MARY
& MARTHA
The Great
Sibling Whine – Martha
Labors; Mary Listens – Be a Mary, NOT a
Martha
The
One Thing - Gifts of Worship, Service & Hospitality – Physical Bread vs:
Spiritual Bread
First Word
- The
story of Mary and Martha has been wrung dry by many commentaries; it’s
only a short glimpse of Mary and Martha’s entire lifetime, but what seems
to bubble to the top of the pot is Mary LISTENS, as Martha LABORS, so be a Mary
not a Martha.
– The
Book says, that Jesus did
many other things that were not written down, and I believe Martha did
many other good things also that were not recorded.
- I
hope in this study to discount, the thought that the story of Mary and
Martha is about two sisters in deep rivalry with different temperaments
and polarized characters. As the story is retold, their real characters are
obscured, Mary
is painted as a calm and devoted follower of Jesus and Martha
as an upset self-righteous hectic woman, busy with house work. I hope to show them as two different models
of Christian devotion. - Some students see Jesus scolding Martha
very sharply and harshly, but as I study, I believe He was responding very
quietly and lovingly, not so much as her Lord, but as her true friend.
- This
particular story of Mary and Martha appears only in the account of
Doctor Luke’s Gospel and oddly enough there is only one Martha
mentioned in all the four Gospels. Jesus and His entourage are “on their way” through Judea and His custom
was to stop along the way and teach the things of God in the different
villages and usually someone hungry for spiritual bread would invite them
into their home. - As He traveled through the village of Bethany, He
stopped for the day at the home of three of His closest friends, Martha,
Mary and Lazarus and their home would become his home base.
- Martha opens HER home to
Him.
- Mary apparently seems to be single
and the most popular, she is the more emotional and the contemplative
one, a thinker interested
in new ideas and lived with her sister Martha who is the organizer, the
active one, a doer, and
their brother is Lazarus the writer. All three are
apostles or followers and close friends of Jesus. - They lived on the Jericho Road in the
small village of Bethany just outside of Jerusalem near the Mount of
Olives. – From there it was only a two mile trek over the mountain to the
Temple in Jerusalem.
- Since Martha’s name is mentioned first in scripture, it can be surmised that she is the older sister and probably a widow; and for sure “MOTHERED” the younger carefree, but sensitive Mary, teaching her to operate in the Gifts of “Service” and “Hospitality”. It was the custom to have folks passing through, stay with you overnight and Mary and Martha were well known for their substantial generosity as they often opened their home to the traveler.
Acts 24:14 –
Followers of THE WAY
14 However, I admit that I
worship the God of our fathers as a follower of THE WAY, which they call a sect.
I believe everything that agrees with the Law and that is written in the
Prophets, NIV
Luke 10:38 –
Martha opened her home to Jesus
38 As Jesus and his
disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named MARTHA OPENED HER
HOME TO HIM. (NLT)
John 21:25 – All of Martha’s activities were not
written down
25 JESUS ALSO DID MANY OTHER THINGS. If they were all written down, I suppose the whole world could not contain the books that would be written. (NLT)
25 JESUS ALSO DID MANY OTHER THINGS. If they were all written down, I suppose the whole world could not contain the books that would be written. (NLT)
John 11:45 – Mary’s personality was the most
popular
45 MANY OF THE PEOPLE WHO WERE WITH MARY
45 MANY OF THE PEOPLE WHO WERE WITH MARY
believed in Jesus when they saw this happen. (NLT)
James 1:22 – Listen, but also DO what the Word
says
22 But DON’T JUST LISTEN TO GOD’S WORD.
22 But DON’T JUST LISTEN TO GOD’S WORD.
YOU MUST DO
WHAT IT SAYS.
Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. (NLT)
The Family
- It seems that the
home
actually belonged to Martha who opened it often to Jesus when He
was in town. The traditional site
of their home shows that it was a secluded two story stone house with
access from the covered porch to the spare bedroom on the second floor and
was large enough to accommodate many people. – It was a special place that
overlooked a garden where you could have a glass of wine and chill out in
a rocker.
- The family of three seem to be well
respected and loved by the folks in the village. They were quite young, single,
independent, and intelligent and comparatively well off, probably from
Lazarus’s income as a scribe. They
had given of their means and themselves to the community as well as to “The Way”;
the Jesus movement. – While it was uncommon for a woman to own her
own home, it certainly was not rare.
There were several wealthy women in His entourage that supported Jesus and His disciples.
- The family was well
known
as scripture points out; as many Jews came and comforted the two sisters
when their brother Lazarus died and Jesus loved all three of them as well.
- Martha projected the image of maturity, strength
and common sense, she was practical, unemotional, and
demonstrated a concern for others. She handled all the shopping and the
tasks of the home while the younger Mary exuded a passionate and imaginative
heart especially concerning Spiritual things and assisted with whatever
was needed. – You have to picture an older mature dog and a small puppy
that’s interested in everything.
- When Lazarus died and Jesus came into
town, Martha ran out to meet Him while Mary waited at home till she was
called by Martha. When Mary came she
fell at His feet weeping. Although they had totally different
personalities, they certainly were both of
- Jesus was no stranger
to this family; their loving loyalty in opening their home meant a lot to
Him. People who are held in high
esteem like Jesus are often isolated even though they are the center of
attention; so from time to time Jesus would experience loneliness. Yes He did; He experienced all the emotions
that are common to man. – It’s in the Book -
- Jesus loved this
whole family,
and was especially close to Lazarus.
Some commentaries indicate Lazarus’ livelihood was as a writer or
scribe making copies of the Law; the TORAH like the Essenes, which certainly
made for spirited discussions between him and Jesus.
- Singleness; As I crawl into the
story and look around, I see that if their parents had died, by tradition,
the home would have been Lazarus’s; so I would more embrace that Martha’s
husband died and left her the home and Mary and Lazarus moved in with her.
– Some students of the Book believe
that Lazarus had his own quiet home elsewhere in the village for his
writings, but often helped out at his sister’s house. (I’m
thinking FREE EATS)
John 11:5-6 - Jesus loved Martha, Mary, and Lazarus
5 So although JESUS LOVED MARTHA, MARY, AND LAZARUS,
6 he stayed where he was for the next two days. (NLT)
5 So although JESUS LOVED MARTHA, MARY, AND LAZARUS,
6 he stayed where he was for the next two days. (NLT)
John 11:20 - Martha ran to
meet Jesus
20 When MARTHA got word that Jesus was coming, she
20 When MARTHA got word that Jesus was coming, she
WENT
TO MEET HIM.
But Mary stayed in the house.
(NLT)
John 11:32- Mary fell at the feet of Jesus weeping
32 When MARY arrived and saw Jesus, she
32 When MARY arrived and saw Jesus, she
FELL AT HIS FEET and said, “Lord, if only
you had been here, my brother would not have died.”
