Dwelling Place: The Bible for Moms

Have you ever wished you could go back and do something differently? Maybe you look at your parenting years and wish you had made better choices, responded with more patience, or pointed your children to Jesus more faithfully. Perhaps you even wish you could have a redo of your own life.

Today's reading offers a beautiful reminder: it is never too late to turn to Christ. As long as you have breath in your lungs, Jesus invites you to walk with Him. He is a God of redemption, and no past is beyond the reach of His grace.

In this episode of The Dwelling Place Bible Podcast for Busy Moms, we're looking at the crucifixion and burial of Jesus in Luke 23 and John 19. We'll consider the extraordinary love displayed at the cross, the criminal who received Christ's promise of paradise, and the moment Jesus declared, "It is finished."

The love and justice of God meet at the cross. Jesus, the Son of God, accomplished what no human being could ever do: He paid the penalty for sin and opened the way for us to enter God's presence. When the temple curtain was torn from top to bottom, God demonstrated that the way into the Holy of Holies had been opened through the sacrifice of His Son.

And this changes everything about how we live.

In This Episode, You'll Discover:

• The grace of Jesus: What the criminal on the cross teaches us about salvation, repentance, and God's mercy—even in life's final moments.
• The seven statements of Jesus on the cross: A closer look at His words of mercy, grace, compassion, anguish, need, victory, and trust.
• Why Jesus said, "It is finished": Understanding the once-for-all sacrifice of the Lamb of God and what His death accomplished for sinners.
• The significance of the torn temple curtain: How Jesus made a way for us to be restored to God's presence.
• Jesus as our Great High Priest: What the details of His clothing and sacrifice reveal about His identity and mission.
• The hope of redemption: Why your past does not have to define your future when you turn to Christ.
• A message for moms who wish they could start over: How the finished work of Jesus gives us hope to walk faithfully with Him today, regardless of our regrets.

What Does the Cross Mean for Christian Moms?

Motherhood can bring regrets. We can look back and see moments when we failed to respond with love, missed opportunities to teach our children God's Word, or allowed our own struggles to shape our homes.

But our hope is not found in becoming a perfect mother or rewriting our past. Our hope is found in Jesus Christ.

The criminal beside Jesus had no opportunity to repair his past or make up for his mistakes. He simply recognized who Jesus was and asked to be remembered in His kingdom. Jesus responded with a promise of paradise.

What incredible grace!

As Christian moms, we need this same gospel hope. We cannot save ourselves, and we cannot fix the sin problem in our children's hearts. We need a Savior. And because Jesus' sacrifice is sufficient, we can point our families to Him with humility, gratitude, and confidence.

Our past may hold regrets, but it does not have to determine how we walk with Christ from this day forward.

Scripture Reading

Today's chronological Bible reading includes:

• Luke 23 – Jesus' crucifixion, the two criminals, His final words, and His burial
• John 19 – The crucifixion, Jesus' care for His mother, His declaration that "It is finished," and His burial
• Matthew 27:51 – The temple curtain torn in two
• Genesis 3:15 – God's first promise of a coming Redeemer
• Romans 8:31–32 – The assurance of God's love and provision through His Son
• Psalm 22 – The Messianic psalm Jesus quoted from the cross

Reflection for Your Day

As you go about the ordinary responsibilities of motherhood today, take time to consider what Jesus has already accomplished for you.

• Are you living in the freedom and gratitude of knowing that Jesus has paid the full penalty for your sin?
• Is there a regret from your past that you need to bring to the Lord and entrust to His redeeming grace?
• How can you help your children understand that they need a Savior—not simply better behavior?
• Does the reality of Christ's sacrifice change how you respond to the challenges and disappointments of today?

You don't need a redo to begin walking faithfully with Jesus. You can turn to Him today.

A Prayer of Gratitude

Heavenly Father, thank You for the love so clearly demonstrated at the cross. We stand in awe of the sacrifice of Your Son and the plan You made to redeem us and restore us to Your presence. Thank You that Jesus declared, "It is finished." May the reality of His sacrifice transform us, causing the cares of this world to fall away as we fix our eyes on what He has already accomplished. Give our families soft hearts and open eyes and ears to recognize Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the living God. Help us live in light of His sacrifice as we await eternity with You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Continue Your Chronological Bible Reading Journey

Join us on The Dwelling Place Bible Podcast for Busy Moms as we walk through Scripture together, exploring God's Word and discovering how it shapes our faith, our families, and our everyday lives.

Find more biblical parenting encouragement and resources from Entrusted Ministries at https://entrustedministries.com/

Listen to more episodes: https://entrustedministries.com/podcast

Commentaries Most Consulted: Moody, MacArthur

#ChristianMoms #BiblePodcast #ChronologicalBibleReadingPlan #ChristianParenting #BiblicalParenting #BiblicalMotherhood #BibleStudyForMoms #NewTestamentBibleReadingPlan #TheCrossOfChrist #FinishedWorkOfChrist #GodsGrace #FaithAndFamily

Jesus Took Our Place: Understanding the Cross and the Cost of Our Sin | Matthew 27 & Mark 15

What does it mean that Jesus took our place? And have we become so familiar with the story of the cross that we have forgotten the cost of our salvation?

In this episode of The Dwelling Place Bible Podcast for Busy Moms, we examine the betrayal, arrest, wrongful trials, and suffering of Jesus Christ in Matthew 27 and Mark 15, with additional details from John's and Luke's Gospels. As we follow Jesus through His final hours before the crucifixion, we are confronted with the injustice He endured, the depth of His suffering, and the extraordinary love that led Him to surrender Himself for us.

Jesus was innocent. His accusers brought false testimony. Religious leaders condemned Him, Pilate repeatedly acknowledged that He had done nothing deserving death, and Herod's soldiers mocked Him. Yet Jesus willingly endured humiliation, beating, and punishment.

One of the most striking moments comes when Pilate offers the crowd a choice: Jesus or Barabbas, a convicted murderer and rebel. The crowd demands Barabbas be released and Jesus be crucified.

Barabbas deserved punishment. Jesus did not. And in this exchange, we see a powerful picture of the gospel: the guilty are set free because the innocent One takes their place.

As Christian moms, we spend so much of our lives trying to solve problems, care for our families, and make things right. But our greatest problem—our sin and separation from a holy God—is one we cannot fix ourselves. We need a Savior.

This episode invites us to renew our gratitude for Christ's substitutionary sacrifice, consider how we are responding to His lordship, and faithfully teach our children the good news of the gospel.

In This Episode, You'll Discover:

• Why Jesus' final hours matter: Explore the betrayal, arrest, religious trials, civil trials, and suffering that preceded His crucifixion.
• The significance of the Garden: How John's Gospel connects Jesus' arrest in a garden to the story of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden.
• The injustice of Jesus' trials: Understand why the proceedings against Jesus violated Jewish legal practices and how false witnesses were used to condemn Him.
• Peter's denial: Why Peter's faith faltered when his comfort and safety were challenged—and what his failure reveals about our own weakness.
• Jesus before Pilate and Herod: See how political pressure, fear of people, and the desire to preserve power influenced the decisions of those who judged Jesus.
• The suffering of Christ: Consider the brutality of Roman scourging and the humiliation Jesus willingly endured.
• The choice between Jesus and Barabbas: Why the release of a guilty man provides such a vivid picture of what Jesus accomplished for sinners.
• Substitutionary atonement explained: Discover what it means that Jesus took the punishment we deserved and shed His blood to atone for our sin.
• The faithfulness of God: Trace the connection between Abraham and Isaac, God's provision of a substitute, and Jesus as the Lamb of God.
• Our response to Christ: Consider whether we respond like the religious leaders, Pilate, or Peter—or whether we surrender our lives in wholehearted devotion to Jesus.

Barabbas: A Picture of the Gospel

One of the most moving details in this account is the release of Barabbas.

Barabbas was guilty. He was a rebel and a murderer, deserving the punishment that came with his crimes. Yet when the crowd was given a choice, he was released while Jesus—the sinless Son of God—was condemned.

Barabbas walked free because Jesus took his place.

And that is a picture of what Christ has done for us.

