|
|
Mary & Martha Luke 10.28-32 Introduction:
The two sisters;
Mary and Martha are linked together. Usually think of Mary as being more
spiritually minded than Martha. Let us take a look at this passage. A)
Verse 38 1.
As they entered a certain village a.
John 11.1 identifies the village as b.
2.
A certain woman, Martha, welcomed Jesus into her house a.
See women following Jesus, coming to Him for help. b.
Welcome- to receive with hospitality. Some believe Martha had the primary
responsibility of the household since her name is specifically mentioned. c.
How many others could have welcomed Jesus but did not? B)
Verse 39 1)
She had a sister called Mary a.
The first we read of this Mary, apparently she also was part of the household. b.
Later on we read of Mary anointing the feet of Jesus. 2)
Who also sat at Jesus’ feet a.
Before couches and our common chairs, it was not unusual for people to lay on
rugs and pillows on the floor. b.
Sitting at one’s feet was used figuratively to show humility, James
2.3 c.
Paul learned at the feet of Gamaliel, Acts
22.3. 3.
And heard His word a.
Imagine the great opportunity they had to listen to Jesus. b.
What could be more important, the words of Jesus were words of truth and life. C)
Verse 40 1)
But Martha was distracted with much serving a.
She was busy with serving. i)
Jesus did not travel alone. He had those who would become the apostles, another
others also followed. ii)
She did have a great responsibility. b.
Nothing about her being worldly, covetous, or prideful. i)
She was doing what was socially expected, 1
Timothy 5.14 ii)
“Manage the house” NKJV; “Manage their homes” NIV; “Guide the house”
KJV; “Rule the household” ASV 2)
“Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone?” a.
She was complaining because Mary was not helping. b.
Perhaps thought Jesus should have rebuked her sister. c.
May be a rebuke of Jesus for not rebuking Mary. 3)
Therefore tell her to help me a.
She wanted Jesus to handle the situation. b.
How many times do we wish somebody else will handle our personal problems? D)
Verse 41 1.
And Jesus answered and said to her, ‘Martha, Martha’ a.
Does this remind you of other times when Jesus repeated Himself to make an
impression b.
Gospel of John in the KJV read verily, verily, many times. c.
Would Jesus have to repeat your name to get your attention? 2.
You are worried and troubled about many things a.
Worried – careful – anxious b.
Troubled – disturbed, distracted c.
About many things – she was like the person in James 1. d.
We are warned about taking our eye off the ball, Luke 9.62 E) Verse 42 1.
But one things is needed a.
Jesus explains what is needed in Matthew
6.33 b.
It was needed in Mary’s life, Martha’s life and in our lives. 2.
Mary has chosen that good part a.
What is the good part? 1 Timothy 4.8 b.
“godliness is needed” c.
Mary made a deliberate choice to listen to Jesus d.
She was not worried, she was not troubled e.
She was not going to get caught up in other things. f.
She was there to listen to Jesus 3.
Which will not be taken away from her a.
She was listening to the words of Jesus b.
His words are the words of life c.
A lot of times we choose to serve things that will vanish. Conclusion:
There is seldom a convenient season to serve God. To take the time to do what is
right. If Martha was not going to listen to Jesus then when would she? If not
now, when will we listen to Jesus and serve Him? John 11.5 |