(NLT)
Luke 8:1-3 - Several wealthy Women of the Church
1 Soon afterward Jesus began a tour of the nearby towns and villages, preaching and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom of God. He took his twelve disciples with him,
2 along with some WOMEN he had healed and from whom he had cast out evil spirits. Among them were MARY MAGDALENE, from whom he had cast out seven demons;
3 JOANNA, the wife of Chuza, Herod’s business manager; SUSANNA; and MANY OTHERS who were
1 Soon afterward Jesus began a tour of the nearby towns and villages, preaching and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom of God. He took his twelve disciples with him,
2 along with some WOMEN he had healed and from whom he had cast out evil spirits. Among them were MARY MAGDALENE, from whom he had cast out seven demons;
3 JOANNA, the wife of Chuza, Herod’s business manager; SUSANNA; and MANY OTHERS who were
CONTRIBUTING
THEIR OWN RESOURCES TO SUPPORT JESUS and
his disciples. (NLT)
Essenes – Ascetics Rabbit
Trail
- Josephus, the Jewish historian; A.D. 37-98; lived
with the Essenes for three years and provides most of the background
information that we have on the reclusive sect.
- The Essenes were a Jewish sect that was partially celibate living a
strict communal life in the desert.
They dedicated themselves to the studying and COPYING of God’s
word.
- They
lived in the Qumran Valley for some 200 years. – When the Roman’s
attacked, they hid their library in various caves where they remained for
2000 years waiting for the Bedouin youth to chunk a rock inside and give
us the greatest manuscript discovery of our time; THE DEAD SEA SCROLLS.
- Not
all Essenes
lived a communal desert life, but instead, lived in many cities and mingled with
society at all levels, and were well received by the Pharisees,
and Jewish populace.
- Their missionary outreach founded Essene COMMUNES in
all the
villages and small towns of Judea. – In
- Their
beliefs
can be summarized as Love of God, Love
of Virtue, and Love of Men. – They were strictly
pacifist by nature and had no weapons of war. - They esteemed frugality.
- The Dead Sea Scrolls give literary
evidence that suggest that a colony of “Ascetics” who had chosen celibacy
and singleness in life had a “HOSPICE” in Bethany which extended acts
of charity by accommodating the poor, the destitute, the sick, as well as
the unclean lepers.
- The Ascetics were
all SINGLE
and practiced sexual abstinence
for the purpose of pursuing spiritual goals, simple living and ethical
practices such as humility, compassion, patience, prayer and fasting. –
The word Ascetic is derived
from the Greek word meaning TRAINING. Mary, Martha and
Lazarus
all may have been a part of this Ascetic
Colony. (The Ascetics were like the Essenes) NYOBS 16.34 - THE DEAD SEA SCROLLS; THE
ESSENES
Three Encounters of the third kind
·
Hospitality was very important
during the time of Jesus; a guest was welcomed with a kiss, his sandals removed
from his feet and washed by a servant, if a servant was not present, then the
host would perform the honor for the guest; the head would receive some
refreshing perfumed oil and food would be prepared.
1)
The FIRST time Martha is mentioned, she is in her home in Bethany
hosting Jesus and the disciples where she gets distracted by trying to be a
good hostess, desiring to SERVE the
best meal she can, but Mary has become oblivious to the needs of preparation. –
Martha gets out of sorts and hectic with the preparations; Jesus tenderly
whispers in her ear everything is going to be OK.
2)
The SECOND time we see Martha is just after her brother Lazarus died
and Jesus did not arrive in time to heal him of his illness. With her strong
faith, it is here she declares that if He had been there, her
brother would not have died, but knew that even now God will give Him whatever
He asked. – I like the words Martha used, Lord by
now he STINKETH. She sees tears come into Jesus eyes as he freely
showes His deep grief of Lazarus’ death. Her intense
faith is rewarded that day as she
hears Jesus order the stone to be rolled away as he immortalizes the words “LAZARUS COME FORTH” and then she witnesses the
resurrection of her beloved brother Lazarus. – WOW
- Martha presents a sense of balance between Service,
Worship, and Trust.
3)
The THIRD time we encounter Martha is when she is SERVING again, this time a meal in Jesus’ honor
while Mary in an act of subservience, honor and worship, anoints the feet of
Jesus with an expensive perfume. – Martha is a woman of some means, evidenced
by her large home and frequency of hosting dinners and the expensive perfume
which cost 300 denarii which represented wages for about 300 days of
work. It is here that Martha used all
her material resources for the glory of God.
·
Note: Unknown to all of them,
Jesus is spending His last week with the ones He loves so much. The perfumed oil anointed Jesus’ body prior
to His death. Jesus said; Mary
has poured this perfume on me to PREPARE MY BODY FOR BURIAL. - I
tell you the truth, wherever the Good News is preached throughout the world, this
woman’s deed will be remembered and discussed.
·
Martha’s made her home a
sanctuary,
a comfortable place where Jesus and others could take refuge from the demands
of the day. – Jesus chose Martha’s home for His last week of mortal existence. –
It’s in the Book -
Luke 10:38 – FIRST
ENCOUNTER in Martha’s home in Bethany
38 As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where
38 As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where
A WOMAN NAMED
MARTHA WELCOMED THEM
into her home. (NLT)
John 11:20-22 – SECOND
ENCOUNTER Martha went meet Jesus
20 When MARTHA got word that Jesus was coming, she WENT TO MEET HIM. BUT MARY STAYED IN THE HOUSE.
21 Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if only you had been here, my brother would not have died.
22 But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask.” (NLT)
20 When MARTHA got word that Jesus was coming, she WENT TO MEET HIM. BUT MARY STAYED IN THE HOUSE.
21 Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if only you had been here, my brother would not have died.
22 But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask.” (NLT)
John 12:2-3 - THIRD
ENCOUNTER in Martha’s home
2 A dinner was prepared in Jesus’ honor. MARTHA SERVED, and Lazarus was among those who ate with him.
3 Then MARY TOOK A TWELVE-OUNCE JAR OF EXPENSIVE PERFUME made from essence of nard, and she anointed Jesus’ feet with it, wiping his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance. (NLT)
2 A dinner was prepared in Jesus’ honor. MARTHA SERVED, and Lazarus was among those who ate with him.
3 Then MARY TOOK A TWELVE-OUNCE JAR OF EXPENSIVE PERFUME made from essence of nard, and she anointed Jesus’ feet with it, wiping his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance. (NLT)
Matthew 26:12-13
12 SHE HAS POURED THIS PERFUME ON ME
12 SHE HAS POURED THIS PERFUME ON ME
TO PREPARE MY BODY FOR BURIAL.