We are not innocent before a holy God. Our sin separates us from Him, and we cannot repair that separation through good works, religious activity, or our own efforts. But God provided the perfect sacrifice. Jesus, the spotless Lamb of God, became our substitute and bore the punishment our sin deserved.

This is the heart of the gospel. We are saved not because we have made ourselves worthy, but because Jesus took our place.

What Does This Mean for Christian Moms?

As mothers, we are accustomed to trying to solve problems. We want to fix what is broken, make things right, and help our children avoid the consequences of their mistakes.

But the problem of sin is one we cannot fix—not in ourselves and not in our children.

Our children need more than good advice, moral instruction, or a Christian home. They need to understand their need for a Savior. They need to hear that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, that He died for sinners, and that forgiveness and eternal life are found through Him.

One of our greatest responsibilities in biblical parenting is faithfully teaching our children the good news of the gospel and praying that they will recognize their need for Christ and place Him on the throne of their lives.

And as we teach them, we must continually remember the same truth ourselves: Jesus is enough. Our worth is not found in our performance, our accomplishments, or the approval of others. Our hope is in the Savior who gave Himself for us.

May we never become complacent about the cost of our salvation or the extraordinary love of the One who took our place.

Scripture Reading

Today's chronological Bible reading:

• Matthew 27
• Mark 15

Additional Gospel accounts and Scripture referenced:

• John 18 — Jesus' arrest and questioning before the high priest
• Luke 23 — Jesus before Pilate and Herod
• Isaiah 53 — The suffering Servant
• Daniel 7 — The Son of Man coming with the clouds of heaven
• Genesis 22 — Abraham, Isaac, and God's provision of a sacrifice

Tomorrow's reading: Luke 23 and John 18–19, as we continue reflecting on Jesus' crucifixion and burial.

Questions for Reflection

1. Have you become so familiar with the story of Jesus' suffering that you have lost sight of the cost of your salvation?
2. How does the account of Barabbas help you understand what Jesus accomplished through His substitutionary death?
3. Are there areas of your life where fear of people, comfort, or self-preservation keep you from fully following Christ?
4. Are you faithfully teaching your children not only what is right and wrong, but why they need a Savior?
5. How can you cultivate a deeper gratitude for Jesus' sacrifice in your home and in your own walk with the Lord?

A Prayer for Our Families

Heavenly Father, thank You for providing the sacrifice we could never provide for ourselves. Thank You that Jesus took our place and bore the punishment for our sin. Forgive us when we minimize sin or become complacent about the cost of our salvation. Help us recognize our need for You and find our worth in Christ alone. Holy Spirit, stir the hearts of our children. May they understand their need for Jesus and place Him on the throne of their lives. Help us faithfully teach them the good news of the gospel and live in wholehearted devotion to our King. In Jesus' name, Amen.

The Dwelling Place Bible Podcast for Busy Moms from Entrusted Ministries helps Christian moms grow in God's Word through a chronological Bible reading plan, Scripture-centered encouragement, and practical wisdom for biblical motherhood and Christian parenting.

Whether you're searching for a Bible podcast for moms, a chronological Bible reading plan, a New Testament Bible study, or biblical parenting encouragement, join us as we study God's Word and learn to make Him our dwelling place.

Discover more Bible study and biblical parenting resources at Entrusted Ministries.

Commentaries Most Consulted: Moody, MacArthur

#ChristianMoms #BiblePodcast #ChronologicalBibleReadingPlan #BiblicalMotherhood #ChristianParenting #BiblicalParenting #BibleStudyForMoms #NewTestamentBibleReadingPlan #Gospel #SubstitutionaryAtonement #FaithAndFamily #TheDwellingPlace

Abide in Christ: The Secret to a Fruitful Life, Peace, and Joy | John 14–17

Are you trying to become a more patient mom, love your family better, or grow in spiritual maturity by simply trying harder? Jesus offers us a different way: abide in Him.

In this episode of The Dwelling Place Bible Podcast for Busy Moms, we explore John chapters 14–17, Jesus' final words to His disciples before His crucifixion. Known as the Farewell Discourse, these chapters are filled with extraordinary promises, practical instruction, and a glimpse into the heart of Jesus as He prepares His followers for life after His departure.

Jesus promises that He is preparing a dwelling place for His people, declares that He is the way, the truth, and the life, and assures His disciples that they will not be left alone. The Holy Spirit will come as their Helper, Counselor, and Advocate.

In John 15, Jesus gives us one of Scripture's most important pictures of the Christian life: He is the vine, and we are the branches. We cannot produce spiritual fruit apart from Him. True Christian growth comes from remaining connected to Christ, abiding in His Word, and allowing His life to transform ours.

As Christian moms, this truth changes how we approach biblical motherhood and parenting. Our goal isn't simply to raise well-behaved children or create a peaceful home through our own efforts. We want our children to know Jesus, love Him, and bear the fruit of genuine faith. And we need to remember that our own ability to love, serve, and persevere comes from Him.

Finally, we look at John 17 and Jesus' High Priestly Prayer, where He prays for His disciples—and for those who would believe through their message. Even hours before His death, Jesus is praying for the protection, sanctification, and unity of His people.

In This Episode, You'll Discover:

• Jesus is preparing a place for you: Find comfort in His promise that He will bring His people home to dwell with Him.
• Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life: Why there is no other path to the Father except through Christ.
• The promise of the Holy Spirit: How the Helper equips believers with wisdom, encouragement, conviction, and strength to obey God's Word.
• The difference between religion and abiding: Why avoiding sin and participating in religious activities aren't the same as experiencing a transformed life in Christ.
• What it means to abide in Jesus: Discover why we cannot bear spiritual fruit apart from the vine and why regular meditation on God's Word is essential to a thriving Christian life.
• The evidence of genuine faith: Consider the fruit that marks a true believer, including love for God, repentance, humility, prayer, obedience, spiritual growth, and a hunger for God's Word.
• When God prunes His branches: How suffering and hardship can be part of God's sanctifying work in the lives of those who belong to Him.
• A mother's greatest spiritual priority: Why we must patiently teach our children that Jesus is the only way to salvation and look for the fruit of genuine faith rather than simply outward religious activity.
• Peace in a troubled world: Remember Jesus' promise: “In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
• Jesus' prayer for His people: Explore His desire for believers to be protected, sanctified in the truth, and unified in a way that brings glory to God.

What Does It Mean to Abide in Christ as a Mom?

Motherhood can easily become a long list of responsibilities: meals, laundry, schoolwork, discipline, appointments, and the countless needs of a family. It's tempting to measure our spiritual lives by how well we manage all those responsibilities or how successfully we avoid failure.

But Jesus doesn't describe us as independent trees expected to produce fruit on our own. He calls us branches that must remain connected to Him.

Our love, patience, humility, obedience, and spiritual growth are the fruit of a life abiding in Christ. We don't manufacture these qualities through sheer determination. We cultivate our relationship with the One who gives us life.

This also shapes how we approach Christian parenting. We want more than children who know Bible stories, participate in church, or follow family rules. We want them to develop a genuine love for God, repentance from sin, humility, devotion to His glory, and a hunger for His Word.

That kind of spiritual fruit takes time to recognize. As parents, we need patience as we teach our children, point them to Jesus, and pray that their faith will become their own.

The Christian life isn't simply about avoiding sin. It's about dwelling with Christ, knowing Him, and bearing fruit through Him.

Scripture Reading

Today's chronological Bible reading:

• John 14
• John 15
• John 16
• John 17

Key passages to revisit:

• John 14:1–6 — Jesus prepares a place for His people and declares that He is the way, the truth, and the life.
• John 14:16–27 — The promise of the Holy Spirit and the peace Jesus gives.
• John 15:1–17 — Jesus is the vine; we are the branches.
• John 15:18–16:15 — The world's opposition and the work of the Holy Spirit.
• John 16:33 — Jesus has overcome the world.
• John 17 — Jesus' High Priestly Prayer for Himself, His disciples, and future believers.

Additional Scripture referenced:

• Matthew 6:9–13 — Jesus' model prayer.
• 1 John 2:1 — Jesus Christ as our Advocate.
• Philippians 2:3–8 — The humility of Christ.

