their actions go against the expectations of their culture? ([24:08])
4. According to Matthew 5:1–12, who does Jesus say is “blessed” or living the “good life”? What kinds of people are included in this list?
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### Interpretation Questions
1. The sermon describes the seven women in Exodus as “heroes” who looked like Jesus before He ever walked the earth. What qualities did these women display that align with the Beatitudes? ([12:11])
2. Why do you think God chose to use people from such different backgrounds—midwives, a slave, a princess, a servant, a mother, a sister, and a wife—to accomplish His plan for Israel’s deliverance? ([24:08])
3. The Beatitudes describe the “good life” as belonging to those who are poor in spirit, who mourn, who are meek, etc. How does this challenge the way our culture defines success and heroism? ([10:21])
4. The maidservant who fetched Moses’ basket is highlighted as an example of selfless service that often goes unnoticed. Why is this kind of service so important in God’s kingdom? ([26:00])
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon began with a story about a father’s moment of closeness and vulnerability with his daughters. When was the last time you experienced a moment of deep connection or selfless love in your family or friendships? How did it affect you? ([02:03])
2. As parents, mentors, or friends, we often worry about who the next generation will look up to. Who are the “heroes” you point your children or others to? Are there women in your life or community who model the kind of selflessness and courage seen in Exodus? ([10:21])
3. The seven women in Exodus risked everything for others, often without recognition. Is there an area in your life where you are called to serve quietly or sacrificially, even if no one notices? What holds you back from embracing that role? ([15:59])
4. Jesus says the “good life” is found in being close to God, especially in weakness or suffering. Can you think of a time when you felt closest to God during a difficult season? How did that experience shape your faith? ([10:21])
5. The sermon encourages us to honor and appreciate the women among us who reflect the heart of Jesus. Who is one woman (or more) in your life you want to intentionally encourage or thank this week? How will you do it? ([34:03])
6. The maidservant’s behind-the-scenes service was essential to God’s plan. Are there “hidden” roles in your church, family, or workplace that you tend to overlook? How can you show more appreciation for those who serve in these ways? ([26:00])
7. Zipporah acted decisively to save Moses’ life when no one else could. Is there a situation right now where you feel God nudging you to step up with courage, even if it feels risky or uncomfortable? What would it look like to trust God and act? ([26:52])
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Closing Thought:
Let’s remember that God’s kingdom is often revealed in the quiet, unseen acts of love, sacrifice, and faithfulness. Whether you feel strong or weak, seen or unseen, your role matters in God’s story. Let’s encourage one another to live out this upside-down kingdom together.
Devotional
Day 1: The Upside-Down Kingdom: True Blessing in Weakness and Selflessness
Jesus teaches that the good life is not found in worldly success, power, or influence, but in drawing close to God through humility, selflessness, and even suffering. The Beatitudes reveal that those who are poor in spirit, who mourn, who are meek, and who hunger for righteousness are the ones who are truly blessed—not because of their circumstances, but because their nearness to God is the real reward. In a world that celebrates strength and achievement, Jesus flips the script and invites us to embrace our weaknesses as opportunities to experience His presence and usher in the kingdom of heaven here on earth. [07:40]
Matthew 5:1-12 (ESV)
Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him. And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
“Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Reflection: In what area of your life do you feel weak or overlooked, and how might you invite God to meet you there and reveal His blessing through your vulnerability today?
Day 2: Courageous Selflessness: The Seven Women of Exodus
The story of Exodus begins not with the mighty acts of Moses, but with the courageous, selfless actions of seven women—midwives, mothers, sisters, servants, and a princess—who risked everything to protect life and do what was right in God’s eyes. Their bravery and willingness to put others before themselves, regardless of recognition or reward, set the stage for God’s deliverance and show that true heroism often looks like quiet, sacrificial love. These women, from different backgrounds and positions, remind us that God uses ordinary people who act with faith and selflessness to accomplish extraordinary things. [20:34]
Exodus 1:15-22; 2:1-10 (ESV)
Then the king of Egypt said to the Hebrew midwives, one of whom was named Shiphrah and the other Puah, “When you serve as midwife to the Hebrew women and see them on the birthstool, if it is a son, you shall kill him, but if it is a daughter, she shall live.” But the midwives feared God and did not do as the king of Egypt commanded them, but let the male children live. So the king of Egypt called the midwives and said to them, “Why have you done this, and let the male children live?” The midwives said to Pharaoh, “Because the Hebrew women are not like the Egyptian women, for they are vigorous and give birth before the midwife comes to them.” So God dealt well with the midwives. And the people multiplied and grew very strong. And because the midwives feared God, he gave them families. Then Pharaoh commanded all his people, “Every son that is born to the Hebrews you shall cast into the Nile, but you shall let every daughter live.”
Now a man from the house of Levi went and took as his wife a Levite woman. The woman conceived and bore a son, and when she saw that he was a fine child, she hid him three months. When she could hide him no longer, she took for him a basket made of bulrushes and daubed it with bitumen and pitch. She put the child in it and placed it among the reeds by the river bank. And his sister stood at a distance to know what would be done to him. Now the daughter of Pharaoh came down to bathe at the river, while her young women walked beside the river. She saw the basket among the reeds and sent her servant woman, and she took it. When she opened it, she saw the child, and behold, the baby was crying. She took pity on him and said, “This is one of the Hebrews’ children.” Then his sister said to Pharaoh’s daughter, “Shall I go and call you a nurse from the Hebrew women to nurse the child for you?” And Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, “Go.” So the girl went and called the child’s mother. And Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, “Take this child away and nurse him for me, and I will give you your wages.” So the woman took the child and nursed him. When the child grew older, she brought him to Pharaoh’s daughter, and he became her son. She named him Moses, “Because,” she said, “I drew him out of the water.”