13 I tell you the truth, wherever the Good News is preached throughout the world, this woman’s deed will be remembered and discussed.” (NLT)
13 I tell you the truth, wherever the Good News is preached throughout the world, this woman’s deed will be remembered and discussed.” (NLT)
John 11:39 – Oh my goodness I bet he sure STINKS
39 Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him,
39 Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him,
LORD, BY
THIS TIME HE STINKETH:
for he hath been dead four days. (KJV)
John 11:43 – Come on out of there my friend
43 Now when He had said these things, He cried with a loud voice, "LAZARUS, COME FORTH!" (NKJV)
43 Now when He had said these things, He cried with a loud voice, "LAZARUS, COME FORTH!" (NKJV)
Martha
·
The name Martha in the Koine Greek
translates “The Lady” or “The Mistress” from the male form of “Lord” or “Master”.
– She was the lady of the house. The
name Martha may have been her title; a term of respect.
·
When Martha saw Jesus outside,
she quickly invited Him along with His TWELVE friends as well as the neighbors
into her home with no thought about dust bunnies or that the floors might need
sweeping or that the puppies were jumping up and down. – It was almost meal
time and Martha with the gift of Hospitality extended
herself, her home and food to Jesus and all his friends in the entourage.
- This would be where many friendships would be cemented forever. - Martha had the gift of
Organization, but the logistics of fixing a meal for so many was a
major job that brought turmoil to her
Kitchen, however Martha knew that the Prince of
Peace was in the other room. - When things needed to be done, Martha with the gift of
Administration being practical and efficient, went straight to the
one she knew could help, she approached Jesus and she gets right to the point; that
she needs His help in getting Mary into the kitchen to help with the unexpected preparations. (This has been coined as “THE GREAT SIBLING
WHINE”.) –
NYOBS 08.12 – GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT
·
Jesus was not just an acquaintance
of Martha, Mary and Lazarus, they were all His close friends and He made
Himself right at home enjoying their conversations and fellowship. Even though Martha knew what Jesus
represented; she spoke to Him as if He was a member of her immediate
family; Martha’s home was Jesus’ home away from home. - Martha had a relationship with Jesus and it was because of this
relationship that Jesus felt comfortable enough to offer loving advice
relating to her PRIORITIES; the need
for Spiritual bread was greater than that of Physical Bread.
·
The Book includes
this story of Mary and Martha as an EXAMPLE
to us of the working of GIFTS in our lives. - Each person has at least one gift, some have many;
but no one has them all, that’s why we need each other, to belong to the body
of Christ; operating as ONE.
Luke 10:38 – Martha extended herself to Jesus
38 As JESUS AND THE DISCIPLES continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named MARTHA WELCOMED THEM INTO HER HOME. (NLT)
38 As JESUS AND THE DISCIPLES continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named MARTHA WELCOMED THEM INTO HER HOME. (NLT)
John 14:27 – Peace I give you
27 I am leaving you with A GIFT—PEACE OF MIND AND HEART. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.
27 I am leaving you with A GIFT—PEACE OF MIND AND HEART. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.
(NLT)
1 Corinthians 10:11 – Mary and Martha are examples
for us
11 THESE THINGS HAPPENED TO THEM AS EXAMPLES FOR US. They were written down to warn us who live at the end of the age. (NLT)
11 THESE THINGS HAPPENED TO THEM AS EXAMPLES FOR US. They were written down to warn us who live at the end of the age. (NLT)
1 Corinthians 12:6-11 – Different kinds of GIFTS
6 There are different kinds of working, but the
same God works all of them in all men.
7 Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit
is given for the common good. To one there is given
8 through the Spirit the MESSAGE OF WISDOM, to another the MESSAGE OF KNOWLEDGE by means of the same
Spirit,
9 to another (special)
FAITH by the same Spirit, to
another gifts of HEALING by that one Spirit,
10 to another MIRACULOUS
POWERS,
to another PROPHECY,
to another DISTINGUISHING
BETWEEN SPIRITS,
to another speaking in different kinds of TONGUES, and to still another the
INTERPRETATION OF TONGUES.
11 All these are the work of one and the same
Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines.
NIV
Romans 12:6-8 – Offices and
Gifts
6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given us.
If a man's gift is PROPHESYING, let him use it in
proportion to his faith.
7 If it is SERVING, let him serve; if it is
TEACHING,
let him teach;
8 if it is ENCOURAGING, let him encourage; if it is CONTRIBUTING
to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is LEADERSHIP, let him govern
diligently; if it is showing MERCY, let him do it cheerfully.
NIV
Ephesians 4:11-12 – More Offices
and gifts.
11 It was he who gave some to be APOSTLES, some to be PROPHETS, some to be EVANGELISTS, some to be
PASTORS and TEACHERS,
12 to prepare God's people for works of SERVICE,
so that the body of Christ may be built up
NIV
1 Corinthians 12:28 - More
Offices and gifts
28 And in the church God
has appointed first of all APOSTLES, second PROPHETS, third TEACHERS, then WORKERS OF MIRACLES, also those having gifts
of HEALING, those able to
HELP OTHERS, those with gifts of
ADMINISTRATION,
and those speaking in different kinds of TONGUES.
NIV
Women’s
Liberation Movement
- Josephus
the Jewish Historian reports that there was one part of the
synagogue where liturgical services took place that was open to WOMEN,
but the other part given to the scribe’s teachings was open ONLY to men
and boys. (Josephus Antiquities
of the Jews)
- The
setting;
Jesus had sent a SILENT MESSAGE that, Women had the same right as men,
to listen and to be a part of Spiritual matters. - The Kingdom of God is
for
- Most
of the women followers of “The Way” were single as Martha
and Mary;
Jesus did not require them to have husbands to minister.
·
In the first century
Jewish TRADITION,
the cultural expectations was that the wife or mother ran the household and
taught the daughters everything they needed to know to take care of the house. -
When a son brought home a wife, the Mother was expected to continue the
new wife’s education by teaching her also.
You can see in the story that Martha was teaching her younger sister Mary,
the Jewish traditions of Work and Spiritual Service.
·
Traditionally the men
would be off
somewhere else learning the Torah.
During this time there was NO REASON for a
woman to be found sitting at the feet of a Rabbi, they should be in the
kitchen. - It was Jesus that would encourage women to also learn the
Torah. - Jesus turned the priorities of
a woman’s life upside down.
A WOMAN IS GREATER THAN WHAT SHE DOES. – Selah -
James 2:17 – Faith without good WORKS is a dead
faith
17 So you see, FAITH BY ITSELF ISN’T ENOUGH. Unless it produces good deeds, IT IS DEAD AND USELESS. (NLT).
17 So you see, FAITH BY ITSELF ISN’T ENOUGH. Unless it produces good deeds, IT IS DEAD AND USELESS. (NLT).
The Home
- This
is a house full of people engaged in numerous conversations. Chairs were not very common in the homes,
and folks just set on the floor around a long low table. - Knives and
forks were not used in the meals and bread was used to scoop up the food
with their fingers.
