What difference would it make in your everyday life as a mom if you were deeply convinced that Jesus has authority over everything? In this episode of The Dwelling Place Bible Podcast for Busy Moms, we explore Matthew 8, Mark 2, and John 5 to see how Jesus demonstrates His authority over sickness, spiritual darkness, nature, sin, and even death. As we follow a chronological Bible reading plan through the New Testament, we’ll discover how the power and goodness of Jesus can transform our fears, bring freedom from legalism, and help us find rest in the middle of the demands of motherhood. We’ll also see how much good friends can accomplish when they bring someone to Jesus—and how Jesus sees those who feel alone and forgotten. In This Episode, You’ll DiscoverHow Jesus’ authority can transform your anxiety. From calming a raging storm to healing the sick, Jesus demonstrates that no part of creation is beyond His control. What might change if you trusted His power and goodness in the circumstances facing your family?Why Christian friendship matters. Four determined friends carry a paralyzed man to Jesus, showing us the value of relationships that help us draw near to Christ.Why we all need the Great Physician. When Jesus calls Matthew and eats with tax collectors and sinners, He reminds us that He came to rescue those who recognize their need for Him.How to recognize the difference between biblical obedience and legalism. Jesus confronts the Pharisees’ distorted understanding of the Sabbath and reveals God’s heart for His people.What Sabbath rest can look like for busy moms. Discover an encouraging reminder that small, practical changes—even something as simple as using paper plates—can help make room for refreshment rather than turning rest into another checklist.How Jesus brings freedom to the overlooked. After 38 years of disability, a man with no one to help him is seen and healed by Jesus. His story reminds us that Christ is not limited by our circumstances or the help we do—or do not—receive from others.Five witnesses that testify to Jesus’ identity. In John 5, Jesus points to the testimony of John the Baptist, His works, the Father, the Scriptures, and Moses to establish who He is and why He deserves our trust. Jesus Understands Our Need for Rest and RescueIn Matthew 8, the disciples panic when a storm threatens their boat, but Jesus sleeps. When they wake Him, He rebukes the wind and the sea, and everything becomes calm. Their question captures the wonder of what they are witnessing: “What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him?” (Matthew 8:27, ESV). As moms, we face circumstances that can feel just as overwhelming. We may worry about our children, our finances, our health, or the future. These passages invite us to look beyond the size of our problems and remember the greatness of our Savior. Jesus’ authority does not mean life will always unfold as we hope. It means we can place our lives and families in the hands of the One who is powerful, good, and worthy of our trust. Great Friends Bring People to JesusIn Mark 2, four friends refuse to let a crowded house keep them from bringing their paralyzed friend to Jesus. They even open the roof to lower him into the room! Jesus responds to their faith, but He does something unexpected: before healing the man’s body, He declares his sins forgiven. Then He heals him, demonstrating His authority to forgive sins. This account reminds us that Christian friendship is about more than offering sympathy or practical help. We can encourage one another to seek Jesus, trust His Word, and remember that our deepest need is spiritual rescue. It also challenges us to consider how we are helping our own children see their need for Jesus and grow in their relationship with Him. Biblical Parenting: Pointing Our Children to the Great PhysicianWhen Jesus calls Matthew, He willingly shares a meal with tax collectors and sinners. His explanation is simple: those who recognize their sickness understand their need for a physician. As Christian moms, we want our children to grow in obedience and wisdom. But biblical parenting is not simply about producing outwardly well-behaved children. Our children need to understand their need for the grace and forgiveness of Jesus, just as we do. We can model humility by acknowledging our own need for Christ, pointing our children toward His Word, and showing them that the gospel is not a reward for people who have it all together. It is good news for sinners who need a Savior. The Sabbath: God's Gift, Not Another ChecklistJesus says, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath” (Mark 2:27, ESV). The Pharisees had piled additional requirements onto God's commands until their rules obscured His heart. Jesus challenged that legalism and reminded them of the purpose behind the Sabbath. For moms whose days are filled with meals, laundry, interruptions, and caring for children, rest can feel impossible—or like one more thing we are failing to do well. In this episode, Stephanie shares a personal story about asking God how she could honor the Sabbath during a particularly exhausting season of motherhood. The answer she sensed was surprisingly practical: paper plates. Sometimes a small adjustment can help simplify a day and create room for refreshment. Rather than treating rest as a perfect routine we must achieve, we can prayerfully consider how to receive God's good gifts within the realities of our season of life. John 5: Five Witnesses Testify to JesusJohn 5 brings us to the heart of the episode: Jesus’ declaration of His authority and identity. After healing a man on the Sabbath, Jesus explains His unique relationship with the Father. His words provoke opposition from religious leaders, but He does not back away from declaring who He is. Jesus calls attention to five witnesses: John the Baptist, who testified to the truth.Jesus’ works, which demonstrate the authority and mission given to Him by the Father.The Father, who bears witness to the Son.The Scriptures, which point to Jesus.Moses, whose writings ultimately testify about Him. The religious leaders searched the Scriptures but refused to come to the One to whom they pointed. Their example is a sobering reminder that knowing biblical information is not the same as trusting and submitting to Jesus. As we study the Bible with our children, our goal is not merely to help them know Bible stories or follow rules. We want them to know the Savior revealed throughout Scripture. Bible Study for Busy Christian MomsWhether you are listening to this episode while getting ready in the morning, preparing dinner, or driving your children, you can use these passages to grow in your understanding of God's Word. Consider these reflection questions: Where am I tempted to feel anxious, and how does Jesus’ authority over every realm shape the way I approach that concern?Who has helped bring me closer to Jesus? How can I be that kind of friend to someone else?Am I helping my children understand their need for the Great Physician, or am I focusing primarily on their outward behavior?Have I turned rest or another area of Christian obedience into a checklist that leaves me discouraged?What practical change could help our family make more room for refreshment?Am I reading Scripture simply to gain knowledge, or am I responding to Jesus with faith and obedience?How can I help my children see that the whole Bible points to Jesus? Key ScripturesMatthew 8:8–13 — The centurion’s faith and Jesus’ authority to heal.Matthew 8:23–27 — Jesus calms the storm.Mark 2:1–12 — Jesus forgives and heals the paralyzed man.Mark 2:13–17 — Jesus calls Matthew and eats with sinners.Mark 2:23–28 — Jesus teaches about the Sabbath.John 5:1–18 — Jesus heals the man at Bethesda and confronts legalism.John 5:19–29 — The Son’s relationship with the Father and His authority over life and judgment.John 5:30–47 — The witnesses who testify to Jesus. A Prayer for Peace, Rest, and TrustHeavenly Father, thank You for sending Your Son, who perfectly reveals Your character. Help us understand Your heart to heal, rescue, and set people free. Show us how to serve our families faithfully while also receiving the rest and refreshment You provide. As we study Jesus’ authority over all things, transform the way we think about our worries. Help us trust Your goodness and power with our lives and our children. Teach us to fight the right battles with courage and love, and to point our families toward the peace and rescue found in Christ. In Jesus’ name, amen. Keep Growing in God's WordThe Dwelling Place Bible Podcast for Busy Moms from Entrusted Ministries helps Christian moms study Scripture, grow in biblical wisdom, and apply God's Word to everyday family life. Whether you are following a chronological Bible reading plan, beginning a New Testament Bible reading plan, or simply looking for a Bible podcast to help you stay connected to Scripture in a busy season, we invite you to keep opening God's Word with...