Reflection: Who in your life is quietly serving or sacrificing for others without recognition, and how can you honor or support them today?
Day 3: Every Role Matters: The Power of Unseen Service
Not every act of faithfulness is public or celebrated, but every role in God’s story is vital. The maidservant who fetched Moses’ basket, the midwives who defied Pharaoh, and the mothers who protected their children all played indispensable parts in God’s plan, even if their names are rarely remembered. In the same way, your unseen acts of kindness, service, and faithfulness—no matter how small—are precious to God and can have a ripple effect far beyond what you see. [24:08]
1 Corinthians 12:21-26 (ESV)
The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and on those parts of the body that we think less honorable we bestow the greater honor, and our unpresentable parts are treated with greater modesty, which our more presentable parts do not require. But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.
Reflection: What is one “behind the scenes” way you can serve someone today, trusting that God sees and values your faithfulness even if no one else does?
Day 4: God Works Through Weakness and Difference
God’s kingdom is not built on worldly power or sameness, but through the unique strengths, weaknesses, and differences of His people. The seven women of Exodus—spanning different ages, backgrounds, and social statuses—demonstrate that God delights in using those who may feel overlooked, weak, or different to accomplish His purposes. When you feel like you don’t measure up or your gifts aren’t enough, remember that God’s power is made perfect in weakness, and your unique story is necessary in His kingdom. [32:07]
2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (ESV)
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Reflection: Where do you feel “different” or “not enough,” and how might you invite God to use your unique strengths and weaknesses for His glory today?
Day 5: Recognizing and Appreciating the Unsung Heroes Among Us
Just as the women of Exodus shaped the story of God’s people, there are women—and men—around you today who are living out courageous, selfless faith in quiet ways. They may not seek recognition, but their love, perseverance, and faithfulness are ushering in God’s kingdom here and now. Take time to notice, appreciate, and encourage those who are faithfully following Jesus, especially when the world overlooks them. [37:11]
Romans 12:10 (ESV)
Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.
Reflection: Who is someone in your life—perhaps a mother, mentor, or friend—whose faithfulness you can intentionally honor or thank today?
Quotes
The good life belongs to those who are poor in spirit the good life belongs to those who mourn the good life belongs to those who are pure in heart that's crazy how's that a good life is that a blessing you know we read that as like that's the blessing but it's not actually the blessing this gets us to the blessing which is the line right after each of those words right so for theirs is the kingdom of heaven the word is baruch right this is what blessing is the baruch say baruch baruch the blessing the good life belongs to those [00:07:36] (40 seconds)
But what I want to look at today is I want to look at seven women who 1 ,500 years or so before Jesus came and preached these words, these beatitudes, embraced the selflessness and fear of God, the reverence for God.And they saved the life of a little baby that went on to become a great, big, powerful Moses. But without these seven women, it does not happen. It simply does not.And they come from different social statuses, right? They come from different countries. They come from different power structures. But each of them never make, the thing they have in common is each of them never make it about themselves. They make it about somebody else. [00:10:52] (47 seconds)
Sometimes it doesn't look like Simone Biles. I love Simone Biles. I want her to continue to be a hero for my girls. She's pretty good at what she does, right? And she's worked really hard to get there. But I think there's other heroes that are overlooked, specifically when it comes to women, that are not just in this story that we're going to read, but that are probably sitting right next to you today. [00:11:47] (24 seconds)
Selfless service behind the scenes without recognition is such a vital role to this upside down kingdom stuff that we say, that we talk about. Happening right now at our church, there is selfless service going on that is necessary for things to function. There's someone right now not listening to this message, walking in our parking lot to make sure your cars are safe. And they're circling that playground outside to make sure your kids are safe. You'll never know who they are and they don't care. That's not why they're doing it. Selfless service is a big deal. [00:23:21] (32 seconds)
And how important it is that even through weakness, God can work through different things and different people. And you don't have to be an influencer, and you don't have to be rich, and you don't have to be powerful to do amazing things with God working through you. [00:32:20] (19 seconds)
They might not be a CEO. Those things aren't bad, but that might not be them. But they love Jesus, and they trust that even when they might feel unnoticed, they don't beg to be seen or heard because they know they are seen by the Creator who made them exactly the way He wanted them to be. [00:33:22] (23 seconds)
Because you see, these types of women aren't just women in the Bible. I talked about at the beginning. They're right here. They're in this room. Like, look around. We have God -fearing women who are doing what they're trying to do, what they're supposed to be doing. They're trying to look like Jesus. They are being brave. They are being courageous. Most of them get no recognition, especially my mom's in this room. No recognition whatsoever, like, ever. [00:34:03] (30 seconds)
Even with messy haired kids even with a messy house even with life spinning out of control that doesn't mean that god can't go to work through them that doesn't mean that we can't see jesus through each of them and so today on this mother's day i think it is especially important to find some time to seek some recognition and appreciation for the women in this room who are doing their best to live in a world that is broken [00:35:08] (28 seconds)
Some of you in this room don't have, feel like you don't have a giant role. That's okay. That's okay, right? Remember woman number six? She just went and got the basket, but it was a necessary thing. You each have necessary and important roles. Some of you have power. Use that power for goodness, right? Like Pharaoh's daughter did. Mom's in this room.Keep doing what you're doing.I don't know how you do it. [00:37:12] (24 seconds)
So they're doing their best and that is appreciated. And we are so thankful for you. So I don't have like a million notes for you today. This is just a day today that I hope we can recognize the women in this room, appreciate what they're doing, go to the Bible when we look for the heroes. And so women today, I tell you, thank you for being the heroes that I will do a better job of telling my little girls to look up to when we're looking for the heroes that look more and more like Jesus. [00:38:34] (30 seconds)
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