·
In another part of the
room
Jesus is standing and teaching as a few begin to sit - I can just imagine the
thought provoking discussions and instructive and enlightening conversations
between Jesus and the Disciples. – I can just picture Mary AND Martha both slowly settling down
at His feet as they were regularly accustomed to doing, taking in all of His
words.
·
As time moved on, they began to get hungry
and having no notice that Jesus was coming, Martha’s mind became distracted
with meal preparation and quietly got up and left the room to head up the
logistics of coordinating the preparation of the evening meal for everyone.
·
Women of the
Church throughout
history have always had the desire to serve as best as they could. - In Jesus’ culture, fixing meals was considered
a part of a woman’s responsibility and studying the Torah was not.
- Mary had
earlier finished her chores and was completely unaware of the
extra preparations that “Mother Hen Martha” was fastidiously
working on in the kitchen. - When Jesus was around; Mary became very quiet and
pensive with deep thoughts which gave evidence that she was “Spiritually
Sensitive” to His words, His wisdom and His power. Mary in deep humility was now breaking
the “Male
Rules” and was sitting at the feet of a Rabbi which was reserved
for male students; drinking in His every Word. –
It’s in the
Book –
- Do
you remember the song; “Turn your eyes upon Jesus” written by Helen
H. Lemmel? The chorus reminds me of the
enraptured Mary; “Turn your
eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face and the things of
earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.
- As Mary is looking at Jesus, she momentarily forgets about everything
else that’s going on.
·
Martha as the older sister
is considerate, conscientious, and meticulously concerned about SERVING
her Savior; she is not just helping out, she is plainly the Hostess who is in
charge of the
kitchen trying to prepare the food, not just for the normal three of them, but
now for at least 15 guest plus friends and prominent
members of the community that were still showing up. They had filled her house and were now spilling
over into the courtyard, excited about the stories they had heard about her
distinguished guest and the expectancy of the unveiling of some new hidden
esoteric teachings of spiritual knowledge.
·
You must picture “Mother Martha” as an attentive hostess,
eager hearted and striving for perfection. – She is a disciple of Christ with the gift of “SERVICE”
as mention in the book of Acts and is actively WAITING
ON TABLES.
·
I think that it is
noteworthy
to mention “MARTHA’S TASKS” has a double meaning;
the Greek word for “Domestic Service” and “Christian Ministry” are both derived
from the same noun that means DEACON. – The early Christians did not have
church buildings; most gathered in people’s homes or what we would refer to as
a “House Church’s”.
– Martha
was the host and deacon of a house church and confessed openly that she
believed Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, who was to come into the world. –
Missionaries were always sent out two by two and in this case; the two were Martha and Mary.
– It’s in
the Book -
Luke 10:5-9 – Custom; Hospitality receive travelers
in your home
5 Whenever you ENTER SOMEONE’S HOME, first say,
5 Whenever you ENTER SOMEONE’S HOME, first say,
‘MAY GOD’S PEACE
BE ON THIS HOUSE.’
6 If those who live there are peaceful, the blessing will stand; if they are not, the blessing will return to you.
7 Don’t move around from home to home. Stay in one place,
6 If those who live there are peaceful, the blessing will stand; if they are not, the blessing will return to you.
7 Don’t move around from home to home. Stay in one place,
EATING AND
DRINKING WHAT THEY PROVIDE.
Don’t
hesitate to accept hospitality, because those who work deserve their pay.
8 If you enter a town and it welcomes you,
8 If you enter a town and it welcomes you,
EAT WHATEVER IS
SET BEFORE YOU.
9 Heal the sick, and tell them, ‘The Kingdom of God is near you now.’ (NLT)
9 Heal the sick, and tell them, ‘The Kingdom of God is near you now.’ (NLT)
Acts 6:1-4 –
The gift of Service and Hospitality – Feeding folks
1 In those days when the
number of disciples was increasing, the Grecian Jews among them complained
against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the
daily distribution of food.
2 So the Twelve gathered
all the disciples together and said,
"It
would not be right for us to neglect the ministry
of
the word of God in
order to WAIT ON
TABLES.
3 Brothers, choose seven
men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will
TURN
THIS RESPONSIBILITY OVER TO THEM and will
4 give our attention to prayer and the ministry
of the word."
(NLT)
John 13:26 – Food was scooped up with a piece of
bread
26 Jesus responded, “It is the one to whom I give the
26 Jesus responded, “It is the one to whom I give the
BREAD I DIP IN THE BOWL.” And when he had dipped
it, he gave it to Judas, son of Simon Iscariot.
(NLT)
James 2:26 – Faith is dead without good works
26 Just as the body is dead without breath, so also
26 Just as the body is dead without breath, so also
FAITH IS DEAD
WITHOUT GOOD WORKS.
(NLT)
John 12:26 - Jesus’ disciples follow and SERVE
26 Anyone who wants to be my disciple must follow me, because my SERVANTS must be where I am. And
26 Anyone who wants to be my disciple must follow me, because my SERVANTS must be where I am. And
THE FATHER WILL
HONOR ANYONE WHO SERVES ME.
(NLT)
John 12:2 – Martha SERVED Jesus
2 A DINNER WAS PREPARED IN JESUS’ HONOR.
2 A DINNER WAS PREPARED IN JESUS’ HONOR.
MARTHA SERVED, and Lazarus was among
those who ate with him. (NLT)
Luke 10:39 – Mary and Martha BOTH set at the feet
of Jesus
39 She (Martha) had a sister named
39 She (Martha) had a sister named
MARY, who ALSO SAT at the Lord’s feet
and was listening
to what He said.
(HCSB)
John 11:26-27 – Martha believes that Jesus is the
Messiah
26 Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die.
26 Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die.
Do you
believe this, MARTHA?”
27 YES, Lord,” she told him.
27 YES, Lord,” she told him.
“I have always BELIEVED YOU ARE
THE MESSIAH,
THE SON OF
GOD, the
one who has come into the world from God.” (NLT)
Luke 10:1 – Missionaries work two by two
1 The Lord now chose seventy-two other disciples and
1 The Lord now chose seventy-two other disciples and
SENT THEM
AHEAD IN PAIRS to all the towns and
places he planned to visit. (NLT)
The Meal – The Distraction
- An
evening meal
would consist of a lentil stew seasoned with herbs, along with fruit, olives,
and melons, pomegranates, dates and figs, onions and cheese along with water,
goats milk and wine and of course bread. - An elaborate meal for such a
special guest would be a big deal to a gracious host and it certainly was
to Martha.
·
As I climb into the story and look around, Martha
wants to hear Jesus also, but is pulled away with the mounting task at hand; she
had become frustrated with the overwhelming task that had presented itself and
her exasperation is elevated when Mary is NOT helping, in the kitchen, nor is
she keeping with the traditional role of behavior for a woman. Instead she had taken up a position at the
feet of Jesus as a student. - As Jesus
is teaching in parables and answering questions; she is lost in His Words,
oblivious to the work at hand to feed the ever increasing crowd.
