Mary and Martha;What Are Our Priorities

Introduction: Have you ever met an individual that just seemed to have God all over them? It seemed that they possessed a walk with the Lord that was head and shoulders above anything you have ever experienced yourself, and you wondered how they accomplished it. Well, I have seen people like that! I think the answer lies in what they have discovered. It just seems to me that some people have learned to abide at the feet of Jesus as they go through life and this translates into peace of heart, power of life and purpose before God.

Intro: Have you ever met an individual that just seemed to have God all over them? It seemed that they possessed a walk with the Lord that was head and shoulders above anything you have ever experienced yourself, and you wondered how they accomplished it. Well, I have been there! I think the answer lies in what they have discovered. It just seems to me that some people have learned to abide at the feet of Jesus as they go through life and this translates into peace of heart, power of life and purpose before God.

I want that kind of life for myself! How about you? I would like to be constantly and consistently filled with the Spirit of God and I would like to be found at the feet of Jesus. I want to be able to take care of things of this world that God directs me to, but most of all I want to be at My Saviors feet. I want Christ to be my priority, not my secondary.

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Mary and Martha show us two types of Christian, one worried about the “to do list” and another wanting to be closer to Jesus when the opportunity is there. Some of us tend to be more like Mary in our Christian walk, while others resemble Martha. It's likely we have qualities of both within us. We may be inclined at times to let our busy lives of service distract us from spending time with Jesus and listening to his word. It's significant to note, though, that Jesus gently admonished Martha for being "worried and upset," not for serving. Service is a good thing, but sitting at Jesus' feet is best. We must remember what is most important. Good works should flow from a Christ-centered life; they do not produce a Christ-centered life.

We hear about Mary and Martha three times in the new testament. Mary, Martha and Lazarus were friends of Jesus. The Scripture for today is the one time and later on we hear the story of Lazarus being raised from the dead

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3 Therefore the sisters sent to Him, saying, “Lord, behold, he whom You love is sick.”

4 When Jesus heard that, He said, “This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it.”

5 Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus.

32 Then, when Mary came where Jesus was, and saw Him, she fell down at His feet, saying to Him, r“Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.”

43 Now when He had said these things, He cried with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come forth!” 44 And he who had died came out bound hand and foot with graveclothes, and his face was wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Loose him, and let him go.”

and finally about Mary spreading the precious ointment on Jesus feet.

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The New King James Version. (1982). (). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.q ; ;

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The New King James Version. (1982). (). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

and finally about Mary spreading the precious ointment on Jesus feet

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2 bThere they made Him a supper; and Martha served, but Lazarus was one of those who sat at the table with Him. 3 Then cMary took a pound of very costly oil of dspikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair.

12:1-3 1 Then, six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was who had been dead, whom He had raised from the dead. 2 There they made Him a supper; and Martha served, but Lazarus was one of those who sat at the table with Him. 3 Then Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil.

7 But Jesus said, “Let her alone; she has kept this for the day of My burial. 8 For the poor you have with you always, but Me you do not have always.”

Shortly after this event, we have the triumphant entry in to Jerusalem.

When we give Jesus the attention he deserves, he empowers us to serve others.

7 But Jesus said, “Let her alone; she has kept this for the day of My burial. 8 For the poor you have with you always, but Me you do not have always.”

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When we give Jesus the attention he deserves, he empowers us to serve others.

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The New King James Version. (1982). (). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.a ; ,

1 NU omits who had been dead

Good works should flow from a Christ-centered life; they do not produce a Christ-centered life.

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When we give Jesus the attention he deserves, he empowers us to serve others.

The New King James Version. (1982). (). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.When we give Jesus the attention he deserves, he empowers us to serve others.

The New King James Version. (1982). (). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Let us read our text for today.....

Luke 10:38–42 NKJV

Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word. But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.” And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.”

-4238 Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named pMartha welcomed Him into her house. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at 2Jesus’ feet and heard His word.

38 Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house.

39 And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word.

40 But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.”

41 And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things.

42 But sone thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.”

Introduction: Now we would look at Martha and think she is doing good right? After all, she is "busy" serving and trying to provide for her guest. The problem is the fact that JESUS CHRIST, the Saviour of the world is in her house and she is more bothered with her serving than with Jesus Himself. Now Mary knows who Jesus is and she falls at His feet and listens to every word that proceeds out of His mouth.

