Encountering JesusSample

DISCOVER

In Luke 10:38-42, we find the story of Martha and Mary in the context of Jesus' visit to their home. This is our first introduction of Mary, sister of Lazarus. In every account in Scripture, we see a woman who was fully devoted to worshiping Jesus. Within this passage, Martha, eager to show hospitality and devotion, was bustled with preparations to receive Jesus and His disciples. She was completely absorbed in serving them, a testament to her genuine desire to honor the guests. However, her frustration grew as she noticed her sister Mary, who chose to sit at Jesus' feet and listen to His teachings, rather than help with the household chores. This scenario highlights the tension between two commendable values: diligent service and attentiveness, providing a valuable lesson about balancing these aspects in our own lives.

LEARN

Martha asked Jesus “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone?” She was saying, “tell her to help me!” Jesus told her she was anxious about too many things and only one thing is necessary, and it was what Mary chose to do: sit at His feet. It sure is easy to get so wrapped up in the “doing” that we can forget about the “being.” Mary's exemplary decision to rest at Jesus' feet signifies that sometimes the most effective response to life's chaos is not frantic busyness but a calm assurance in the presence of Jesus. When we sit at His feet and worship Him wholeheartedly, a profound transformation occurs. Our service ceases to be mere duty or legalism, and instead, it becomes an outpouring of love and adoration. Through Mary, we discover that the ultimate way to tackle life's challenges is to begin with a deep, abiding connection to Jesus. In this way, our actions are infused with purpose, driven not by obligation but by a sincere desire to honor and serve our Lord in everything we do.

APPLY

Are we like Mary or Martha? Are we busy with the details of life? Do we get wrapped up in the preparation for company instead of enjoying the company we are preparing for? Do we take the time to slow down, worship and sit at His feet? Mary's exemplary decision to rest at Jesus' feet signifies that sometimes the most effective response to life's chaos isn't frantic busyness, but a calm assurance in the presence of Jesus. When we sit at His feet and worship Him wholeheartedly, a profound transformation occurs. Our service ceases to be mere duty or legalism, and instead, it becomes an outpouring of love and adoration. Through Mary, we discover that the ultimate way to tackle life's challenges is to begin with a deep, abiding connection to Jesus. In this way, our actions are with purpose, driven not by obligation but by a sincere desire to honor and serve our Lord in everything we do.