Learning on the Way
Sermon Summary: Our Mother’s Day sermon explores three often-overlooked women in the book of Joshua, showing how God’s redemptive story advances through unexpected vessels. Through a “triptych” of images—a scarlet cord, flowing springs, and boundary stones—the sermon examines Rahab’s rescuing faith that sheltered her entire family, Achsah’s bold petition for water resources, and the daughters of Zelophehad’s claimed inheritance that secured land rights for future generations of women. Each story connects to Jesus as the greater Joshua, demonstrating how God uses women of faith to reshape Israel’s future and offering encouragement to mothers and spiritual mothers today.
Key Points:
- God’s redemptive story always advances through unexpected vessels, including women in a book primarily about military conquest.
- Rahab, though introduced as “the prostitute,” demonstrated courageous faith by hiding the Israelite spies and securing salvation for her entire household through a scarlet cord.
- Achsah boldly asked her father Caleb for springs of water, seeing a need that her husband Othniel missed, demonstrating the importance of women as helpmates who see blind spots.
- The five daughters of Zelophehad courageously claimed their inheritance when they had no brothers, establishing a precedent that daughters could receive land.
- Jesus is the greater Joshua, fulfilling and expanding the promises: the scarlet cord points to Christ’s blood, Achsah’s springs foreshadow living water, and the boundary stones prefigure our inheritance in Christ.
- Christ finishes what He starts, hears our prayers before we fully articulate them, and shares His victory with all believers.
Small Group Questions:
- The sermon began with the statement that “God’s redemptive story always advances through unexpected vessels.” Share a time when God used someone unexpected (possibly yourself) to accomplish His purposes.
- Rahab’s defining characteristic was her faith, not her past. How does her story encourage you when you feel disqualified by your past mistakes or circumstances?
- The scarlet cord represented salvation for Rahab’s household. What symbols or practices help remind your family of God’s salvation and protection?
- The sermon mentions that Achsah was being “helpful, not critical” in her request. What’s the difference between the two approaches, and how can we ensure we’re being helpful when pointing out blind spots? How have you seen women in your life identify and address important needs that others overlook?
- The daughters of Zelophehad boldly claimed their inheritance. What spiritual inheritance do you hope to pass on to the next generation, and what steps are you taking to secure it?
Key Verses: Joshua 2:9, 11; Joshua 6:25; Joshua 15:16-20; Joshua 17:3-6; Joshua 21:45; Hebrews 4:8; Galatians 3:26-29; Matthew 6:8
Application On The Way: This week, identify an area where you need to exercise bold faith like these women in Joshua. Whether it’s interceding for your family like Rahab, asking for what you truly need like Achsah, or claiming your spiritual inheritance like Zelophehad’s daughters, take one concrete step toward acting on that faith. Journal about how this shift in perspective changes your response to current challenges.
Want to Go Deeper?
Read: Hebrews 11:31, Matthew 1:5, Romans 8:16-17, John 4:10-14, Philippians 1:6, Ephesians 1:11-14
- Read Hebrews 11:31 and James 2:25, which both mention Rahab’s faith. How does her inclusion in the “hall of faith” challenge our assumptions about who God can use? What does James emphasize about the relationship between faith and action?
- In John 4:10-14, Jesus offers living water to the Samaritan woman, similar to Achsah’s request for springs. Compare these passages—what similarities do you see in their requests, and how does Jesus expand the meaning of “living water”?
- The sermon states that “in Christ, sons and daughters receive a full inheritance.” Read Romans 8:16-17 and Ephesians 1:11-14. What does it mean to be “co-heirs with Christ”? How should this inheritance shape our identity and priorities?