Now we would look at Martha and think she is doing good right? After all, she is "busy" serving and trying to provide for her guest. The problem is the fact that JESUS CHRIST, the Saviour of the world is in her house and she is more bothered with her serving than with Jesus Himself. Now Mary knows who Jesus is and she falls at His feet and listens to every word that proceeds out of His mouth.

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Jesus Christ and his disciples stopped at the house of Martha in Bethany, about two miles from Jerusalem. Her sister Mary lived there, along with their brother Lazarus, whom Jesus had raised from the dead.

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Now we would look at Martha and think she is doing good right? After all, she is "busy" serving and trying to provide for her guest. The problem is the fact that JESUS CHRIST, the Saviour of the world is in her house and she is more bothered with her serving than with Jesus Himself. Now Mary knows who Jesus is and she falls at His feet and listens to every word that proceeds out of His mouth.

3 NU the Lord

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The New King James Version. (1982). (). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.Now we would look at Martha and think she is doing good right? After all, she is "busy" serving and trying to provide for her guest. The problem is the fact that JESUS CHRIST, the Saviour of the world is in her house and she is more bothered with her serving than with Jesus Himself. Now Mary knows who Jesus is and she falls at His feet and listens to every word that proceeds out of His mouth.

But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’ ”

Mary sat at the feet of Jesus and listened to his words. Martha, meanwhile, was distracted with preparing and serving the meal for the group.

4 But He answered and said, “It is written, c‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’ ”

All Mary is concerned about is being with her Saviour and listening to His wisdom and learning from Him. But Martha, even though she has the Saviour in her house, she is "cumbered about with much serving". In other words, Martha is DISTRACTED by something else, which is keeping her from Jesus, and she actually complains about Mary, when Mary is doing the right thing of giving all her attention to Jesus. And Does the Lord say that Martha is doing good with her much serving? No, He suggests that she is too "careful" and "troubled" by many things which are keeping her from Him. Instead, Martha should have been like Mary and fell at her Saviour's feet and not left His side. Jesus confirms that Mary chose the right thing. Mary wasn't worried about being "busy" when she had her Lord and Saviour present. She just wanted to be with Him and listen to Him.

The New King James Version. (1982). (). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.All Mary is concerned about is being with her Saviour and listening to His wisdom and learning from Him. But Martha, even though she has the Saviour in her house, she is "cumbered about with much serving". In other words, Martha is DISTRACTED by something else, which is keeping her from Jesus, and she actually complains about Mary, when Mary is doing the right thing of giving all her attention to Jesus. And Does the Lord say that Martha is doing good with her much serving? No, He suggests that she is too "careful" and "troubled" by many things which are keeping her from Him. Instead, Martha should have been like Mary and fell at her Saviour's feet and not left His side. Jesus confirms that Mary chose the right thing. Mary wasn't worried about being "busy" when she had her Lord and Saviour present. She just wanted to be with Him and listen to Him.

Am I saying that serving is wrong? Not at all, because a true personal relationship with Jesus will produce good works and serving in us. After all, Jesus Himself came to serve. The point in this story is that Martha was distracted from being with the Lord, because of her worries about what jobs needed to be done. It is our relationship with Jesus that should come first. We are no different, we are distracted away from Jesus in our daily routine also.

Frustrated, Martha scolded Jesus, asking him whether he cared that her sister had left her to fix the meal alone. She told Jesus to order Mary to help her with the preparations.

****In our verses today [] The first thing we can see is.....

"Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her." (, NIV)

I. Hospitality…v 38 Jesus was welcomed as a guest and treated well.

Be hospitable to one another without grumbling.

For centuries people in the church have puzzled over the Mary and Martha story, knowing that someone has to do the work. The point of this passage, however, is about making Jesus and his word our first priority. Today we come to know Jesus better through prayer, church attendance, and Bible study.

If all 12 apostles and some of the women who supported Jesus' ministry were traveling with him, fixing the meal would have been a major job. Martha, like many hostesses, became anxious over impressing her guests.

