Bible Studies

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The Gospels
Luke 10:38-42 – Stop, Look, and Listen
Key Verses: (NRSV)

• 38: “Now as they went on their way, He entered a certain village, where a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home.” – The seventy disciples had prepared the way for Jesus. Martha excitedly and hospitably welcomes Jesus into her home.
  
  
• 39: “She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to what He was saying.” – Mary focused on her guest, listening to His words and soaking in His glory.
  
  
• 40: “But Martha was distracted by her many tasks; so she came to Him and asked, ‘Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself?’” – Martha was focused on her chores. The harder she worked the more self-righteous and indignant she became.
  
  
• 41-42: “But the Lord answered her, ‘Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; ⁴²there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part…’” – There were many details to attend when providing comfort and sustenance to a houseful of guests but Jesus said that the worry and anxiety was unnecessary. There is only one thing truly important.
  

Points to Contemplate:

• Are you a “Martha?” Do you have that older-child habit that tries to take charge of every situation? Do scurry about focusing on the details of your ministry and never stop to look around at what is taking place in the wake of your busyness? Are the ripples of your life gently revealing the love of Christ to the world or are they threatening to swamp the boat of those seeking God? Do you find that the harder you work the higher your frustrations? Do you sometimes slip into a martyr-like attitude thinking that if it weren’t for you nothing would be accomplished?
  
  
• Are you a “Mary?” What are the priorities of your life? Is your focus only on Christ? Are you hanging onto His every word? Has He become the only thing of true importance in your life? Have you stopped the clock of busyness in your life and immersed your self into His presence? Is Jesus asking you stop everything in your life and do nothing but listen to Him? Or is He simply teaching that before we do anything we need to set our priorities? If we focus on Him first, will everything else fall into place?
  
  
• Are you worried and distracted? Does this keep you from knowing Christ fully? If your mind is filled with plans, strategies, and to-do lists, how are you able to hear God’s still small voice? Do you need to set aside your worries and grow in your faith that God will provide? Do you need to clear out the clutter and distractions in your life and begin focusing on the “one thing” that is important? If you feel separated from God, if you sense that you don’t know Him as well as you should, then is it time to become more like Mary so you can hear God’s voice more clearly?
  

Promises of the Gospel:

Martha is real. Most of us can completely relate to the way she lives her life. Many times we find ourselves focusing on doing the right things and making certain everything is under control. We work hard. But the harder we strive towards perfection the more frustrated we become. We find our selves muttering, “Doesn’t anyone else get it?” Or, “Why do I have to do all the work?” The wonderful thing about Martha’s story is that she eventually comes to understand what Mary already seems to know; worshipping God starts with silent listening. When we pause to listen and focus our entire life towards God, amazing things begin to happen.

FUMC Devotionals

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