Episode Details

Luke 10:38-42; the story of Lazarus’ sisters, Mary and Martha.

It's easy to feel overwhelmed by tasks and activities, but Jesus says that what really matters, what really lasts, is knowing Him and listening to Him.

Jesus came to the village of Bethany where Mary, Martha and Lazarus lived. Martha invited Jesus and those with Him into their home. As Jesus taught them, Mary sat at his feet listening to what he said. 

Observation: Every time Mary is mentioned in the Bible she is at Jesus’ feet. 

Mary longed to be near Jesus and to listen to His voice and to internalize His goodness, His mercy and His love. At Jesus’ feet listening is where we want to be, too. Sitting at His feet listening closely to what He’s saying develops our relationship with Him. 

Do we desire to be at Jesus’ feet? Are we ready to hear what He has to say to us and how He longs to pour into us His love, mercy and goodness and how He longs to give us guidance and direction. 

Martha was distracted by the preparations that needed to be made for having guests in the house and she said to Jesus, “Lord, don’t You care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” 

Many look at this story and condemn Martha - but Martha is a devout believer and she makes one of the most powerful declarations of Jesus’ identity found in the gospels. In John 11:27 she says, “Lord, I believe You are the Messiah, the Son of God who has come into the world.” Martha understood that Jesus is the fulfillment of everything the prophets foretold. 

Yet we can learn from Martha: she is upset and angry. Have you ever been in Martha’s spot? She goes to Jesus, not her sister. 

Martha is obviously an outspoken person. There is nothing wrong with being outspoken. But what matters most is speaking ONLY what God would have us speak. 

Even with Martha’s words to Jesus about her sister, Jesus responds kindly: “Martha, Martha, You are worried about many things, but few things are needed - indeed only one. Mary has chosen better and it will not be taken from her.”

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