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Abraham was hospitable to three strangers, and discovered that he had entertained the Lord and two angels [

Martha has been compared to the Apostle Peter: practical, impulsive, and short-tempered to the point of rebuking the Lord himself. Mary is more like the Apostle John: reflective, loving, and calm.

2 Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels.

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The New King James Version. (1982). (). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

I. A PLACE OF STILLNESS

We help to promote the truth when we open our homes to God’s servants (). In fact, when we share with others, we share with Christ (, ).

Hospitality is a virtue that is commanded and commended throughout the Scriptures. Moses included it in the Law (; ). Jesus enjoyed hospitality when He was on earth, and so did the Apostles in their ministry (; ). Human hospitality is a reflection of God’s hospitality to us ().

Welcoming Jesus and his entourage into her house implied the fullest form of hospitality and involved substantial generosity.

Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 423). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

Martha appears to be the eldest of the family, and head of the sibling household. When Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, both sisters played a prominent role in the story and their contrasting personalities are evident in this account as well. Although both were upset and disappointed that Jesus did not arrive before Lazarus died, Martha ran out to meet Jesus as soon as she learned he had entered Bethany, but Mary waited at home. tells us that when Mary did finally go to Jesus, she fell at his feet weeping.

v39 And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word.

****I am sure Martha was glad to see Jesus, so she went about preparing for the welcome meal. Mean time, Mary saw who was there and sat down at His feet to listen.

Good works should flow from a Christ-centered life; they do not produce a Christ-centered life.

****I am sure Martha was glad to see Jesus, so she went about preparing for the welcome meal. Mean time, Mary saw who was there and sat down at His feet to listen.

v39 And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word.

****We see what Mary’s priority is...

II. Putting Jesus First

A. The focus of this passage is not that people should be unconcerned with household chores, but that the proper attitude toward Jesus is to listen to Him and obey His words.

I. A PLACE OF STILLNESS... Too often, we are more like Martha than like Mary. In our zeal to serve the Lord, we wind up ignoring Him! While Martha labored, Mary listened. She found a place of stillness at the feet of Jesus. She found a place where:

When we give Jesus the attention he deserves, he empowers us to serve others.

B. A sharp contrast was portrayed between the two sisters. Mary … sat and listened to Jesus, while Martha made preparations for a meal.

The focus of this passage is not that people should be unconcerned with household chores, but that the proper attitude toward Jesus is to listen to Him and obey His words.

A sharp contrast was portrayed between the two sisters. Mary … sat and listened to Jesus, while Martha made preparations for a meal.

C. Mary of Bethany is seen three times in the Gospel record, and on each occasion, she is in the same place: at the feet of Jesus. She sat at His feet and listened to His Word (), fell at His feet and shared her woe (), and came to His feet and poured out her worship ().

Mary of Bethany is seen three times in the Gospel record, and on each occasion, she is in the same place: at the feet of Jesus. She sat at His feet and listened to His Word (), fell at His feet and shared her woe (), and came to His feet and poured out her worship ().

Martin, J. A. (1985). Luke. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 2, p. 234). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

D. It seems evident that the Lord wants each of us to imitate Mary in our worship and Martha in our work. Blessed are the balanced!

****Mary’s priority is Jesus, but Martha is also showing where her priority is...

It seems evident that the Lord wants each of us to imitate Mary in our worship and Martha in our work. Blessed are the balanced!

V 40 But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.”

*****Martha is more interested in doing FOR Jesus than with Jesus. Martha was...

III. Putting work first.

A. Martha was putting her spiritual needs second. Martha was worried over physical nourishment while Mary was more concerned with getting her soul fed.

B. Mary and Martha are often contrasted as though each believer must make a choice: be a worker like Martha or a worshiper like Mary. Certainly our personalities and gifts are different, but that does not mean that the Christian life is an either/or situation. Charles Welsey said it perfectly in one of his hymns:

Mary and Martha are often contrasted as though each believer must make a choice: be a worker like Martha or a worshiper like Mary. Certainly our personalities and gifts are different, but that does not mean that the Christian life is an either/or situation. Charles Welsey said it perfectly in one of his hymns:

Faithful to my Lord’s commands,

Martha was worried over physical nourishment while Mary was more concerned with getting her soul fed. In His presence, we will find food for our souls and strength for our journey. It is no wonder that many Christians are weak and lacking in spiritual vitality. They never take the time to just come into His presence and feed on Him! We must have soul food, or we will dry up spiritually!

