Mary & Martha (Lu. 10:38-42)

Read Luke 10:38-42.

• Contrasts
• Mary stayed seated, focused on listening, and said nothing.
• Martha got up and down, focused on doing, and complained about Mary.
• Similarities
• They were sisters.
• They both sat at Jesus' feet and heard Him.
• Mary never got up but kept on listening.
• Martha got up to serve, which suggests that her initial posture was the same as Mary's.
• Observations
• This appears to have been Martha's house.
• Jesus didn't say Martha's service was unnecessary or unappreciated.
• No words were spoken by Mary.
• Lessons
• The issue might not be the issue.
• Martha thought the issue was Mary's neglect and selfishness.
• Jesus said the issue was Martha's anxiety and agitation.  Jesus knows your heart and will call you on what's inside it!
• It is easier to serve than to listen.
• Beware the distraction of doing!
• Listening requires delight and discipline.
• Just because something is helpful doesn't mean it is necessary.
• It is easier to monitor someone else's not serving than it is to monitor your own soul.
• Jesus said Martha was anxious and troubled about many things.  Some people attempt to ignore or minimize their lack by keeping busy.

When There is Much To Do (Lu. 10:38-42)

Read Luke 10:38-42.

When there is a lot to do, stop and do nothing.  Give your hands and feet a rest and exercise your ears and heart.  Be with Jesus, not just near Him.  Serve Him by listening to Him, not just by doing things. Don't mistake convenience for necessity. Sitting at Jesus' feet isn't squandered time unless you fail to do what He says.  Expect the driven ones, the distracted ones, not to understand.  They will see you as lazy and unmotivated.

When today will you invest extravagant time with Jesus?

Is It 1972 or 2013? Yes.

If you were to read the quote below and didn't notice the publishing date, you would think the author was commenting on 2013. 

"It is lamentable to observe the mad whirl of living which has ensnared many of our people. Life, too, seems so artificial. American life is also oversexed. Stimuli galore about us and too little of restful, healthful recreation."

Guldseth, G. J. God Is For the Emotionally Ill. Watchung, NJ: Charisma Books, 1972. p. 21.