Introduction

V38 Now as they were traveling along, He entered a village; and a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home.

Jesus had friends.

This story is out of chronological order.

V39 And she had a sister called Mary, who was also seated at the Lord’s feet, and was listening to His word.

Sitting at the Rabbi’s feet was a posture of discipleship.

Acts 22:3 NKJV

I am indeed a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel

Jesus allows everyone the opportunity to become disciples.

Jesus’ words have power.

V40 But Martha was distracted with all her preparations; and she came up to Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to do the serving by myself? Then tell her to help me.” 41 But the Lord answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things;

Distracted – to pull apart.

If the enemy can’t destroy you, he will try to distract you.

Distraction is the enemy of discipleship.

If we fail to sit, we will fall trying to stand.

Why do you we think God doesn’t care?

He doesn’t do what we think He should.

Jesus’ response to our lack of understanding is empathy.

Martha, Martha.

How does Jesus try to get your attention?

V42 but only one thing is necessary; for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her.

Martha was distracted by many things; Mary has the one thing.

What’s the one thing? What lasts forever?

How can I be present?

1. Slow your mind and life down.

Busyness fills our egos and empties our souls.

2. Tune out the distractions.

Joshua 1:8 NKJV

This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.

3. Sit with Jesus and meditate on His word.

Posture your heart to receive.

Our works should be an overflow from our relationship with Jesus. Acts 4:13

Discussion Questions:

Read Luke 10:38-42

1. Mary, Martha and Lazarus were friends of Jesus. What role do you think they had in His life? Do you think Jesus needed friends? If Jesus had people to encourage and support Him, how important is it for us to have friends in our life?

2. In Jewish culture a Rabbi would sit on a pillow and their disciples would sit around them on the floor to be taught. We see Mary is at Jesus feet listening to His word. How often do you take time to sit still and meditate on God’s word? Where do you like to spend time with God?

3. Martha was busy with many distractions and finds herself in a place of frustration. Frustration comes when God doesn’t do what we think He should do. Do you have any places of frustration in your life right now? Jesus calls Martha close. Have you allowed God to speak to you in the middle of your frustration?

4. “But only one thing is necessary.” Martha was busy with many distractions and Mary was focused on one thing, her relationship with Jesus. What are some distractions in your life? How do they pull your focus apart? How do you balance your works for God and devotional time with God? Are you naturally a Mary or Martha?

Family Time

Get together with your family and tell them you have something important to tell them. Right before you share, turn on some loud music and begin to talk. See how they try to focus and hear what you are saying. Then turn the music off sit in silence for 3-5 minutes and then share with them how when we turn down distractions in our life, we can hear God clearly. Read Romans 8:38-39 aloud 3 times and allow it to sink in.