I still would choose the better part;

Serve with careful Martha’s hands,

And loving Mary’s heart.

****Martha was looking to get the temporal things accomplished, but Mary was looking to.....

IV. Eternal, spiritual thing that last.

A. Few things are as damaging to the Christian life as trying to work for Christ without taking time to commune with Christ. “For without Me ye can do nothing” (). Mary chose the better part, the part that could not be taken from her. She knew that she could not live “by bread alone” ().

41 And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. 42 But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.”

A. Few things are as damaging to the Christian life as trying to work for Christ without taking time to commune with Christ. “For without Me ye can do nothing” (). Mary chose the better part, the part that could not be taken from her. She knew that she could not live “by bread alone” ().

Few things are as damaging to the Christian life as trying to work for Christ without taking time to commune with Christ. “For without Me ye can do nothing” (). Mary chose the better part, the part that could not be taken from her. She knew that she could not live “by bread alone” ().

B. If we feel overworked, we had better take time to examine our lives. Perhaps in all of our busyness, we have been ignoring the Lord. Martha’s problem was not that she had too much work to do, but that she allowed her work to distract her and pull her apart. She was trying to serve two masters! If serving Christ makes us difficult to live with, then something is terribly wrong with our service!

41 And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. 42 But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.”

C. The phrase, only one thing is needed (), and that is Jesus and to listening to His words, which Mary had chosen to do.

we feel overworked, we had better take time to examine our lives. Perhaps in all of our busyness, we have been ignoring the Lord. Martha’s problem was not that she had too much work to do, but that she allowed her work to distract her and pull her apart. She was trying to serve two masters! If serving Christ makes us difficult to live with, then something is terribly wrong with our service!

Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 1, p. 213). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books. 41 And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. 42 But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.”

The phrase, only one thing is needed (), refers to listening to His words, which Mary had chosen to do. The same theme is seen in 8:1–21.

C. The key is to have the right priorities: Jesus Christ first, then others, then ourselves. It is vitally important that we spend time “at the feet of Jesus” every single day, letting Him share His Word with us. The most important part of the Christian life is the part that only God sees. Unless we meet Christ personally and privately each day, we will soon end up like Martha: busy but not blessed.

D. The key is to have the right priorities: Jesus Christ first, then others, then ourselves. It is vitally important that we spend time “at the feet of Jesus” every single day, letting Him share His Word with us. The most important part of the Christian life is the part that only God sees. Unless we meet Christ personally and privately each day, we will soon end up like Martha: busy but not blessed.

Conclusion: In His presence, we will find food for our souls and strength for our journey. We do not need to let this world and the business of it engulf us and keep us away from being at the feet of Jesus. It is no wonder that many Christians are weak and lacking in spiritual vitality. They never take the time to just come into His presence and feed on Him! We must have soul food, or we will dry up spiritually!

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and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary. 4 Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love.

The New King James Version. (1982). (). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

In His presence, we will find food for our souls and strength for our journey. It is no wonder that many Christians are weak and lacking in spiritual vitality. They never take the time to just come into His presence and feed on Him! We must have soul food, or we will dry up spiritually!

Where do you find yourself tonight? Are you sitting at the feet of Jesus listening to Him, learning from Him and just loving Him? He is worthy of our total devotion. Therefore, I challenge you to join me in coming to His feet tonight. Let's find our place there and be all that Jesus wants us to be.

A. V. 40 We Can Forget Our Cares - While Martha was "cumbered", (To be distracted, to be driven about mentally), while Mary was sitting, calmly listening to the Words of Jesus. When we come into His presence, [in prayer, Bible reading, worship, etc.], the burdens of life tend to grow amazingly light. It would do many Christians good to learn to sit in His presence and forget about the cares of the world. Learn to love the Lord more than your worries and you will be able to find that calm place in His blessed presence. [When we focus our attention on Him, other things tend to become very distant.

