AM Scripture Reading: Luke 10.38-42

This Morning’s Sermon:

Brent T. Willey

Mary, Martha, and the Master

Luke 10.38-42

Introduction:

1. This is a time of transition within the ministry of Jesus.
2. Once again, Jesus travels to Bethany. What happens?
   1. Mary sitting at the feet of Jesus – learning…
   2. Martha weighed down with serving – complaining…
   3. Jesus, the Master, lovingly responds – teaching…
3. In many respects, Jesus’ encounter with Mary and Martha describes us all, and is worthy of our thoughtful consideration.

MARY LISTENING

1. “Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to His teaching” (v. 39).
2. At the “feet of Jesus” is a place of submission. (Matt. 15.30; Luke 8.35; 8.41; John 11.32; 12.3; Matt. 28.9)
3. How often do we “sit at the feet of Jesus”?

MARTHA LABORING

1. “Martha was distracted with much serving” (v. 40).
2. “Distracted” from what? Sitting and learning at the feet of Jesus. There is a time to serve, and a time to stop and learn.
3. Consider what laboring without listening did for Martha: upset, critical & judgmental, misjudged Jesus, anxiety, etc. (James 1.19; Rom. 14.10, 13; Matt. 7.1-5)

THE MASTER’S LOVE

1. “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things” (v. 41).
   1. Jesus’ loving & tender appeal. (Luke 22.31; Acts 9.4)
   2. Jesus cares. (John 14.1, 27-28; 1 Pet. 5.7 )
2. “But one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her” (v. 42).
   1. What’s necessary? “One thing…” (Eccl. 12.13-14)
   2. The Lord allows us to make the choice. (Josh. 24.15)
   3. He protects & rewards us. (John 10.27-28; Rom. 8.35-39)

Conclusion: Devotion needful, but labor must be balanced by truly listening to the teaching of Jesus Christ.