Questions for Reflection

1. Are you relying on your own effort to produce the qualities of a godly mother, or are you intentionally abiding in Christ?
2. What does your daily relationship with God's Word look like? Are you making space to meditate on Scripture and seek His presence?
3. When you look at your children's spiritual lives, are you primarily measuring outward behavior, or are you patiently teaching them to love God and recognize the fruit of genuine faith?
4. Is there a difficult season in your life that God may be using to prune and grow you?
5. How can you contribute to greater unity among believers in your church, even when you have different personal preferences?

A Prayer for Our Families

Heavenly Father, thank You for the promises Jesus gave His disciples on His final night with them. Thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit and for the peace and joy that come from abiding in Christ. Empower us to love as You love and to live in a way that points others to Jesus. We pray for unity in our churches and among believers around the world. Help us remain steadfast in Your Word, quick to listen and slow to speak, and faithful in our homes and in the world. May our lives bear fruit that brings glory to You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

The Dwelling Place Bible Podcast for Busy Moms from Entrusted Ministries helps Christian moms grow in God's Word through a chronological Bible reading plan, Scripture-centered encouragement, and practical wisdom for biblical motherhood and Christian parenting.

Whether you're looking for a Bible podcast for moms, a New Testament Bible reading plan, encouragement for your faith and family, or a deeper understanding of what Scripture teaches about raising children who love the Lord, join us as we learn to make God's Word our dwelling place.

Discover more Bible study and biblical parenting resources at Entrusted Ministries.

#ChristianMoms #BiblePodcast #ChronologicalBibleReadingPlan #BiblicalMotherhood #ChristianParenting #BiblicalParenting #BibleStudyForMoms #NewTestamentBibleReadingPlan #AbideInChrist #FaithAndFamily #TheDwellingPlace

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How to Love Difficult People: What Jesus Washing Judas’ Feet Teaches Us About Biblical Love | Mark 14, Luke 22 & John 13

What does it look like to love someone who is difficult to love? And how do we keep following Jesus when our own flesh is weak?

In this episode of The Dwelling Place Bible Podcast for Busy Moms, we step into some of Jesus’ final hours with His disciples. As He prepares to lay down His life, Jesus gives them—and us—an unforgettable picture of humble, sacrificial love. He takes the position of a servant, washes the feet of His disciples, and even washes the feet of Judas, the very man who will betray Him.

Jesus then gives His followers a new commandment: to love one another as He has loved them. This is more than a call to be nice or get along. It is a radical, Christ-centered standard of humility and sacrificial service.

But these chapters also reveal something deeply comforting about our Savior: Jesus understands our human weakness. In the Garden of Gethsemane, we see His anguish as He anticipates the suffering ahead. We hear Him pray, “Not what I will, but what You will.” We also see Peter's devastating failure as he denies Jesus three times—and we are reminded that even our greatest failures cannot thwart God's sovereign purposes.

For Christian moms seeking to grow in biblical motherhood, this passage challenges us to consider how the love of Christ should shape our homes, our relationships, and our responses when others disappoint us. It also reminds us that when we fall short, we serve a Savior who understands our weakness and is able to restore us.

In This Episode, You'll Discover:

• The radical humility of Jesus: Why the King of the universe willingly took the position of a servant and washed His disciples' feet.
• A surprising example of sacrificial love: Jesus washed the feet of Judas, knowing that Judas would betray Him. What does this teach us about loving difficult people?
• The new commandment: What does it mean to love one another as Jesus has loved us—and why should our love be recognizable to the watching world?
• The danger of small compromises: How Judas' repeated choices led to his betrayal of Jesus, reminding us that spiritual compromise often happens little by little.
• The weakness of our flesh: Why even Peter, who sincerely wanted to follow Jesus, failed when the moment of testing came.
• Jesus understands our suffering: What we learn from Jesus' prayer in Gethsemane about sorrow, surrender, and trusting the Father's will.
• Grace after failure: How Peter's tears remind us that our Savior is not surprised by our weakness and remains faithful to His people.
• Faithfulness in motherhood: How the example of Jesus can help us respond with humility and serve those who are difficult to love.

What Does Jesus' Love Look Like in Our Homes?

As moms, we often encounter opportunities to serve people who don't recognize our efforts, don't return our kindness, or make loving them especially difficult. It can be tempting to respond with frustration, resentment, or self-preservation.

But Jesus gives us a different example.

When Stephanie struggles to love someone well, she returns to the image of Jesus washing Judas' feet. If Jesus could humble Himself to serve the very man who would betray Him, then we can ask Him for the grace to serve others with humility, even when it isn't easy.

This doesn't mean difficult relationships suddenly become easy, or that we ignore wrongdoing. It means we allow Christ's example to shape our hearts and our responses.

And when we fail—as Peter did—we don't have to remain defined by our failure. We can turn again to the Savior who understands our weakness, faithfully intercedes for His people, and is able to restore us.

The world should recognize that we belong to Jesus not by the Christian label we wear, but by the sacrificial love we show one another.

Scripture Reading

Today's chronological Bible reading:

• Mark 14
• Luke 22
• John 13

Additional Scripture referenced:

• Philippians 2:3–8 — The humility and servant-heartedness of Christ
• John 13:1–17 — Jesus washes His disciples' feet
• John 13:34–35 — Jesus' new commandment to love one another
• Mark 14:32–42 — Jesus prays in the Garden of Gethsemane

Questions for Reflection

1. Is there someone in your life whom you find especially difficult to love? How might Jesus' example of washing Judas' feet change the way you approach that relationship?
2. Are there small compromises in your life that could be leading your heart away from faithfulness to Christ?
3. When you experience weakness or failure, do you turn toward Jesus for restoration, or do you become discouraged and try to defend yourself?
4. Can the people in your home recognize your love for Christ by the way you love and serve them?

A Prayer for Our Families

Heavenly Father, thank You for the humble, sacrificial love of Jesus. Thank You that we are not simply commanded to love well, but have been given a perfect example in Christ. Please transform us into His likeness and equip us through the Holy Spirit to love our families and one another well. When we fall short, help us become a picture of Your mercy and grace. May our homes reflect Your goodness, and may Jesus be exalted as King of kings and Lord of lords. Amen.

The Dwelling Place Bible Podcast for Busy Moms is a Bible podcast from Entrusted Ministries, helping Christian moms grow in God's Word through Scripture reading, biblical encouragement, and practical wisdom for faith and family. Whether you're following a chronological Bible reading plan, looking for a New Testament Bible study, or seeking biblical parenting encouragement, join us as we learn to make God's Word our dwelling place.

Explore more Bible study and biblical parenting resources at Entrusted Ministries.

Commentaries Most Consulted: Moody and MacArthur

#ChristianMoms #BiblePodcast #BiblicalMotherhood #ChristianParenting #BiblicalParenting #BibleStudyForMoms #ChronologicalBibleReadingPlan #NewTestamentBibleReadingPlan #FaithAndFamily #TheDwellingPlace

How to Love Difficult People: What Jesus Washing Judas’ Feet Teaches Us About Biblical Love | Mark 14, Luke 22 & John 13

What does it look like to love someone who is difficult to love? And how do we keep following Jesus when our own flesh is weak?

In this episode of The Dwelling Place Bible Podcast for Busy Moms, we step into some of Jesus’ final hours with His disciples. As He prepares to lay down His life, Jesus gives them—and us—an unforgettable picture of humble, sacrificial love. He takes the position of a servant, washes the feet of His disciples, and even washes the feet of Judas, the very man who will betray Him.

Jesus then gives His followers a new commandment: to love one another as He has loved them. This is more than a call to be nice or get along. It is a radical, Christ-centered standard of humility and sacrificial service.

But these chapters also reveal something deeply comforting about our Savior: Jesus understands our human weakness. In the Garden of Gethsemane, we see His anguish as He anticipates the suffering ahead. We hear Him pray, “Not what I will, but what You will.” We also see Peter's devastating failure as he denies Jesus three times—and we are reminded that even our greatest failures cannot thwart God's sovereign purposes.

For Christian moms seeking to grow in biblical motherhood, this passage challenges us to consider how the love of Christ should shape our homes, our relationships, and our responses when others disappoint us. It also reminds us that when we fall short, we serve a Savior who understands our weakness and is able to restore us.

