Discovering Distractions of a Disciple

38 Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certainvillage: and a certain woman named Martha received him into herhouse. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word. 40 But Martha was cumbered about much serving,and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hathleft me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. 41 And Jesusanswered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful andtroubled about many things: 42 But one thing is needful: and Maryhath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.

From <https://www.mywsb.com/4.v158/c.html>

Warren Wiersbe in his book, "Be Compassionate" explains, "

The three scenes in Luke 10 illustrate the threefold ministry of every Christian believer, and they answer the question, “What in the world does a Christian do?”

To begin with, we are the Lord’s ambassadors, sent to represent Him in this world (Luke 10:1–24). We are also neighbors, looking for opportunities to show mercy in the name of Christ (Luke 10:25–37). But at the heart of all our ministry is devotion to Christ, so we must be worshippers who take time to listen to His Word and commune with Him (Luke 10:38–42).

Whether we are in the harvest field, on the highway, or in the home, our highest privilege and our greatest joy is to do the will of God."

Martha - Distracted living

Distracted by busyness

Cumbered by much serving (seems to indicate an excess) Distracted by quote unquote "faults" of others

Notice her obsessive "me" talk Martha’s situation. She received Jesus into her home and then neglected Him as she prepared an elaborate meal that He did not need!

Certainly a meal was in order, but what we do with Christ is far more important than what we do

for Christ. Again, it is not an either/or situation; it is a matter of balance.

From <https://www.mywsb.com/4.v158/c.html>

Mary - Discipleship living

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 (Luke 10:39), fell at His feet and shared her woe (John 11:32), and came to His feet and poured out her worship (John 12:3).

It is interesting to note that in each of these instances, there is some kind of fragrance: in

Luke 10, it is food John 11, it is death (John 11:39) John 12, it is perfume.

From <https://www.mywsb.com/4.v158/c.html> Warren Wiersbe

Set at feet of Jesus (focused attention on )

Shows her submission to, surrender Listened (heard) his Word

Mary had done her share of the work in the kitchen and then had gone to “feed” on the Lord’s teachings.

From <https://www.mywsb.com/4.v158/c.html>

According to John 12:1–2,

1 Then Jesus six days before the passover came to Bethany, whereLazarus was which had been dead, whom he raised from the dead. 2 There they made him a supper; and Martha served: but Lazarus wasone of them that sat at the table with him.

From <https://www.mywsb.com/4.v158/c.html>

Martha must have learned her lesson, for she prepared a feast for Jesus, the Twelve, and her brother and sister—that’s fifteen people—

and did not utter one word of complaint!

She had God’s peace in her heart because she had learned to sit at the feet of Jesus.

From <https://www.mywsb.com/4.v158/c.html>