Intro: Have you ever met an individual that just seemed to have God all over them? It seemed that they possessed a walk with the Lord that was head and shoulders above anything you have ever experienced yourself, and you wondered how they accomplished it. Well, I have been there! I think the answer lies in what they have discovered. It just seems to me that some people have learned to abide at the feet of Jesus as they go through life and this translates into peace of heart, power of life and purpose before God.

Do I have my priorities in order? Like Martha, am I worried or anxious about many things, or, like Mary am I focused on listening to Jesus and spending time in his presence? Have I put devotion to Christ and his word first, or am I more concerned about doing good deeds?

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I want that kind of life for myself! How about you? I would like to be constantly and consistently filled with the Spirit of God and I would like to be found at the feet of Jesus.

6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;

The Gospels mention a woman named Mary. She was the sister of Lazarus and Martha and she in mentioned 3 times in the Gospel account. Every time Mary is mentioned, she is always found at the feet of Jesus. Her experiences there can teach us all some valuable lessons about our own walk with the Lord. Tonight, we want to take a few minutes and join Mary At The Feet Of Jesus.

6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;

I. A PLACE OF STILLNESS

Meditate on These Things

7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things

are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.

9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.

(Ill. The context of the story. Martha opened her home to Jesus and did her best to be a good hostess. Mary, on the other had, opened her heart to Jesus and tried her best just to love the Lord. Too often, we are more like Martha than like Mary. In our zeal to serve the Lord, we wind up ignoring Him! While Martha labored, Mary listened. She found a place of stillness at the feet of Jesus.)

39 And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word.

Martin, J. A. (1985). Luke. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 2, p. 234). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

B. V. 39 We Can Feed Our Souls - 39 And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word.

Martha was worried over physical nourishment while Mary was more concerned with getting her soul fed. In His presence, we will find food for our souls and strength for our journey. It is no wonder that many Christians are weak and lacking in spiritual vitality. They never take the time to just come into His presence and feed on Him! We must have soul food, or we will dry up spiritually!

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The New King James Version. (1982). (). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.Martha was worried over physical nourishment while Mary was more concerned with getting her soul fed. In His presence, we will find food for our souls and strength for our journey. It is no wonder that many Christians are weak and lacking in spiritual vitality. They never take the time to just come into His presence and feed on Him! We must have soul food, or we will dry up spiritually!

12 I have not departed from the commandment of His lips. I have treasured the words of His mouth More than my necessary food.

12 I have not departed from the hcommandment of His lips;

I have treasured the words of His mouth More than my necessary food.

More than my necessary food.

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2 as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow 1thereby, 3 if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious.

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The New King James Version. (1982). (). Nashville: Thomas Nelson. )

2 as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow 1thereby, 3 if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious.

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C. V. 39 We Can Focus Our Priorities - Looking in on this scene at Martha's home, we can tell what each sister's priorities were. Martha was concerned with preparing the meal and serving her guests. Mary, however, was more concerned with being in the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. Often, the level of spirituality we are able to achieve in life is directly related to the time we are willing to spend in His presence. If everything in our lives takes precedence over being with the Lord, then we are in danger at the heart of our experience. Even being overly busy in His work, to the point where we have no time to spend at His feet, is a bad thing. The Church at Ephesus - .)

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A. V. 40 We Can Forget Our Cares - While Martha was "cumbered", (To be distracted, to be driven about mentally), while Mary was sitting, calmly listening to the Words of Jesus. When we come into His presence, (i.e., in prayer, Bible reading, worship, etc.), the burdens of life tend to grow amazingly light. It would do many Christians good to learn to sit in His presence and forget about the cares of the world. Learn to love the Lord more than your worries and you will be able to find that calm place in His blessed presence. (Ill. When we focus our attention on Him, other things tend to become very dim - )

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B. V. 39 We Can Feed Our Souls - Martha was worried over physical nourishment while Mary was more concerned with getting her soul fed. In His presence, we will find food for our souls and strength for our journey. It is no wonder that many Christians are weak and lacking in spiritual vitality. They never take the time to just come into His presence and feed on Him! (Ill. We must have soul food, or we will dry up spiritually! ; ; )