In This Episode, You'll Discover:

• The radical humility of Jesus: Why the King of the universe willingly took the position of a servant and washed His disciples' feet.
• A surprising example of sacrificial love: Jesus washed the feet of Judas, knowing that Judas would betray Him. What does this teach us about loving difficult people?
• The new commandment: What does it mean to love one another as Jesus has loved us—and why should our love be recognizable to the watching world?
• The danger of small compromises: How Judas' repeated choices led to his betrayal of Jesus, reminding us that spiritual compromise often happens little by little.
• The weakness of our flesh: Why even Peter, who sincerely wanted to follow Jesus, failed when the moment of testing came.
• Jesus understands our suffering: What we learn from Jesus' prayer in Gethsemane about sorrow, surrender, and trusting the Father's will.
• Grace after failure: How Peter's tears remind us that our Savior is not surprised by our weakness and remains faithful to His people.
• Faithfulness in motherhood: How the example of Jesus can help us respond with humility and serve those who are difficult to love.

What Does Jesus' Love Look Like in Our Homes?

As moms, we often encounter opportunities to serve people who don't recognize our efforts, don't return our kindness, or make loving them especially difficult. It can be tempting to respond with frustration, resentment, or self-preservation.

But Jesus gives us a different example.

When Stephanie struggles to love someone well, she returns to the image of Jesus washing Judas' feet. If Jesus could humble Himself to serve the very man who would betray Him, then we can ask Him for the grace to serve others with humility, even when it isn't easy.

This doesn't mean difficult relationships suddenly become easy, or that we ignore wrongdoing. It means we allow Christ's example to shape our hearts and our responses.

And when we fail—as Peter did—we don't have to remain defined by our failure. We can turn again to the Savior who understands our weakness, faithfully intercedes for His people, and is able to restore us.

The world should recognize that we belong to Jesus not by the Christian label we wear, but by the sacrificial love we show one another.

Scripture Reading

Today's chronological Bible reading:

• Mark 14
• Luke 22
• John 13

Additional Scripture referenced:

• Philippians 2:3–8 — The humility and servant-heartedness of Christ
• John 13:1–17 — Jesus washes His disciples' feet
• John 13:34–35 — Jesus' new commandment to love one another
• Mark 14:32–42 — Jesus prays in the Garden of Gethsemane

Questions for Reflection

1. Is there someone in your life whom you find especially difficult to love? How might Jesus' example of washing Judas' feet change the way you approach that relationship?
2. Are there small compromises in your life that could be leading your heart away from faithfulness to Christ?
3. When you experience weakness or failure, do you turn toward Jesus for restoration, or do you become discouraged and try to defend yourself?
4. Can the people in your home recognize your love for Christ by the way you love and serve them?

A Prayer for Our Families

Heavenly Father, thank You for the humble, sacrificial love of Jesus. Thank You that we are not simply commanded to love well, but have been given a perfect example in Christ. Please transform us into His likeness and equip us through the Holy Spirit to love our families and one another well. When we fall short, help us become a picture of Your mercy and grace. May our homes reflect Your goodness, and may Jesus be exalted as King of kings and Lord of lords. Amen.

The Dwelling Place Bible Podcast for Busy Moms is a Bible podcast from Entrusted Ministries, helping Christian moms grow in God's Word through Scripture reading, biblical encouragement, and practical wisdom for faith and family. Whether you're following a chronological Bible reading plan, looking for a New Testament Bible study, or seeking biblical parenting encouragement, join us as we learn to make God's Word our dwelling place.

Explore more Bible study and biblical parenting resources at Entrusted Ministries.

Commentaries Most Consulted: Moody and MacArthur

#ChristianMoms #BiblePodcast #BiblicalMotherhood #ChristianParenting #BiblicalParenting #BibleStudyForMoms #ChronologicalBibleReadingPlan #NewTestamentBibleReadingPlan #FaithAndFamily #TheDwellingPlace

Does Your Motherhood Matter to Jesus? The Parable of the Talents and the Reward of Faithfulness | Matthew 25

Do the everyday sacrifices of motherhood really matter to God? When you're changing diapers, preparing meals, caring for sick children, and serving people who may never say thank you, it's easy to wonder whether your work is making an eternal difference. But in Matthew 25, Jesus gives us an extraordinary perspective: When we serve others, we are serving Him.

In this episode of The Dwelling Place Bible Podcast for Busy Moms, Stephanie Hickox explores Matthew 25 and Jesus' teaching about spiritual readiness, faithful stewardship, and the final judgment. Through the parables of the ten virgins and the talents, we are reminded to live ready for Christ's return and faithfully invest in the responsibilities He has entrusted to us.

Then Jesus offers a beautiful picture of what faithful service looks like: feeding the hungry, welcoming the stranger, clothing the naked, and caring for the sick. As moms, we may recognize these responsibilities in the ordinary rhythms of family life. Could it be that the seemingly small, repetitive tasks of motherhood are opportunities to serve Jesus Himself?

If you've ever wondered whether your work at home matters, this passage offers profound encouragement. God sees your faithfulness. Your service is not wasted, and your eternal investments matter far more than public recognition or earthly productivity.

In This Episode, You'll Discover:

• The parable of the ten virgins: Why Jesus emphasizes spiritual readiness and the importance of being prepared for His return.
• The parable of the talents: What it means to be a faithful steward of the responsibilities God has entrusted to you.
• Faithfulness over recognition: Why the servants who received five talents and two talents both heard the same words of commendation: "Well done, good and faithful servant."
• A biblical perspective on motherhood: How Jesus' description of serving the hungry, thirsty, sick, and vulnerable can encourage moms in the daily work of caring for their families.
• When motherhood feels like a sacrifice of your gifts: Why serving your family is not wasted potential, and why God sees the work that others may overlook.
• The goodness of our Master: How our understanding of God's character shapes our willingness to serve Him faithfully rather than allowing fear to keep us from obedience.
• Recognizing opportunities to serve Christ: Why we should keep our eyes open to the people and needs God places in our paths.
• The seriousness of eternity: What Jesus teaches about eternal life and eternal punishment, and why the gospel is the most important message we can share with our children.

The Beautiful Connection Between Matthew 25 and Motherhood

One of the most encouraging moments in this passage comes when Jesus describes the people who will inherit His kingdom. He tells them that when they fed the hungry, welcomed strangers, clothed the naked, and cared for the sick, they were doing those things for Him.

Think about how much of motherhood resembles this description!

We feed people who are hungry, care for those who are sick, provide clothing, welcome others, and serve day after day. Sometimes the people receiving our care are ungrateful. Sometimes they are too young to recognize the sacrifice. Sometimes the work feels invisible.

But Jesus sees.

This isn't a reason to limit our service to our families. Rather, it gives us a new perspective on all the opportunities God places before us. Our children and families are among the people He has entrusted to our care, and our eyes should remain open to the needs of others as well.

When we serve faithfully in the responsibilities God has given us, our work matters to Him—even when no one else notices.

Faithful Stewardship: What Has God Entrusted to You?

The parable of the talents challenges us to consider how we are using the responsibilities God has given us. The servants who faithfully invested what their master entrusted to them were commended, regardless of whether they started with five talents or two.

For moms who have temporarily set aside personal ambitions, professional opportunities, or other gifts to serve their families, this is an important reminder: earthly productivity is not the measure of eternal faithfulness.

The Lord is not asking you to compare your responsibilities with someone else's. He is calling you to be faithful with what He has placed in your hands.

Small deposits of Scripture, prayer, encouragement, and faithful service can have an eternal impact. Even something as simple as playing chapters of the Bible while driving with your children can help place God's Word before their hearts.

Don't underestimate the opportunities you have today.

The Most Important Responsibility of Motherhood

Matthew 25 ends with a sobering reminder that eternity is real. Jesus describes the separation between those who inherit eternal life and those who face eternal punishment.

As Christian parents, we cannot assume our children understand the gospel simply because they grow up in a Christian home. One of our most important responsibilities is to teach them who Jesus is, why we need Him, and what He accomplished through His death and resurrection.

Our greatest desire should be that our children know and love Christ—not simply that they behave well or achieve earthly success.

This episode closes with a prayer acknowledging our sin, the sacrifice of Jesus, and our need for His grace. We ask the Lord to help us understand the goodness of our Master, faithfully serve Him, and recognize opportunities to share the gospel with our families and the world.

