Introduction: On Mothers Day we think not only of women who have given birth to children, but also of all great women, and the examples that they have left to us of how to live a godly life. Today we will take a quick look at five of the great women of the Bible...

I. Jephthah's Daughter (Judges 11:30-40).

The Bible does not tell us her name, but tradition says she was called "Adah," which in Hebrew means "ornament." She is an example to us of submission to the will of God, even about hard and difficult things, even facing death. She is also an example of respect for parents, similar to Isaac's respect for Abraham, when his father was about to offer him as a sacrifice to God.

II. Ruth (Ruth 1:14-17)

Ruth was the Moabite daughter-in-law of Naomi. Naomi had gone to Moab with her husband and two sons, in search of prosperity. Her husband, and both her sons, died in Moab, leaving her alone except for her two daughters-in-law. Orpah left Naomi, and went back to her parents. Ruth stuck with Naomi, and went home with her. Ruth is an example of turning from idols to serve the one true God. She is also the great example of undying friendship.

III. Esther (Esther 4:12-16)

Esther was a Jewish girl who became the Queen of Persia, at that time, in the 4th century, a great empire extending from Africa to India, under great king Xerxes. Esther risked her life to save her people from death. She is an example of courage, love for your people, and how God providentially places us where He can use us.

IV. Martha (John 11:21-27)

Martha was the sister of Mary and Lazarus, and their home in Bethany was Jesus' home when He was traveling in that area. Martha is an example of faith in Jesus, and in eternal life. She is also an example of a woman who does the unthanked daily work to keep a household going.

V. The Elect Lady (2 John vss. 1-4)

Here is another woman whose name is not given. Sometimes she is called "Electa," which is just another way to say "elect lady." We know from this book of 2 John that she opened up her house for a Christian congregation, and that some of her children had become Christians, too. Tradition says that she cared much for the poor and the needy. She is an example to us of hospitality, and also of leading your children to Christ.

This is a good time for me to ask all of you...Have you become a Christian? God loves you. He gave His Son to die for your sins. Why not bow the knee to Him today?

Conclusion: All of us, both men and women, can learn a lot from these godly women. If you have a mother or a wife who exemplifies these qualities, then you have much to be grateful for. May the Lord help each of us to walk in their footsteps. Amen.