- I can just see Martha banging pots around
and maybe whistling her special little whistle to get Mary’s ATTENTION and when that didn’t
work, her emotions erupt. - I can
just see Martha holding a bowl of bread dough moseying over to Jesus to
share her exasperated needs. - It
was not that she was too wimpy to tell Mary herself, but chose to not
create a scene, and out of frustration just whispers in Jesus’ ear with a girlishness
tone or perhaps even of callowness; somewhat scolding or chastising her
dear friend Jesus.
- She curtly whispers
in Jesus’s ear. "Lord, DON'T YOU CARE that
my sister has left me to do the work by myself? TELL HER TO HELP ME!" – Martha wanted Mary to behave like a TRADITIONAL woman and not only help prepare
the food, but also to serve it
too.
- Martha is downright rude and out of line and almost demands that
Jesus, her guest of honor, send Mary into the kitchen to help her, but
Jesus knowing Mary’s desire for “SPIRITUAL
- None
of those gathered in Martha’s home knew that Jesus would only be with them
for a short while longer and then be crucified. Although He enjoyed the pleasures of
good wine, food and company, He alone knew the significance of this
remaining precious TIME with them.
- NOTE; Jesus allowed Martha to make her own CHOICE of priorities, but it was
quite another thing to ask Mary to miss out on “The Good Portion” SHE HAD CHOSEN. – It’s in the
Book -
Luke 10:38-40- Mary sat at the feet of Jesus
38 As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed them into her home.
39 Her sister, MARY, SAT AT THE LORD’S FEET, listening to what he taught.
40 But MARTHA WAS DISTRACTED BY THE BIG DINNER she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “LORD, DOESN’T IT SEEM UNFAIR TO YOU THAT MY SISTER JUST SITS HERE WHILE I DO ALL THE WORK? TELL HER TO COME AND HELP ME (NLT)
Matthew 6:31 – Don’t worry about what you will eat
31 So DON’T WORRY ABOUT THESE THINGS, saying,
38 As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed them into her home.
39 Her sister, MARY, SAT AT THE LORD’S FEET, listening to what he taught.
40 But MARTHA WAS DISTRACTED BY THE BIG DINNER she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “LORD, DOESN’T IT SEEM UNFAIR TO YOU THAT MY SISTER JUST SITS HERE WHILE I DO ALL THE WORK? TELL HER TO COME AND HELP ME (NLT)
Matthew 6:31 – Don’t worry about what you will eat
31 So DON’T WORRY ABOUT THESE THINGS, saying,
‘WHAT WILL WE EAT? WHAT WILL WE DRINK?
What will we wear?’
(NLT)
Luke 4:4 – Man needs physical bread and spiritual
bread
4 But Jesus answered him, saying, "It is written,
4 But Jesus answered him, saying, "It is written,
MAN SHALL NOT LIVE BY
BREAD ALONE,
BUT BY EVERY WORD OF
GOD.(NKJV)
John 11:27 – Martha believes the Jesus is the
Messiah
27 Yes, Lord,” she told him. “
27 Yes, Lord,” she told him. “
I HAVE ALWAYS
BELIEVED YOU ARE THE MESSIAH,
THE SON OF
GOD, the
one who has come into the world from God.” (NLT)
Luke 10:1 – Mary & Martha serving as
missionaries in pairs
1 The Lord now chose SEVENTY-TWO OTHER DISCIPLES and SENT THEM AHEAD IN PAIRS to all the towns and places he planned to visit. (NLT)
1 The Lord now chose SEVENTY-TWO OTHER DISCIPLES and SENT THEM AHEAD IN PAIRS to all the towns and places he planned to visit. (NLT)
The One Thing
- Jesus
grandfatherly hugs Martha and lovingly whispers, "Martha,
Martha,
you are worried and upset about many things, but ONLY ONE
THING IS NEEDED. - Mary
has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her. In my mind I can just see Jesus
wanting all women to be allowed to access the same Spiritual Food and
ideas as Jewish men did and wants Martha ALSO to come and share in all
these thoughts. - NYOBS 31.12 - THREE
MARYS
·
What is the “One Thing” that Jesus spoke
of? Did he mean instead of multiple
dishes of food, just one dish would be fine. - Doctor Luke speaks of it
when he shares the words of Jesus; “Man shall not live by BREAD alone, but by ever WORD
of God”. Martha was concerned with Physical Bread,
and Mary
was concerned with Spiritual Bread. The one thing OR the better part,
is making the Word of God our FIRST priority and it also affirmed the
importance of women taking an active role in spiritual things. – Jesus did not
denigrate Martha’s Gift of Service as
unimportant, but was encouraging her that as a woman and a disciple
that learning His new ideas was more important than the FRUIT of her domestic
service.
·
The Spiritual bread of
Christ is eternal,
but the physical bread is not. – There is a time and season for everything, we
are called to weigh the values of our causes in order to form our right
priorities. Jesus speaks from an eternal
perspective of separating the trivial from the important; He very clearly
speaks of the “ONE
THING”, the “GOOD PART”; the spiritual bread of life.
·
The moment of apparent
rivalry
and sibling bickering overshadows Martha’s great faith and devotion to Jesus
and the work she did in concert with Mary. – God wanted this story included as
examples to us of the importance of the Word of God and the FRUIT of the
Spirit that results in good works. – A Faith without good works is a
DEAD FAITH.
- The
Home of Mary and Martha pictures three essential elements of the
Church today; Worship, Adoration
and Service. – Today
so many Churches especially on TV are preaching “The Feel Good Message” with the essential elements of Worship, Adoration and Service found wanting.
Luke 10:41-42- Mary sat at the feet of
41 But the Lord said to her,
“My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details!
42 THERE IS ONLY ONE THING WORTH BEING CONCERNED ABOUT. MARY HAS DISCOVERED IT, and it will not be taken away from her.”
42 THERE IS ONLY ONE THING WORTH BEING CONCERNED ABOUT. MARY HAS DISCOVERED IT, and it will not be taken away from her.”
(NLT)
Matthew 15:32-39 – Jesus feeds 4,000
32 Then Jesus called his
disciples and told them, “I feel sorry for these people. They have been here
with me for three days, and they have nothing left to eat. I don’t want to send
them away hungry, or they will faint along the way.”
33 The disciples replied, “Where would we get enough food here in the wilderness for such a huge crowd?”
34 Jesus asked, “How much bread do you have?” They replied, “SEVEN LOAVES, AND A FEW SMALL FISH.”
35 So Jesus told all the people to sit down on the ground.
36 Then he took the seven loaves and the fish, THANKED GOD for them, and broke them into pieces. He gave them to the disciples, who distributed the food to the crowd.