Scripture Reading: Chronological Bible Reading Plan

Today's reading:

• Matthew 25

Also read Matthew 26 to prepare for the next episode.

Key Scriptures:

• Matthew 25:1–13 – The parable of the ten virgins and the importance of being ready.
• Matthew 25:14–30 – The parable of the talents and faithful stewardship.
• Matthew 25:31–46 – The sheep and the goats: serving Christ by serving others.
• Matthew 25:21 – "Well done, good and faithful servant."
• Matthew 25:40 – "As you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me."

Reflection Questions for Christian Moms

1. Have you ever felt that serving your family meant putting your own gifts or abilities on hold? How does Matthew 25 change the way you view those responsibilities?
2. Are you being faithful with the opportunities God has placed in your hands today, even if they seem small?
3. What are some simple ways you can invest in your children's spiritual growth this week?
4. Who might God be placing in your path who needs encouragement, practical help, or the hope of the gospel?
5. Are your children growing in their understanding of the gospel and the eternal significance of following Jesus?

A Prayer for Faithful Motherhood

Heavenly Father, we acknowledge that we are sinners and that we fall short every day. Thank You for sending Jesus to live a perfect life and pay the penalty for our sin so that justice and mercy could meet at the cross. Thank You that You don't simply rescue us, but invite us to walk through life with You. Help us to understand what a good and loving Master You are. Make us faithful with the responsibilities You've entrusted to us, and open doors for us to share the wonderful news of Jesus with our families and the world. May Christ be glorified in us today. Amen.

Keep Growing in God's Word

Are you a Christian mom looking for a Bible podcast, a chronological Bible reading plan, or biblical encouragement for your motherhood journey? Join us at The Dwelling Place Bible Podcast for Busy Moms as we study Scripture together and discover how God's Word transforms the way we live, love, and raise our children.

Entrusted Ministries exists to encourage and equip parents with biblical wisdom for raising children who know and love the Lord.

Commentaries most referenced: Moody, MacArthur

Learn more about our ministry and biblical parenting resources:

https://entrustedministries.com/

Listen to more episodes of The Dwelling Place:

https://entrustedministries.com/podcast

Subscribe, share this episode with another mom, and remember: Your faithfulness in the ordinary matters to God.

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What should Christian mothers do when the world feels increasingly uncertain and the future seems frightening? As moms, we love our children deeply, and the thought of persecution, suffering, or difficult days ahead can stir up real anxiety. But in His teaching about the last days, Jesus gives His followers an important instruction: “Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near” (Luke 21:28).

In this episode of The Dwelling Place Bible Podcast for Busy Moms, Stephanie Hickox walks through Jesus’ warnings about the destruction of Jerusalem, coming persecution, and the signs of His return. Rather than becoming consumed by speculation or fear, we are reminded to fix our eyes on Christ, stay awake, pray, and faithfully use the time God has given us.

What does it look like to prepare our children for a world that may not share their faith? How can we remain vigilant without becoming fearful? And how can we trust the Lord to give us strength when we face circumstances we cannot imagine?

Through Jesus’ words and the testimonies of faithful Christians throughout history, we are encouraged that the Lord equips His people to honor Him—even in the most difficult circumstances.

In This Episode, You'll Discover:

• What Jesus teaches about the last days: Explore Matthew 23, Luke 21, and Mark 13 as Jesus warns His disciples about persecution, turmoil, and His coming return.
• Why Jesus tells us to lift up our heads: Discover how the promise of Christ's return gives believers hope even when the world around them feels frightening.
• How to prepare without living in fear: Learn the difference between wise preparation and allowing anxiety about the future to consume your heart.
• The danger of becoming distracted by the cares of this life: Consider Jesus’ warning in Luke 21:34 about squandering our lives and becoming weighed down by worldly distractions.
• Why prayer and vigilance matter: Jesus tells His followers to stay awake and pray. How can we protect our time with the Lord in a world overflowing with information and distractions?
• How the Holy Spirit equips us to stand firm: Jesus promises that He will give His followers the words and wisdom they need when they face opposition.
• How to prepare our children to stand strong in their faith: Consider how we can raise children who, like Daniel, remain faithful to God even when the culture around them demands compromise.
• What Christian martyrs teach us about faithful endurance: Hear the testimonies and final words of Stephen, Polycarp, Perpetua, Hugh Latimer, Nicholas Ridley, William Tyndale, and Dietrich Bonhoeffer.

Encouragement for Moms: Preparing Our Children Without Fear

One of the hardest things about motherhood is recognizing that we cannot protect our children from every difficulty they may encounter. We want to shelter them from suffering, persecution, and the consequences of living in a fallen world.

But our confidence cannot rest in our ability to control the future. It must rest in the character and promises of God.

Jesus never promised His followers an easy life. He told them the truth about the suffering they would face, but He also promised His presence, His wisdom, and His strength. Even when believers lose their earthly lives for His name, their eternal hope cannot be taken away.

As Christian parents, we have the privilege and responsibility of preparing our children to love Christ more than the approval of the world. We want to raise children who know God's Word, recognize truth, and have the courage to stand firm while remaining loving and gracious witnesses.

And as we do that, we can remember: the God who provided manna for His people in the wilderness and miraculously fed thousands is still faithful to provide for His children today.

We prepare wisely, but we do not live in fear. We keep our eyes on Jesus.

Christian Martyrs Who Remained Faithful to the End

In this episode, Stephanie shares the testimonies of believers throughout church history whose lives and deaths demonstrate the sustaining strength of God:

• Stephen: The first Christian martyr prayed for the Lord to receive his spirit and not hold the sin of his executioners against them.
• Polycarp: A disciple of the Apostle John, he refused to deny Christ after decades of following Him.
• Perpetua: A young Christian mother who encouraged fellow believers to stand firm in the faith and love one another.
• Hugh Latimer and Nicholas Ridley: English reformers who faced execution rather than renounce their convictions about Scripture.
• William Tyndale: The Bible translator whose final recorded prayer was for the King of England's eyes to be opened.
• Dietrich Bonhoeffer: The pastor who opposed Hitler and faced execution during World War II, declaring that his death was the beginning of life.

Their testimonies remind us that our faithfulness does not depend on our own strength. God is able to sustain His people and enable them to honor Him even when the cost is great.

Scripture Reading: Chronological Bible Reading Plan

Today's reading:

• Matthew 23
• Luke 21
• Mark 13

Key Scriptures to Meditate On:

• Luke 21:13–15 – Persecution becomes an opportunity to bear witness, and Jesus promises wisdom.
• Luke 21:28 – “Straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”
• Luke 21:34–36 – Watch yourselves, stay awake, and pray.
• Philippians 1:20–21 – To live is Christ, and to die is gain.
• 2 Timothy 4:7–8 – Fighting the good fight, finishing the race, and keeping the faith.
• Daniel 3 and Daniel 6 – Faithfulness to God in the face of cultural pressure and persecution.

Reflection Questions for Christian Moms

1. When you think about the future your children may face, are you responding with fear or with confidence in God's promises?
2. What distractions or cares of this life are making it difficult for you to stay awake spiritually and prioritize prayer?
3. How are you preparing your children to stand firm in God's Word, even when following Christ is unpopular?
4. What would it look like to prepare wisely for the future while refusing to live in fear?
5. If your children watched the way you respond to troubling news, what would they learn about trusting God?

Recommended Resource

For a helpful explanation of the different biblical interpretations of Jesus' teaching about the tribulation and the last days, Stephanie recommends an article and video from Got Questions. The video is brief and grounded in Scripture, and it offers a helpful overview of why believers differ in their understanding of these passages.

Got Questions – Biblical Answers to Difficult Questions

A Prayer for Faithfulness in Difficult Times

Heavenly Father, thank You that every word You speak is true. Thank You for preparing us to face difficulty and promising that You will go with us. Help us to be resolute and steadfast, honoring You wherever we are. We pray that our children would be like Daniel, refusing to bow to any ruler but You. Give us wisdom and strength as we prepare them to stand firm in their faith. And while news and information constantly compete for our attention, help us lift up our heads and watch with hope and expectation for the return of Jesus. Amen.

