mary and martha

Scripture

Luke 10:38–42 ESV

38 Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching. 40 But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” 41 But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, 42 but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”

The Better Choice

Luke 10:38-42

Summary: Luke 10:38-42 tells the story of Jesus visiting the home of Mary and Martha, highlighting the contrast between Martha's busyness and Mary's choice to sit at the feet of Jesus.

Application: This passage reminds us of the importance of prioritizing our relationship with Jesus above all the distractions and busyness of life. It challenges us to choose what is better - spending time in His presence and receiving His teachings.

Teaching: The story of Mary and Martha teaches us the value of sitting at the feet of Jesus, prioritizing intimacy with Him over earthly responsibilities. It emphasizes the significance of making Him the center of our lives.

How this passage could point to Christ: Jesus, as the focus of this passage, calls us to Himself, inviting us to find rest and wisdom in Him. He is the better choice, the ultimate satisfaction for our souls.

Big Idea: Choosing to prioritize our relationship with Jesus above all distractions and busyness leads to a fulfilling and purposeful life, centered on Him, our ultimate satisfaction.

Recommended Study: For further study, dive into the cultural context of hospitality during the time of Jesus to better understand Martha's concerns. Explore the significance of sitting at the feet of a teacher in Jewish tradition using resources in your Logos library. Additionally, look into the broader theme of rest and busyness in the Gospels to deepen your understanding of Mary and Martha's interaction.

1. Prioritize Presence Over Pressure

Luke 10:38-39

You could start by emphasizing the contrast between Martha's busyness and Mary's choice to sit at Jesus' feet, illustrating the importance of prioritizing our relationship with Jesus despite the distractions of life. This sets the stage for understanding that in a world filled with noise and obligations, choosing Jesus is choosing the better part.

2. Choosing Christ Over Chaos

Luke 10:40-42

Maybe explore how Jesus addresses Martha's concern by highlighting that Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her. This could underscore the idea that our choice to prioritize time with Jesus is eternally rewarding and satisfying, differentiating between temporary satisfaction and lasting fulfillment found in Christ.

What are some practical ways you can choose to sit at the feet of Jesus and spend time in His presence in the midst of your daily responsibilities and activities?

What are some potential distractions or busyness in your life that may hinder you from choosing Jesus as the better part? How can you address or overcome these obstacles?

Imagine having a ton of apps on your phone, but there's one that you use more than any other because it's your favorite. Prioritizing Jesus over other things is like making Him the most used 'app' in our lives, constantly turning to Him and relying on His guidance and presence!

When faced with choosing between spending time with friends or spending time with Jesus at home, prioritize Jesus by setting aside a specific time each day for prayer and reading the Bible. This will help you deepen your relationship with Him and align your priorities with His.