37 They all ate as much as they wanted. Afterward, the disciples picked up seven large baskets of leftover food.
38 THERE WERE 4,000 MEN WHO WERE FED THAT DAY,
33 The disciples replied, “Where would we get enough food here in the wilderness for such a huge crowd?”
34 Jesus asked, “How much bread do you have?” They replied, “SEVEN LOAVES, AND A FEW SMALL FISH.”
35 So Jesus told all the people to sit down on the ground.
36 Then he took the seven loaves and the fish, THANKED GOD for them, and broke them into pieces. He gave them to the disciples, who distributed the food to the crowd.
37 They all ate as much as they wanted. Afterward, the disciples picked up seven large baskets of leftover food.
38 THERE WERE 4,000 MEN WHO WERE FED THAT DAY,
in addition to all the women and children.
39 Then Jesus sent the people home, and he got into a boat and crossed over to the region of Magadan. (NLT)
39 Then Jesus sent the people home, and he got into a boat and crossed over to the region of Magadan. (NLT)
Matthew 14:14-21 – Jesus feeds 5,000
14 Jesus saw the huge crowd as he stepped from the boat, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick.
15 That evening the disciples came to him and said, “This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away so they can go to the villages and buy food for themselves.”
16 But Jesus said, “That isn’t necessary—you feed them.”
17 But we have only FIVE LOAVES OF BREAD AND TWO FISH!”
18 Bring them here,” he said.
19 Then he told the people to sit down on the grass. Jesus took the five loaves and two fish, looked up toward heaven, and BLESSED them. Then, breaking the loaves into pieces, he gave the bread to the disciples, who distributed it to the people.
20 They all ate as much as they wanted, and afterward, the disciples picked up twelve baskets of leftovers.
21 ABOUT 5,000 MEN WERE FED THAT DAY,
14 Jesus saw the huge crowd as he stepped from the boat, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick.
15 That evening the disciples came to him and said, “This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away so they can go to the villages and buy food for themselves.”
16 But Jesus said, “That isn’t necessary—you feed them.”
17 But we have only FIVE LOAVES OF BREAD AND TWO FISH!”
18 Bring them here,” he said.
19 Then he told the people to sit down on the grass. Jesus took the five loaves and two fish, looked up toward heaven, and BLESSED them. Then, breaking the loaves into pieces, he gave the bread to the disciples, who distributed it to the people.
20 They all ate as much as they wanted, and afterward, the disciples picked up twelve baskets of leftovers.
21 ABOUT 5,000 MEN WERE FED THAT DAY,
in addition
to all the women and children! (NLT)
Matthew 6:33 – Seek the things of God FIRST
33 SEEK THE KINGDOM OF GOD ABOVE ALL ELSE, and live righteously, AND HE WILL GIVE YOU EVERYTHING YOU need.
33 SEEK THE KINGDOM OF GOD ABOVE ALL ELSE, and live righteously, AND HE WILL GIVE YOU EVERYTHING YOU need.
A
Bum Rap
·
Somehow I suspect that there are also three
or four more women that were also a part of Jesus’ entourage that
were lingering just outside the house as the disciples entered and I always
wondered why they didn’t pitch in and help Martha. – Just
sayin’ -
·
I think Martha gets a bum
rap.
The picture painted is of Martha being the Practical one, hustling
around preparing food and Mary is painted as the Spiritual one sitting
at the feet of Jesus, so be a MARY and not a MARTHA. - But the truth is,
they were BOTH Spiritual and both Practical. – Don’t judge Martha in an unfair
light based on one incident where she got it wrong ONE TIME concerning the meal; housework
is not a SIN.
·
It would be Martha not Mary, who when not burdened by the responsibility
of meal preparations, proclaimed the astute statement with conviction that she believed
that Jesus was the Messiah, the Son of God, which should come into the world.
– This is reminiscent of PETER when he said to Jesus, “You are the Christ”
and Jesus responded that that this Devine knowledge was not revealed by man, but
by God the Father. God had spoken
directly to Martha’s heart.
·
The Book records that both Peter and Martha had flaws, and God used them
mightily and he can certainly use dirty, rotten, low down, scumbag sinners like
us too. The
Book records that Martha
and Peter’s
“CONFESSION
OF FAITH” is the ROCK upon which the church would be built. The Church is built on THE CONFESSION OF FAITH in
Jesus Chris, not on a disciple, man or woman. – Martha’s qualifications for
Spiritual leadership was the same as Peters; THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. – It’s in the Book -
·
It was Martha not Mary that
heard the Words of Christ as He proclaimed “I AM THE
RESURRECTION AND THE LIFE., and anyone who believes in me will live,
even after dying. Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die.
·
Every time we see Martha in
scripture, she is SERVING
others. – She speaks her mind and is dependable to get it all done. - As a
servant she is a natural leader - The
Book says those who are the greatest among you should take
the lowest rank, and THE LEADER SHOULD BE LIKE A SERVANT.
·
In the death of someone, Martha would be in there cleaning
their house, fixing food and taking their dogs out to pee. - Mary is a devoted
follower and while she does not offer SERVICE, she does offers herself
in beautiful acts of worship. Mary
would be there to console, embrace and weep with you. Both personalities are needed.
·
Many folks like to start
their day
with studying the Word of God before beginning their chores; I do not… I enjoy getting the yard work
done early in the cool of the morning, then go inside to study the Word with an
undistracted mind, no longer reflective about chores.
Luke 8:1-2 – Women traveled with Jesus and the
disciples
1 Soon afterward Jesus began a tour of the nearby towns and villages, preaching and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom of God. HE TOOK his twelve disciples with him,
2 along with SOME WOMEN he had healed and from whom he had cast out evil spirits. Among them were Mary Magdalene… (NLT)
1 Soon afterward Jesus began a tour of the nearby towns and villages, preaching and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom of God. HE TOOK his twelve disciples with him,
2 along with SOME WOMEN he had healed and from whom he had cast out evil spirits. Among them were Mary Magdalene… (NLT)
John 11:25-26 – Jesus told Martha; I am the
resurrection
25 Jesus told her, “I AM THE RESURRECTION AND THE LIFE. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying.
26 Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die. Do you believe this, Martha?” (NLT)
25 Jesus told her, “I AM THE RESURRECTION AND THE LIFE. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying.
26 Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die. Do you believe this, Martha?” (NLT)
John 11:27 – Martha; Jesus is the Messiah, the Son
of God
27 Yes, Lord,” she told him. “I HAVE ALWAYS BELIEVED YOU ARE THE MESSIAH, THE SON OF GOD, the one who has come into the world from God.” (NLT)
27 Yes, Lord,” she told him. “I HAVE ALWAYS BELIEVED YOU ARE THE MESSIAH, THE SON OF GOD, the one who has come into the world from God.” (NLT)
Matthew 16:15-17 – Peter; Jesus the Messiah, the
Son of God
15 Then he asked them, “But
who do you say I am?” Peter answered,
16 “YOU ARE THE MESSIAH, THE SON OF THE LIVING GOD.”