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B. V. 39 We Can Feed Our Souls - Martha was worried over physical nourishment while Mary was more concerned with getting her soul fed. In His presence, we will find food for our souls and strength for our journey. It is no wonder that many Christians are weak and lacking in spiritual vitality. They never take the time to just come into His presence and feed on Him! (Ill. We must have soul food, or we will dry up spiritually! ; ; )

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The New King James Version. (1982). (). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.C. V. 39 We Can Focus Our Priorities - Looking in on this scene at Martha's home, we can tell what each sister's priorities were. Martha was concerned with preparing the meal and serving her guests. Mary, however, was more concerned with being in the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. Often, the level of spirituality we are able to achieve in life is directly related to the time we are willing to spend in His presence. If everything in our lives takes precedence over being with the Lord, then we are in danger at the heart of our experience. Even being overly busy in His work, to the point where we have no time to spend at His feet, is a bad thing. The Church at Ephesus - .)

The New King James Version. (1982). (). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.B. V. 39 We Can Feed Our Souls - Martha was worried over physical nourishment while Mary was more concerned with getting her soul fed. In His presence, we will find food for our souls and strength for our journey. It is no wonder that many Christians are weak and lacking in spiritual vitality. They never take the time to just come into His presence and feed on Him! (Ill. We must have soul food, or we will dry up spiritually! ; ; )

C. V. 39 We Can Focus Our Priorities - Looking in on this scene at Martha's home, we can tell what each sister's priorities were. Martha was concerned with preparing the meal and serving her guests. Mary, however, was more concerned with being in the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. Often, the level of spirituality we are able to achieve in life is directly related to the time we are willing to spend in His presence. If everything in our lives takes precedence over being with the Lord, then we are in danger at the heart of our experience. Even being overly busy in His work, to the point where we have no time to spend at His feet, is a bad thing. The Church at Ephesus - .)

“To the angel of the church of Ephesus write,‘These things says He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands: 2 “I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; 3 and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary. 4 Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. 5 Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent. 6 But this you have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. 7 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.” ’

‘These things says He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands: 2 “I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; 3 and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary. 4 Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. 5 Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent. 6 But this you have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.

7 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.” ’

The more time one spends at His feet, the easier it is to make it a priority in life. The larger He gets in our eyes, the smaller other things seem to become. Ask yourself this question: Is sitting at Jesus' feet a priority in my life? We need to seek this place of stillness before the Lord!

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The New King James Version. (1982). (). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

The more time one spends at His feet, the easier it is to make it a priority in life. The larger He gets in our eyes, the smaller other things seem to become. Ask yourself this question: Is sitting at Jesus' feet a priority in my life? We need to seek this place of stillness before the Lord!

D. V. 42 We Can Find Ourselves - 42 But sone thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.”

42 But sone thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.”

In sitting at Jesus' feet, Mary found fulfillment and contentment. What she found at His feet was worth more than all the money in the world can buy. In fact, in just sitting at the Lord's feet, Mary found something that millions live their entire lives and never discover. She found acceptance and true contentment. Those 2 things alone are worth spending time in His presence. (Ill. If Christians could learn the value of spending time in at His feet, a lot of psychiatrists and psychologists would have to go out of business. Ill. God has promised us that we can find rest at His feet - .)

The New King James Version. (1982). (). Nashville: Thomas Nelson. In sitting at Jesus' feet, Mary found fulfillment and contentment. What she found at His feet was worth more than all the money in the world can buy. In fact, in just sitting at the Lord's feet, Mary found something that millions live their entire lives and never discover. She found acceptance and true contentment. Those 2 things alone are worth spending time in His presence. (Ill. If Christians could learn the value of spending time in at His feet, a lot of psychiatrists and psychologists would have to go out of business. Ill. God has promised us that we can find rest at His feet - .)

****At the feet of Jesus we find:

I. A Place Of Stillness and

(Ill. J.C. Ryle said, "Means are to be used diligently, without question in time of need. Doctors are to be sent for in sickness. Lawyers are to be consulted when property or character needs defense. The help of all friends is to be sought. But still after all, the first thing to be done is to cry to the Lord Jesus for help.")