Keep Growing in God's Word

Are you a Christian mom looking for a Bible podcast, a chronological Bible reading plan, or biblical encouragement for your motherhood journey? Join us at The Dwelling Place Bible Podcast for Busy Moms as we read through Scripture and discover how God's Word equips us to follow Jesus faithfully in every season of life.

Learn more about Entrusted Ministries and our biblical parenting resources:

https://entrustedministries.com/

Explore more episodes of The Dwelling Place:

https://entrustedministries.com/podcast

Commentaries Most Referenced: Moody and MacArthur

Subscribe, share this episode with another mom, and keep making room to dwell in God's Word!

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What does wholehearted devotion to Jesus look like in the middle of an ordinary, demanding life? In John 12, we meet Mary of Bethany, a woman whose extravagant act of worship reveals just how deeply she treasured Christ. While others questioned the value of her offering, Jesus defended her sacrifice and honored her devotion.

In this episode of The Dwelling Place Bible Podcast for Busy Moms, Stephanie Hickox explores John 12 alongside the chronological Bible reading plan passages from Matthew 22, Mark 12, and Luke 20. We’ll look at Mary’s costly offering, the contrast between her worship and Judas’s love of money, and the significance of Jesus declaring that His hour had finally come.

Mary had been sitting at Jesus’ feet, listening to His words. Now, as His death approached, she poured out an extraordinarily valuable gift to honor Him. Her example challenges us to consider: Are we holding anything back from the One who gave everything for us?

For Christian moms seeking to grow in their faith, study the Bible consistently, and cultivate a home centered on Christ, this passage offers a powerful reminder: The aroma of a life devoted to Jesus is worth far more than the approval of the watching world.

In This Episode, You’ll Discover:

• Mary of Bethany’s extravagant worship: Why her costly offering of pure nard was such a remarkable expression of love and devotion to Jesus.
• The significance of sitting at Jesus’ feet: How Mary’s attentiveness to Christ’s teaching shaped the way she responded to His approaching death.
• The contrast between Mary and Judas: How two very different responses to Jesus reveal the competing desires of a heart devoted to God or to money.
• Why Jesus declared, “The hour has come”: What the arrival of the Greeks signaled about the worldwide reach of Christ’s mission and the timing of His death.
• The triumphal entry and the return of God's glory: How Jesus’ arrival from the Mount of Olives points back to Ezekiel’s vision of the glory of the Lord departing from Jerusalem.
• The cost of following Jesus: What it means to surrender our lives, our security, and our desires to the One who is worthy of our worship.
• Encouragement for moms who are sacrificing: Why the Lord sees the seemingly hidden offerings of faithful motherhood and delights in devotion given to Him.

A Word of Encouragement for Christian Moms

Motherhood often involves sacrifices that no one else sees. The work can feel repetitive, exhausting, and even unnoticed. But this episode reminds us that Jesus sees the sacrifices we lay at His feet.

Just as Jesus recognized and honored Mary’s offering, He sees the faithfulness of mothers who serve Him in the circumstances He has entrusted to them. Our goal is not to earn recognition from others, but to live with such wholehearted love for Christ that even our ordinary acts of service become offerings of worship.

May our devotion to Jesus be evident in our homes, contagious to our families, and beautiful to the watching world.

Scripture Reading

Chronological Bible Reading Plan:

• Matthew 22
• Mark 12
• Luke 20
• John 12

Additional Scripture References:

• Ezekiel 10–11 – The glory of the Lord departs from Jerusalem
• Zechariah 9:9 – The coming King riding on a donkey
• John 11 – Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead
• Matthew 26:6–13 – Jesus honors Mary’s act of devotion
• John 12:23–26 – The hour has come; a grain of wheat must die
• John 12:35–36 – Walking in the light
• Matthew 6:24 – You cannot serve God and money

Reflection Questions

1. What might it look like for you to offer Jesus something extravagant—not necessarily financially, but in the surrender of your time, plans, comfort, or desires?
2. Are you more concerned with the approval of people or the approval of God?
3. What sacrifices in your motherhood might feel unseen by others but are precious to the Lord?
4. How can you cultivate a heart that treasures Jesus above everything else?

A Prayer for Wholehearted Devotion

Heavenly Father, thank You for the riches of Your grace and the immeasurable abundance of Your glory. We long for the day when our eyes will behold You face to face. Until then, help us have confidence that every sacrifice we lay at Your feet is precious to You. Take our faithfulness and multiply it for Your glory. May our worship be contagious to the watching world and to our families. And especially strengthen the moms You have called to sacrifices that seem beyond their ability. Help them feel Your nearness and know that You delight in their devotion. In the precious name of Jesus, Amen.

Keep Growing in God's Word

If you're a Christian mom looking for a Bible podcast, a chronological Bible reading plan, or biblical encouragement for your motherhood journey, join us at The Dwelling Place Bible Podcast for Busy Moms. Let's keep opening God's Word together and learning to live faithfully for Christ.

Discover more about Entrusted Ministries and our biblical parenting resources:

https://entrustedministries.com/

Listen to more episodes of The Dwelling Place:

https://entrustedministries.com/podcast

Subscribe, share this episode with a friend, and keep making room to dwell in God's Word.

#ChristianMoms #BiblePodcast #BiblicalMotherhood #ChristianParenting #BiblicalParenting #BibleStudyForMoms #ChronologicalBibleReadingPlan #NewTestamentBibleReadingPlan #FaithAndFamily #WholeheartedDevotion

Commentaries Most Referenced: Moody Bible Commentary, MacArthur Commentary

Beyond Behavior: Raising Children with Hearts That Honor the Lord | Matthew 21, Mark 11 & Luke 19

Are you more concerned with whether your children obey you or whether their hearts are learning to honor the Lord? As Christian moms, it's easy to focus on outward behavior. We want our children to listen, follow instructions, and make good choices. And obedience matters! But biblical parenting must reach deeper than behavior. We want our children to understand why they obey: because they love God, recognize His authority, and desire to honor Him from the heart.

In Matthew 21, Mark 11, and Luke 19, Jesus repeatedly exposes the difference between outward religious behavior and a heart that has truly been transformed. From Zacchaeus the tax collector to the religious leaders who reject Jesus, these passages show us that God sees beyond appearances. He cares about the heart.

In this episode of The Dwelling Place Bible Podcast for Busy Moms from Entrusted Ministries, Stephanie Hickox explores several significant events as Jesus enters Jerusalem and begins His final days before the cross. We'll consider Zacchaeus's remarkable transformation, the triumphal entry, Jesus cleansing the temple, the withered fig tree, and His parable of the two sons.

If you're a Christian mom following a chronological Bible reading plan or looking for a Bible podcast that connects Scripture to everyday motherhood, this episode will challenge and encourage you to pursue something deeper than outward compliance in your home: children whose hearts are being transformed by the Lord.

In This Episode, You'll Discover

• The difference between honor and obedience: Why outward obedience is important, but biblical parenting must also address what is happening in a child's heart.
• Zacchaeus and the transforming power of Jesus: How a man who was desperate to see Jesus experienced a transformation that changed his relationship with money and others.
• The heart behind our hospitality and relationships: Why following Jesus may mean being willing to enter places and relationships that challenge our comfort or reputation, while still acting honorably.
• The triumphal entry and misguided worship: Why the crowds welcomed Jesus as King but misunderstood the kind of freedom He came to bring.
• Are we worshiping Jesus for who He is or what He can do for us? How our expectations of God can reveal the condition of our hearts.
• Jesus cleanses the temple: Why Jesus was zealous for the purity of God's house and indignant that religious leaders were exploiting people rather than showing compassion.
• The barren fig tree: How the Old Testament imagery of Israel as a fig tree helps us understand Jesus' warning about religious appearances without spiritual fruit.
• Faith and prayer in the context of surrender: Why Jesus' promise about receiving what we ask in prayer must be understood in light of our submission to God's will.
• The parable of the two sons: Why repentance and a changed heart matter more than promising to do the right thing without following through.
• Jesus weeps over Jerusalem: What His grief reveals about the spiritual condition of the people and the consequences of rejecting Him.
• Hope for transformed lives: Why our past sin does not disqualify us from future worship and how we can look at others with the same hope for redemption that Jesus offers us.

Biblical Parenting: The Difference Between Honor and Obedience

One of the most important connections in this reading is the distinction between a child's outward behavior and the condition of their heart.

