A Mother’s Wisdom, A Mother’s Faith: Jochebed, Mary, and the Call of God

May 10th, 2026 - Pastor Gus

Proverbs 31:26; Exodus 2:1-10; Luke 1:26-38

Mother’s Day often reminds us of the quiet strength of faithful mothers. While many think of love, sacrifice, and care, Scripture also highlights something else: godly wisdom. Proverbs 31:26 says, “She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue” (ESV). A godly mother is not simply nurturing. She is shaped by faith, speaks truth, and trusts the Lord even when His calling seems overwhelming.

Two mothers in Scripture stand out as examples of extraordinary faith in the midst of extraordinary circumstances: Jochebed, the mother of Moses, and Mary, the mother of Jesus. Though separated by centuries, both women were uniquely chosen by God for roles that would affect the course of history.

In Exodus 2:1-10, we meet Jochebed during one of the darkest periods in Israel’s history. Pharaoh had ordered Hebrew baby boys to be killed out of fear that Israel would grow too powerful. Yet Jochebed trusted God rather than surrendering to fear. After hiding Moses for three months, she placed him in a basket among the reeds of the Nile, entrusting him to the Lord’s care. Humanly speaking, this looked dangerous and uncertain. Yet behind her actions was faith in the sovereignty of God.

Imagine the wisdom and kindness Proverbs 31 speaks of being lived out in her home. Jochebed would have taught Moses who he was and who the God of Israel was. Though Pharaoh’s daughter raised him in Egypt’s palace, Moses never forgot his Hebrew identity. God used the faithful influence of a mother to prepare the deliverer of Israel.

Now consider Mary in Luke 1:26-38. A young woman from Nazareth receives astonishing news from the angel Gabriel: she will conceive and bear the Son of God. Unlike Jochebed, Mary did not face a decree of death over her child at the beginning, but she faced uncertainty, misunderstanding, and likely public shame. Yet when confronted with an impossible calling, her response reflected humble faith: “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38).

The parallels between Jochebed and Mary are remarkable.

Both were chosen by God for a unique purpose. Jochebed would raise Moses, the earthly deliverer God used to rescue Israel from slavery. Mary would bear and raise Jesus Christ, the greater Deliverer who came to save sinners from their sins.

Both mothers faced fear and uncertainty. Jochebed placed her son in a river, trusting God with what she could not control. Mary embraced a calling that could bring rejection and hardship. Neither had all the answers, yet both trusted the Lord.

Both raised sons who would confront evil and bring deliverance. Moses stood before Pharaoh declaring, “Let My people go.” Jesus stood before sinful humanity proclaiming repentance and salvation. Moses led Israel through the waters of the Red Sea. Jesus makes a way for His people through His death and resurrection.

Most importantly, both mothers surrendered their children to God’s greater plan. Jochebed could not keep Moses forever. Mary would one day stand near the cross, watching her Son fulfill the mission He was sent to accomplish. Faithful motherhood often means trusting God with what is most precious.

This Mother’s Day, Proverbs 31:26 reminds us that godly motherhood is marked by wisdom and kindness rooted in faith. Whether a mother’s influence is seen in grand moments or quiet daily faithfulness, God uses it. Jochebed and Mary were not perfect women, but they were willing vessels in the hands of a sovereign God.

The Lord still works through faithful mothers today. A mother who teaches Scripture, prays for her children, speaks truth with kindness, and trusts God in uncertainty leaves a legacy that can echo for generations. You may never know how God will use your faithfulness, but He does.

We always encourage everyone to check everything through the lens of the Scriptures. Be like the noble Bereans of Paul’s day. Please visit us here for much more, and remember, Christ is enough.

Happy Mother's Day everyone! Until we meet again, let's go serve our King as Jochebed and Mary faithfully did!

FRF Family