(Ill. The context of these verses. Lazarus has died and Jesus has come to pay His respects to the family. When He arrives, He meets Martha and calls for Mary to come to Him. Once again, she is found at His feet looking into His face for the help she needs. What she finds during this encounter can help us all when we face the difficult times of life.)

Here we can see:

A. V. 28 The Lord's Interest In the Need Of His People - When Jesus arrived in Bethany, Martha ran out to meet Him. In their conversation, Jesus demonstrated a great concern for and interest in their need. After speaking with Martha, Jesus apparently calls for Mary. He is concerned about the grief and pain that they are experiencing. (Ill. Every child of God needs to understand that Jesus cares about our need. He is interested in what we are experiencing, . Never think for an instant that God does not care for you. That is the devil's lie! Jesus is extremely interested in everything you are facing in life - , "Though the Lord be high, yet hath He respect unto the lowly." The word "respect" means "to see, discern, behold." This tells us that the Lord is looking down at our lives and He misses nothing that affects His children - -31Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. (30) But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. (31)Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.

B. V. 28 The Lord's Invitation To His People - Jesus called for Mary to come unto Himself. She responded and came. There, she was able to place her burdens upon the Lord. The Lord has invited all His children to come unto Him and experience what He can do in a time of crisis - ; ; Isa. 55:22, "Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain thee: He will never suffer the righteous to be moved." (Ill. J.C. Ryle said, "Means are to be used diligently, without question in time of need. Doctors are to be sent for in sickness. Lawyers are to be consulted when property or character needs defense. The help of all friends is to be sought. But still after all, the first thing to be done is to cry to the Lord Jesus for help.") C. V. 34-42 The Lord's Intercession on Behalf Of His People - After Mary and Martha had poured their hearts out to Him, Jesus turned to His Heavenly Father and prayed on their behalf. He interceded for them. (Ill. He does the same for you and me tonight, ; .) When we take our burden the Lord, the entire Trinity gets involved in meeting that need. The Son prays for us, the Spirit guides us and comforts us and the Father opens the storehouses of Heaven and moves circumstances on the earth to see that our need is met.

(Ill. Whether or not you come to Him in a time of trouble, His invitation is stands.)

(Ill. Verse 29, when Mary heard that Jesus was calling her, she ran to meet Him. What a lesson for God's children! When the time of crisis comes, Jesus is always near. Run quickly to Him and He will meet your need!) C. V. 34-42 The Lord's Intercession on Behalf Of His People - After Mary and Martha had poured their hearts out to Him, Jesus turned to His Heavenly Father and prayed on their behalf. He interceded for them. (Ill. He does the same for you and me tonight, ; .) When we take our burden the Lord, the entire Trinity gets involved in meeting that need. The Son prays for us, the Spirit guides us and comforts us and the Father opens the storehouses of Heaven and moves circumstances on the earth to see that our need is met.

(Ill. In the raising of Lazarus, Mary had many needs met. In seeing the Lord perform this great miracle she understood:

1. The Lord's Purpose - (Ill. V. 1, 6, 18 - Jesus was only about 2 miles from Bethany. He could have walked there in about 30 minutes. Yet, He chose to wait for 2 days and then He didn't arrive until 2 more days had passed. This was hard for these women to understand, v. 21, 32. Yet, in seeing Him raise Lazarus from the dead, she was able to understand that Jesus had a higher purpose in what He had allowed her to endure. So it is with us, we are not always able to understand what God is doing in our lives until His purpose is fully revealed.)

2. The Lord's Power - If Lazarus had not died, Mary would not have known that Jesus could raise him from the dead. Yet, when Lazarus did die, then she knew first hand all about the great power of the Lord Jesus. Again, when we go through trials, we may question the Lord's wisdom in allowing to endure some of the things we face. But, when He comes through for us, then we know firsthand that He "has all power in heaven and in earth!" When we learn this truth, it increases our faith and helps us to trust more fully in Him and His power.

E. Are you spending time at His feet calling out to Him about your needs? Never fear that He doesn't care or want you to come to him. He invites you to come and sit at His feet.