17 Jesus replied, “You are blessed, Simon son of John, because
16 “YOU ARE THE MESSIAH, THE SON OF THE LIVING GOD.”
17 Jesus replied, “You are blessed, Simon son of John, because
MY FATHER IN
HEAVEN HAS REVEALED THIS TO YOU.
You did not learn this from any human being. (NLT)
Matthew 16:16-18 – Church built on CONFESSION OF
FAITH
16 SIMON PETER ANSWERED,
16 SIMON PETER ANSWERED,
“You are the
Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
18 Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means ‘rock’), and
18 Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means ‘rock’), and
upon this ROCK I
will build my church,
and all the powers of hell will not conquer it. (NLT)
Luke 22:26-27 – The leader should be as a servant
26 But among you it will be different. Those who are the greatest among you should take the lowest rank, and
26 But among you it will be different. Those who are the greatest among you should take the lowest rank, and
THE LEADER SHOULD BE LIKE A SERVANT.
27 Who is more important, the one who sits at the table or the one who serves? The one who sits at the table, of course. But not here! For I am among you as one who serves. (NLT)
27 Who is more important, the one who sits at the table or the one who serves? The one who sits at the table, of course. But not here! For I am among you as one who serves. (NLT)
The
Competition
·
I worked in retail with a friend that was very
outgoing and enjoyed people, but disliked all the task that went with it. I on the other was an introvert and task
oriented; together we were unstoppable.
We had different personalities, but the same goals for the company. – We
do all things to the Glory of God – It’s in the Book -
·
Life is like a seesaw where one day the
importance of one thing is UP and the next day it’s DOWN. Jesus sent the disciples out two by two,
to provide support for each other, and that’s the picture of Mary and Martha,
they were a perfect fit. – We don’t have to choose to be a Mary or a Martha; we
are both. – God wants us to study His Word and at the same time, we are charged
to take care of the families He has given us and our houses, our yards and our
puppies.
·
When I see my friends Mike
and Judy
SERVING in the Church kitchen, I realize as a team THEY
ARE SERVING
so that I can
sit and WORSHIP in a Sunday school class at the feet of Jesus hearing
His Word. – They are being a Martha so I can be a Mary.
·
We are not in competition to see who the BEST
Christian is. - The best Christian sins
and falls short of the glory of God. – We should enter the race to use the
gifts that God has given us for His glory.
So if you are a Mary, stay a Mary and if you are a Martha,
stay a Martha,
as both are passionately following JESUS
with their gifts.
1 Corinthians 10:31 – Do your work to glorify God
31 So whether you eat or drink, or WHATEVER YOU DO,
31 So whether you eat or drink, or WHATEVER YOU DO,
DO IT ALL FOR
THE GLORY OF GOD. (NLT)
Romans 3:23 – We all fall short of God’s standard
23 FOR EVERYONE HAS SINNED;
23 FOR EVERYONE HAS SINNED;
WE ALL FALL SHORT
OF GOD’S GLORIOUS STANDARD. (NLT)
The Take Away
- The
story of Mary and Martha follows the Parable
of the GOOD
SAMARITAN which tells us as
Christians to respond with mercy to others when the opportunity presents
itself. The parable for the most
part shows examples of service and good works to the Lord and to GO AND DO LIKEWISE. – The story of Mary
and Martha
becomes an example for us of not letting service distract us from the
ultimate reason for the service which is Jesus Christ.
·
Jesus places no limitation
on someone’s calling, but encourages them to pursue where ever their spirit leads
them; and that might be in the kitchen. - Mary can pursue her God given gift or
calling and Martha can pursue her gift and calling; there is no choice
necessary of being a Mary or a Martha. - Serve but not with anxiety, Sacrifice
but not neglecting worship, prayer and reading the Word.
·
It’s a question of
priorities.
- Is the time designing a center piece for the banquet table more important
than the time preparing the meal? Do we
spend more time preparing the Sunday dinner than we do studying the Word of God
in preparation for Church Services? Have
we made sure the kids have had their bath, but have cut short the bedtime
prayers?
- BOTH Mary and Martha
sent
word to Jesus that their bother Lazarus was sick unto death. - Both
had strong Faith that Jesus could and would heal Lazarus
of his sickness. Both
were in service as home missionaries and followers of God. – Both
worshipped Jesus as their Lord. - Both believed Jesus words; that He was
the Messiah and Both set an example for us. God indeed VALUES, as well as requires, Both
Service and Worship. -
Both
serves the other. – A Faith without
WORKS is a dead Faith. – It’s in the Book –
- Sometimes
we tend to be like Mary longing to set at the feet of Jesus and at other
times we resemble Martha with thoughts of the busyness of service,
distracted from the ONE THING that is most important; His Word. – Mary was
not being lazy, and if not for Martha, none would have been fed; service
is a good thing, but sitting at the feet of Jesus is better; (Just something to ponder.)
- As I
also have the Gift of Organization, I find myself identifying with
Martha; in project management, making things happen. In my early years I rarely got to attend
Church or Sunday school for all of the other worthwhile activities and
committees that I was involved in on Sunday. SERVICE programs and busyness should not become such a
priority that it substitutes for sitting at the feet of Jesus. SERVICE can become a DISTRACTION if not moderated.
- Distractions to the Word of God comes in all forms;
some churches have coffee available on Sunday morning that can be enjoyed
in the sanctuary as you study the Word of God. When someone gets up to get another cup
of coffee, not only have they themselves become distracted, they have
distracted the others around them.
When someone finds it necessary to text someone while the Word of
God is being unpacked, it is an affront to the Living God. It is saying that
something is more important than His Word. – When you TALK during the
sermon, YOU are not only distracted, but YOUR FRIEND now is also distracted
too; PLUS THOSE AROUND YOU. – You become
complicit with Satan. -
It’s in
the Book -
- My
mother’s entire Sunday school class would sit on the second row at Church;
there was NO chewing gum, NO
talking, NO drawing pictures and NO
passing notes; we were sitting at the feet of Christ. – Mom
would whisper; remember the Sabbath day, to keep it Holy.
·
Lesson from Martha. – We are to honor
others over ourselves; to exercise humility. Martha
had made the meal the focus of her attention instead of Jesus and now assumed
the worst of her sister Mary; seeing
her as being lazy and unthoughtful. - Martha had begun to judge Mary. - It’s in the Book -
·
In just minutes Martha’s critical attitude made her susceptible to
anger, resentment and jealousy causing her to judge Mary
and speak sharply to Jesus. - Martha has
substituted herself as Mary’s master
instead of Jesus. – Martha’s Humility was
replaced with Pride, when just earlier she was thinking of others, and now she
is thinking only of herself.
- Sometimes
we can’t find the right pot, things are spilling over and we become
frustrated with adding water to make the soup go further when what we
really need is some more peas & potatoes. The example of Mary and Martha
teaches us to sit down at the feet of Jesus, look at His Word; see how to
stop and reflect on stuff that frustrates and confounds us.