As moms, we naturally want our children to obey. Their obedience makes family life easier, helps keep them safe, and teaches them to respect authority. But if our parenting focuses only on changing behavior, we can miss something much more important.

We want our children to honor the Lord from their hearts.

In this episode, Stephanie references lesson nine of Entrusted Ministries' Entrusted With a Child's Heart study, where Betsy explains that children are to honor and obey. Honor is what happens on the inside, and obedience is the outward fruit of that.

This distinction matters. A child may obey because they fear consequences, want to please a parent, or simply want to avoid conflict. But our desire is for obedience to grow out of a heart that recognizes and honors God.

That means biblical parenting isn't simply about getting children to do the right things. It's about continually pointing them toward the Lord, teaching them His Word, and trusting the Holy Spirit to bring genuine heart transformation.

We don't want children who merely know how to look righteous. We want children who are learning to love and honor the Lord.

Zacchaeus: When Jesus Transforms the Heart

Luke 19 introduces us to Zacchaeus, a wealthy chief tax collector who climbs a tree because he desperately wants to see Jesus.

The crowd is shocked when Jesus invites Himself to Zacchaeus's home. They cannot understand why He would associate with a sinner.

But Jesus came to seek and save the lost.

Zacchaeus's response is remarkable. He immediately declares that he will give half of his possessions to the poor and repay anyone he has defrauded fourfold. His encounter with Jesus has changed his heart, and that transformation is visible in his actions.

Consider the contrast with the rich young ruler in the previous reading. Jesus called that man to give up his wealth, but he walked away sorrowful. Zacchaeus, by contrast, recognizes that what Jesus offers is worth far more than his possessions.

This account reminds us that Jesus sees people differently than the world does. He looks beyond reputation and outward appearance. He sees the lost sheep He came to rescue.

As Christian moms, this challenges us to consider how we view people around us. Are we so concerned with preserving our reputations that we avoid relationships where God might use us to point someone toward Christ? We should act honorably and maintain wise boundaries, but we should also remember the worth of a soul.

The Triumphal Entry: Are We Worshiping Jesus for Who He Is?

As Jesus enters Jerusalem riding on a donkey, the crowds welcome Him with cries of “Hosanna to the Son of David!”

This moment fulfills the prophecy of Zechariah and publicly identifies Jesus as the promised King.

Yet the people's expectations were not entirely aligned with His mission. Many hoped Jesus would overthrow Roman rule and restore their political freedom. They welcomed Him as King, but they did not fully understand the kind of salvation He had come to bring.

It's a heart check for us, too.

Do we worship Jesus because of who He is, or is our worship dependent on what we want Him to do for us? Do we follow Him because He is worthy, or because we expect Him to make our lives easier?

Jesus deserves our worship regardless of whether our circumstances unfold as we hope.

A Checklist Without Compassion: Jesus Cleanses the Temple

When Jesus enters the temple, He overturns the tables of the money changers and drives out those who have turned His Father's house into a den of robbers.

The religious leaders appear devoted to their religious responsibilities, but their hearts are far from God's purposes. They have allowed people to be exploited in the very place that should have been devoted to prayer and worship.

Meanwhile, the blind and the lame come to Jesus, and He heals them. Children are praising Him, but the religious leaders are indignant.

What a contrast!

God's heart for the poor, the children, the blind, and the lame should have been their mission. Instead, they had chosen a checklist over compassion.

This is a warning for us as Christian parents. We can become so focused on outward expectations and religious routines that we neglect the heart of what God desires. Our goal should never be to raise children who simply know how to check the right boxes. We want them to know and love the Lord.

The Two Sons: God Cares About a Changed Heart

In the parable of the two sons, a father asks each son to work in his vineyard.

The first son refuses but later changes his mind and goes. The second son promises to go but never follows through.

Jesus asks which son did the father's will. The answer is obvious: the first.

Through this parable, Jesus confronts the religious leaders who have outwardly presented themselves as righteous but refuse to believe and repent. Meanwhile, those who were known for their sin have responded to the message of righteousness.

This is not an excuse for sin. It is a reminder that God cares about genuine repentance and humility before Him.

Our standing before God isn't based on a perfect scorecard. We all need His redemption. And when He transforms us, our lives begin to reflect that change.

Scripture Reading

Matthew 21, Mark 11, and Luke 19

Key passages and themes discussed:

• Luke 19:1–10 — Zacchaeus and Jesus' mission to seek and save the lost.
• Matthew 21:1–11 — The triumphal entry and the fulfillment of prophecy.
• Matthew 21:12–17 — Jesus cleanses the temple and welcomes the praise of children.
• Matthew 21:18–22 — The withered fig tree and Jesus' teaching about faith and prayer.
• Matthew 21:28–32 — The parable of the two sons.
• Luke 19:41–44 — Jesus weeps over Jerusalem.
• Zechariah 9:9 — The prophecy of the humble King riding on a donkey.
• Jeremiah 8 — The imagery of the withered fig tree and the failure of God's people to bear fruit.
• Entrusted With a Child's Heart, Lesson 9 — The distinction between honor in the heart and obedience as its outward fruit.

Questions to Consider

• Am I focusing primarily on my children's outward behavior, or am I also helping them understand what it means to honor God from the heart?
• Do my children obey because they fear consequences, or am I helping them see the goodness of honoring the Lord?
• Am I more concerned with my reputation and comfort than with the spiritual needs of the people around me?
• Do I worship Jesus for who He is, or am I primarily focused on what I want Him to do for me?
• Have I allowed religious routines or expectations to become more important than compassion and genuine devotion to God?
• Where do I need to respond to God's Word with humility, repentance, and a willingness to change?

A Prayer for Christian Moms

Heavenly Father, we are grateful for Your zeal for Your people and for Your eyes that see everyone who is desperate for You. Thank You that our past sin does not disqualify us from future worship of You. Give us Your eyes to see those around us. Even when people choose lifestyles far from Your good will for their lives, help us not to dismiss them. Give us hope for their transformation and a willingness to enter into their lives when You call us.

As we parent, keep us from making outward compliance our ultimate goal. Help us teach our children to honor You from their hearts, and remind us of our dependence on the Holy Spirit to bring true transformation. Keep us from simply moving through life checking off our to-do lists instead of taking time to dwell with You. Thank You for visiting us through Your Word and for the way Jesus gave Himself for His bride. May we love You well today. In Jesus' name, amen.

Keep Dwelling in God's Word

The Dwelling Place Bible Podcast for Busy Moms from Entrusted Ministries helps Christian moms grow in their understanding of Scripture through a chronological Bible reading plan and practical encouragement for faith and family life.

Whether you're looking for a Bible podcast for women, a chronological Bible reading plan, a New Testament Bible reading plan, biblical parenting wisdom, or encouragement to raise children who love and honor the Lord, join Stephanie Hickox as she explores God's Word and considers how its truth transforms everyday motherhood.

Subscribe to The Dwelling Place and continue growing in God's Word, one day at a time.

Learn more about Entrusted Ministries and the Dwelling Place Bible reading plan:

https://entrustedministries.com/

Listen to more episodes:

https://entrustedministries.com/podcast

Commentaries Most Referenced: Moody Bible Commentary, MacArthur Commentary

#ChristianMoms #BiblePodcast #BiblicalParenting #ChristianParenting #ChronologicalBibleReadingPlan #NewTestamentBibleReadingPlan #BibleStudyForMoms #BiblicalMotherhood #FaithAndFamily #HeartTransformation #HonorAndObedience #Zacchaeus #TriumphalEntry #Matthew21 #Mark11 #Luke19

Let the Children Come to Me: Jesus' Teaching on Marriage, Motherhood & Servant-Hearted Living | Matthew 19–20 & Mark 10

What does Jesus teach us about marriage, children, and what it means to follow Him? In Matthew 19–20 and Mark 10, Jesus challenges the expectations of the religious leaders and even His own disciples. He points them back to God's original design for marriage, welcomes little children whom others considered unimportant, exposes the heart's attachment to earthly possessions, and teaches that true greatness is found in serving rather than being served.