At the feet of Jesus we find:

I. A Place Of Stillness

II. A Place Of Supplication and

III. A PLACE OF SERVICE

(Ill. The context of the story. Mary is so overcome with her love Jesus in raising Lazarus from the dead that she is willing to pay whatever price is necessary to serve Him and be a blessing to the Lord who bought her.) It is at His feet that we:

A. V. 3, 5 Make Our Sacrifice - Ill. Mary poured a box of ointment on Jesus that was equivalent to a years wages for the average worker. She was willing to give up this treasure because of her love for Jesus. Mary gave her best, she gave her all to the Lord she loved. We should do no less! When we give less than our best to Jesus, we have made no sacrifice at all! It is not until we give our all that we are truly displaying our love for Him. When we shortchange Jesus with our time, our tithes and our talents, we are not displaying our love for Him. His desire is that He be given our all, . Anything less is a slight to the Lord.

(Ill. Many people treat the Lord like this fellow who called his girlfriend and said, "Darling, I love you. I'd climb the highest mountain for you; I'd swim the deepest stream for you; I'd fight a jungle of lions for you; and if it doesn't rain, I'll be over to see you tonight." This isn't real love! Genuine love knows no boundaries and no conditions. It is freely given and asks nothing in return. Do you love Him like you should?)

(Ill. 0. Henry's short story called "The Gift of the Magi." It is the story of a young couple named Della and Jim. They were a poor couple but they loved each other deeply. Each one had their own unique possession. Della's hair was her pride and joy. When she let her hair down it was like a robe on her back. Jim had a gold watch, which his father had given him.

On the day before Christmas, Della had exactly $1.87 with which to buy Jim a present. She wanted to get him something he would really like, but she knew that she could not get much with a $1.87. She did the only thing she could do. She went and sold her hair for $20.00. With the money she bought a platinum chain for Jim's precious watch. Jim came home from work that night. When he saw Della's shorn head, he was left speechless. Slowly he handed her his gift. His gift was a set of expensive tortoise-shell combs with jeweled edges for her lovely hair. He had sold his gold watch to buy them for her. Each had given all he or she had to give.)

B. V. 3 Give Up Self - (Ill. Mary was willing to do the work of a common slave for the Lord Jesus. Also, she was seen in public with her hair down. This was a sign of an immoral woman. It appears that Mary was totally unselfconscious in her adoration and love of the Lord Jesus. She didn't care what others thought. Her primary focus was serving and honoring the Lord.) Ill. When we come to sit at His feet, we will get to the place where do not care what other may think of us. We will only have Him and His glory as the focus of our lives. He will fill our thoughts, our motives and we will ose sight of self in the glorious light of His Person.

(Ill. We should be so grateful for all that He has done for us that we are totally uninhibited and unashamed in the expression of our live for Jesus. Therefore, we should allow our pride to die and show a lost and dying world that we are not ashamed to worship, witness or work for the glory of Him who died to set us free. After all, our love for Him is in direct response to His love us, . C. V. 7; Make A Statement - (Ill. When Mary was criticized for her devotion to and display of love for the Lord, Jesus stepped up to her defense. He informed those present that they were to leave her alone. She was doing her part to honor the Lord. Jesus even awarded her a place among the most blessed of the ages by His comments in . For 2,000 years, this selfless, sacrificing gesture by Mary has continued to make a bold statement about the Lord Jesus.)

Conclusion: When we as believers take the time to sit at His feet like we should, it too makes a statement. We are telling the world that Jesus is paramount in our lives. We are showing them that He is important to us and that we are not ashamed to be associated with Him. You see, sitting at Jesus feet will show on you! People will know when you spend time with Him, Ill. The Disciples - . By the way, it will also show on you when you do not take the time to sit at His feet.)

Where do you find yourself tonight? Are you sitting at the feet of Jesus listening to Him, learning from Him and just loving Him? He is worthy of our total devotion. Therefore, I challenge you to join me in coming to His feet tonight. Let's find our place there and be all that Jesus wants us to be.

Mary and Martha;What Are Our Priorities

There they made Him a supper; and Martha served, but Lazarus was one of those who sat at the table with Him. 3 Then Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair.

Lesson From Mary and Martha