·
NOTE: “Sitting at the feet” is not to be
taken literally; this was traditional a figurative description of higher,
formal education; they were STUDENTS of the Master; “Discipleship”.
·
The GOOD PART is starting the day
focusing on the lord, it softens our soul and puts our SERVICE into
perspective, preferring others over ourselves. NYOBS 08.12 GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT
- Seek
God’s Word
about how to LOVE someone who is not
lovable. – How to have JOY in thankless tasks.
- To find PEACE in
situations we have no control over. - To drive our car with PATIENCE when other drivers are
spiteful. –
To look for ways that KINDNESS, GOODNESS, and GENTLENESS can spill over in our
actions and re-actions. - To strive to exhibit FAITHFULNESS because we gave our word in a seemingly
un-ending task. - To gain SELF-CONTROL when we strive to dig
a better ditch and the walls keep falling in.
- Jesus sent the disciples out two by two, providing support for each other, and that’s the picture of Mary and Martha, they were a perfect fit. – WE DON’T HAVE TO CHOOSE to be a Mary or a Martha; WE ARE BOTH. It’s in the Book
- NOTE; Jesus allowed Martha
to make her own CHOICE of priorities,
but it was quite another thing to ask Mary to miss out on “The Good Portion” SHE HAD CHOSEN.
It’s in the Book
Colossians 3:17 – In everything you do give thanks
to God
17 And WHATEVER YOU DO OR SAY, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, GIVING THANKS through him to God the Father.
17 And WHATEVER YOU DO OR SAY, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, GIVING THANKS through him to God the Father.
(NLT)
Matthew 13:22 – Distractions of world CHOKE OUT
God’s Word
22 THE SEED that fell among the thorns represents those who hear GOD’S WORD, but all too quickly the
22 THE SEED that fell among the thorns represents those who hear GOD’S WORD, but all too quickly the
MESSAGE IS CROWDED OUT BY THE WORRIES OF THIS LIFE
and the lure of wealth, so NO FRUIT is
produced. (NLT)
Galatians 5:22-23 – The Fruit of the Spirit
22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives:
22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives:
LOVE, JOY, PEACE,
PATIENCE, KINDNESS, GOODNESS, FAITHFULNESS, GENTLENESS, AND SELF-CONTROL.
23There is no law against these things! (NLT)
Proverbs 3:5-6 – Trust the Lord and He will show
you what to do
5 TRUST IN THE LORD with all your heart;
5 TRUST IN THE LORD with all your heart;
do not depend on
your own understanding.
6 SEEK HIS WILL in all you do, and HE WILL SHOW YOU which path to take. (NLT)
6 SEEK HIS WILL in all you do, and HE WILL SHOW YOU which path to take. (NLT)
Acts 22:3 – Paul educated AT THE FEET of Gamaliel
3 I am a Jew, born in Tarsus in Cilicia, but brought up in this city, EDUCATED AT THE FEET of Gamaliel according to the strict manner of the law of our fathers, being zealous for God as all of you are this day. (ESV)
3 I am a Jew, born in Tarsus in Cilicia, but brought up in this city, EDUCATED AT THE FEET of Gamaliel according to the strict manner of the law of our fathers, being zealous for God as all of you are this day. (ESV)
Luke 8:21 – Brothers and sister are the ones who
DO the Word
21 But he answered them, “MY MOTHER AND MY BROTHERS are those who HEAR the word of God and DO IT.” (ESV)
21 But he answered them, “MY MOTHER AND MY BROTHERS are those who HEAR the word of God and DO IT.” (ESV)
Selah - To Ponder
·
The picture painted of
Martha
is being the Practical one, hustling around preparing food and Mary is
painted as the Spiritual one sitting at the feet of Jesus, so be a MARY and
not a MARTHA. - But the truth is, they were BOTH Spiritual and both
Practical. – Don’t judge Martha’s lifetime in an unfair light based on a ONE TIME INCIDENT where she got it
wrong and got distracted with her gift of SERVICE. Housework is not a SIN; JUDGING IS.
Luke 10:38-40- THE GREAT SIBLING WHINE
38 As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed them into her home.
39 Her sister, MARY, SAT AT THE LORD’S FEET, listening to what he taught.
40 But MARTHA WAS DISTRACTED BY THE BIG DINNER she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “LORD, DOESN’T IT SEEM UNFAIR TO YOU THAT MY SISTER JUST SITS HERE WHILE I DO ALL THE WORK? TELL HER TO COME AND HELP ME.”
38 As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed them into her home.
39 Her sister, MARY, SAT AT THE LORD’S FEET, listening to what he taught.
40 But MARTHA WAS DISTRACTED BY THE BIG DINNER she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “LORD, DOESN’T IT SEEM UNFAIR TO YOU THAT MY SISTER JUST SITS HERE WHILE I DO ALL THE WORK? TELL HER TO COME AND HELP ME.”
In the
multitude of counselors,
there is wisdom.
Proverbs 11:14
I am grateful to those that went before me
providing concepts, ideas, historical
information, and scripture verses. Because of them I can stand on their
shoulders
and
see further that I otherwise ever could have.
Antiquity of the Jews – Flavius Josephus Matthias
Apocrypha – Goodspeed
Baker Commentary on the
Bible – Elwell
Bible Almanac; The – Packer-Tenney-White
Bible Commentary – F.B. Meyer
Bible Dictionary – Harper and Row
Bible Dictionary – Nelson’s
Dake’s Annotated Bible – Dake
English Standard Version
Bible – ESV
Expositor’s Bible
Commentary – Frank E. Gaebelein
Forgotten Books of Eden; The – World
Gospels Interwoven; The – Karmit Zarley
Illustrated Bible
Dictionary; The – Tyndale
Interlinear Greek-English
New Testament – Baker
Invisible War; The – Donald Grey Barnhouse
King James Version Bible –
KJV
Lost Books of the Bible; The - World
Lost Books of the Bible; The - Bell
Matthew Henry’s Commentary - Zondervan
Missing Books of the Bible; The – Halo Press
Mysteries of the Bible – Readers Digest
Nag Hammadi Library; The – James M. Robinson
Nave’s Topical Bible - Zondervan
New International
Dictionary of the Bible; The – Douglas -
Tenney
New International Version
Bible (2011) – NIV
New Living Translation Bible - NLT
Secrets of the Dead Sea Scrolls – Hugh J. Schonfield
Systematic Theology – Berkhof / Erdmans
Thru the Bible – J. Vernon McGee
Vincent’s Word Studies of
the New Testament – Mac Donald
Who’s Who in the Bible – Paul D. Gardner
Wycliffe Bible Commentary;
The – Pfeiffer & Harrison
Wikipedia –
Zondervan Pictorial
Encyclopedia of the Bible; The – Tenney