In this episode of The Dwelling Place Bible Podcast for Busy Moms from Entrusted Ministries, Stephanie Hickox walks through Mark 10, which brings together many of the teachings found in Matthew 19 and 20. As we follow Jesus on His journey toward Jerusalem, we'll consider what His words reveal about biblical marriage, the value of children, salvation, humility, and the kind of servant-hearted leadership Christian parents are called to model.

If you're a Christian mom following a chronological Bible reading plan or looking for a Bible podcast that connects Scripture to everyday motherhood, this episode will encourage you to look beyond cultural expectations and keep your heart centered on Christ.

In This Episode, You'll Discover

• God's original design for marriage: Why Jesus takes the Pharisees back to creation and reminds them that marriage is a covenant in which a husband and wife become one flesh.
• Jesus' teaching on divorce: What Scripture says about God's design for marriage, the hardness of the human heart, and the difference between God's ideal and the painful realities many families experience.
• When marriage involves abuse or danger: Why seeking godly counsel and prioritizing the safety of a mother and her children are essential when facing difficult family circumstances.
• Why Jesus welcomed little children: How Jesus turned the disciples' assumptions upside down by declaring that the kingdom of God belongs to those who receive it like a child.
• The value of children in God's kingdom: Why children are never an interruption to Jesus and how this passage encourages us to consider their eternal souls.
• Comfort for mothers who have lost a child: How Jesus' welcome of little children offers encouragement to those grieving miscarriage or the death of a child.
• The rich young ruler and the condition of the heart: Why outward obedience and material success cannot earn salvation, and how even good things can become idols.
• Salvation is impossible apart from God: What Jesus means when He says that with man salvation is impossible, but with God all things are possible.
• What true greatness looks like: Why Jesus challenges the disciples' desire for positions of honor and teaches that greatness in His kingdom is found in serving others.
• Jesus came to serve and give His life: How the Son of Man's example of sacrificial service should shape the way we live and parent.
• Bartimaeus' persistent faith: What we can learn from the blind man who refused to be silenced when he cried out to Jesus for mercy.
• Living for God's glory rather than our own: Why following Jesus means surrendering our expectations and remembering that we were created for His glory.

God's Design for Marriage: What Jesus Teaches About Divorce

When the Pharisees question Jesus about divorce, He doesn't begin with the cultural debates of the day. He takes them back to the beginning—to God's design in creation.

Jesus reminds them that God made male and female and that a husband and wife become one flesh. The word used for being joined together carries the idea of being joined or glued together. Marriage is not merely a human arrangement; it is a covenant relationship established by God.

Jesus explains that Moses permitted divorce because of the hardness of people's hearts, but that was not God's original design.

At Entrusted Ministries, we want to uphold God's ideal for marriage while recognizing that many families have experienced painful circumstances because of sin, betrayal, or situations beyond their control. If you are facing a difficult decision, especially where abuse or danger is involved, please seek godly counsel and prioritize the safety of yourself and your children.

God's Word gives us a beautiful picture of marriage, but it also reminds us that we live in a broken world where we need the wisdom, compassion, and help of the Lord.

Let the Children Come to Jesus: A Mother's Eternal Priority

Immediately following His teaching about marriage, Jesus welcomes the little children.

The disciples try to keep them away, but Jesus is indignant. He tells them not to hinder the children from coming to Him and explains that the kingdom of God belongs to those who receive it like a child.

What a beautiful reminder for Christian parents!

Our children are not interruptions to the work of Jesus. They matter deeply to Him. As moms, we have the privilege of introducing our children to the Savior, teaching them His Word, and helping them understand what it means to trust and follow Him.

Stephanie also reflects on the comfort this passage offers to mothers who have experienced miscarriage or the loss of a child. The parallel account in Luke uses the word infants, and the episode considers a commentary's understanding that God's grace extends to those too young or mentally unable to exercise faith. This is a tender and important topic for families who have experienced profound grief.

What Is Holding Your Heart? The Rich Young Ruler

The rich young ruler appears sincere. He approaches Jesus asking what he must do to inherit eternal life and believes he has kept the commandments from his youth.

But Jesus sees what is happening beneath the surface. Mark tells us that Jesus loved him, yet He exposes the young man's attachment to his possessions. When Jesus tells him to sell what he has, give to the poor, and follow Him, the man walks away sorrowful.

This encounter reminds us that salvation cannot be earned through good behavior, religious activity, or material generosity. It is impossible for us to save ourselves. Only God can make a way.

For Christian moms, this passage also invites us to examine our own hearts. Are we holding tightly to possessions, comfort, financial security, or the things we believe will make our lives better? Even when we have little, we can be tempted to covet what we don't have.

Following Jesus means recognizing that He is worth more than anything this world can offer.

True Greatness in God's Kingdom: Leading Through Service

As Jesus approaches Jerusalem, He tells His disciples for the third time that He will suffer, die, and rise again. Yet James and John respond by asking for places of honor in His kingdom.

Jesus uses their request to teach an essential lesson about greatness.

The world values authority, position, and power over others. But Jesus tells His followers that it must not be that way among them. Whoever wants to be great must become a servant.

Then He points to His own example:

“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” — Mark 10:45 (ESV)

This is an important reminder for mothers. Our goal is not to use our authority to control others or to seek recognition for what we do. We are called to follow the example of Jesus, serving faithfully and pointing our families toward Him.

We were created for His glory—not the other way around.

Bartimaeus: A Faith That Would Not Be Silenced

As Jesus leaves Jericho, a blind beggar named Bartimaeus hears that He is passing by. He begins crying out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”

The crowd tells him to be quiet, but he cries out even louder.

Jesus stops and calls him. When Jesus asks what he wants, Bartimaeus asks to recover his sight. Jesus heals him, and Bartimaeus follows Him on the way.

What a contrast to James and John, who had just asked Jesus for positions of honor! Bartimaeus recognizes his need and asks for mercy. His response to Jesus is to follow Him.

This account reminds us to approach Jesus with humility, recognizing our need for His mercy and grace.

Scripture Reading

Matthew 19–20 and Mark 10

Stephanie reads through Mark 10, which includes much of the same material found in Matthew 19 and 20.

Key passages and themes discussed:

• Genesis 1–2 — God's original design for marriage.
• Malachi 2 — God's desire for godly offspring and faithfulness in marriage.
• Mark 10:1–12 — Jesus' teaching about marriage and divorce.
• Mark 10:13–16 — Jesus welcomes and blesses the little children.
• Mark 10:17–31 — The rich young ruler and the impossibility of earning salvation.
• Mark 10:32–45 — Jesus foretells His death and teaches about servant leadership.
• Mark 10:46–52 — Jesus heals Bartimaeus.
• Luke's parallel account of Jesus welcoming infants — An additional perspective on the value of little children.

Questions to Consider

• Does my understanding of marriage reflect God's design, or have I allowed cultural expectations to shape my thinking?
• Am I helping my children recognize how much Jesus values them and how important it is to come to Him?
• Are there possessions, comforts, or earthly desires that compete with my devotion to Christ?
• Do I sometimes measure greatness by recognition, influence, or authority rather than faithfulness and service?
• How can I model the servant-hearted example of Jesus in my home?
• Am I willing to cry out to Jesus for mercy and follow Him, as Bartimaeus did?

A Prayer for Christian Moms

Heavenly Father, we lift up those who have experienced the heartbreak of divorce, infidelity, and broken relationships. We ask You to minister to their hearts and show them how You can redeem even the most painful circumstances for their good and Your glory. We also pray for mothers who have lost children. Bring them comfort through Your Word and the hope found in Jesus.

Lord, help us not to become like the rich young ruler, so attached to our possessions that we struggle to surrender them to You. Transform our hearts, especially as we consider gratitude and the many ways we are tempted to want more. Thank You that Jesus came not to be served, but to serve and give His life as a ransom for many. Help us follow His example in our homes and everywhere You place us. We are for You and Your glory. In Jesus' name, amen.

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The Dwelling Place Bible Podcast for Busy Moms from Entrusted Ministries helps Christian moms grow in their understanding of Scripture through a chronological Bible reading plan and practical encouragement for faith and family life.

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Entrusted With a Child's Heart — Learn more about this biblical parenting study, including practical guidance for helping children walk in repentance and pursue reconciliation.

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Commentaries Most Referenced: Moody Bible Commentary, MacArthur Commentary