Message: Have you ever felt like you did something because you had to do it? Obligations get heavy, leaving you with the feeling of "nothing left to give". Mary and Martha give context to a loving God. Those who have a love for God, have a love for others and give generously. Martha works as Mary sits and listens to Jesus. Martha wants Jesus to rebuke her for not working, but commends her instead. Caring for others is life changing , making people stop and examine the unconditional love. Jesus addresses Martha's name with double emphasis, which is a Hebrew speech pattern expressing deep intimacy. Jesus points to Martha's anxiousness and worry of serving alone. He contrasts Mary as doing what is "good", giving the focus to Jesus's words and sitting at His feet. Jesus didn't want to minimized Martha's serving, He wanted her to see serving as grounded with Mary's kind of love for Him. He wanted to show her how her burden would disappear as she drew to His feet. Why? Have a heart for God and you will have a heart for people, because this is Christ. Following Christ is like becoming Martha's and Mary's, allowing Jesus to elevate you, producing mutually enforcing relationships.
Scripture: Luke 10:38-42 "Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word. But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.” And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.” - NKJV
