Rhythms of a Healthy Soul

Rhythms of a Healthy Soul

Main Points

Good things can keep you from the best things

When you focus on others, you leave yourself unattended

Work without worship is wearying

When you lose your why, you lose your way

Introduction

If any of these resonate, this message is for you:

Do you struggle with the need for control?

Is anxiousness a part of your story?

Do you wrestle with perfectionism, people-pleasing, or performance mentality?

There’s good news for you.

Welcome to Is That in the Bible? We’re on the set of The Chosen, diving into Season 4, Episode 5: “Sitting, Serving, Scheming.” (Play Clip)

Scripture Foundation

Luke 10:38–42 Week 4 Theme: Rhythms of a Healthy Soul Clip Length: 8:46 Teaching Time: 21:14

Context and Setting

This passage is not a critique of hospitality—it’s a revelation of Jesus’ heart for soul health. Hospitality is a biblical gift. But Jesus teaches Mary (and us) about something deeper: soul rhythms.

Historical & Cultural Background

Location: Bethany, just 2 miles from Jerusalem

Timing: Around 6 months before the crucifixion

Ministry context: The Seventy had just returned from being sent out

Reason for Bethany: He was welcome there — like Cana, Jesus waits to be wanted

The Household

Three siblings: Lazarus, Martha (older), Mary (younger)

Mary would later anoint Jesus' feet (John 12)

This was a family Jesus loved deeply—friendship beyond ministry

Wealth and Worship

The family had resources and used them to serve Jesus

Martha went all-in: planning, prepping, making it special

Think: Pinterest-perfect dinner, elaborate details

J.B. Phillips: “Martha was very worried about her elaborate preparations”

Mary at Jesus’ Feet

“Sitting at His feet” wasn’t just posture—it was discipleship

A privilege never given to women in that culture

Paul: “raised at the feet of Gamaliel”

Jesus welcomed Mary, empowered her, and received her attention

Seen at Jesus’ feet three times:

John 11 (grieving)

Matthew 26 (anointing)

Luke 10 (learning)

Jesus redefined what mattered. Mary took the better seat—and Jesus said so.

Martha’s Outburst

While Mary sat, Martha snapped.

Cut Jesus off mid-sermon

Accused both Mary and Jesus

Jesus responded with gentleness and love

“Martha, Martha…” — the double name signals affection

“You are worried and troubled about many things…”

But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen it

Martha was:

Under the same roof

In a different room

Present in body, absent in spirit

Close to the fire, but missing the warmth

Modern Parallel

We worship with Scripture and scroll Twitter on the same device

We’ve got the YouVersion Bible app and YouTube on the same screen

We multitask our way out of margin

Four Lessons for a Healthy Soul

1. Good Things Can Keep You From the Best Things

Martha chose good, not bad—but she missed the better

The enemy of best is often “busy”

Jesus called Mary’s choice “the good part” (MSG: “the main course”)

Even good ministry can distract:

You can preach, lead worship, serve kids… and miss Jesus

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock...” — written to the church

2. When You Focus on Others, You Leave Yourself Unattended

Martha rebuked Jesus—a bold move!

Like Peter: “Not so, Lord.” (those words clash)

She saw Mary’s actions as a problem—but missed her own heart condition

Specks and planks…

Oxygen mask principle: help yourself first

Blind spots blur best intentions.

3. Work Without Worship Is Wearying

It's counterintuitive—but rest multiplies strength

Ecclesiastes 10:10 — A dull axe takes more work; wisdom brings success

Without worship, we:

Burn out

Grow resentful

Begin to think God owes us

Idolatry → Anxiety Sabbath is a daily and yearly principle Adam’s first day? Resting in God’s finished work

4. When You Lose Your Why, You Lose Your Way

Martha’s why was to serve Jesus

But she lost sight—and drifted

When what you do for God isn’t fueled by time with God, you start acting like you’re God

Final Encouragement

Sit like Mary, so you can rise like Martha.

Jesus loves busy Martha. He loves you—fully, affectionately, and patiently.

Closing Reflection

What good thing is keeping you from Jesus’ feet today?

📖 Matthew 11:28–30 (MSG)

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest… Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace.”