Monday Devo
Scripture Reading:
Luke 10
38 As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him 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.”
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.”
38 As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him 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.”
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.”
Commentary from the ESV Study Bible:
10:38–42 Martha and Mary. village. Bethany (cf. John 12:1; see note on John 11:1). who sat at the Lord’s feet. A disciple’s proper place (cf. Luke 8:35; Acts 22:3); unlike some in his culture, Jesus encouraged women to study the Scriptures. you are anxious … about many things. Cf. Luke 8:14; 12:11, 22–30; 21:34. Mary has chosen the good portion echoes OT passages where the greatest possession is close fellowship with the Lord as one’s “portion” in life (cf. Ps. 16:5; 27:4; 73:26; 119:57; 142:5; also Josh. 18:7). Mary has chosen this, and it will not be taken away from her—neither now to help Martha in the kitchen, nor for all eternity.
Study Questions:
- In any relationship, the craziness and busyness of life can wreak havoc. It's true with marriage relationships, friendships, and even our relationship with God. We have to intentionally fight the plate-spinning of life and choose something better. How do you balance work/kids/sports and still prioritize your relationship with your spouse? With God? Any tips to share with everyone else?
- In chapter 10 of Luke we see a disagreement between Mary and Martha and what they thought was important in the moment. Some of you are like Martha... type A, driven, check lists and spreadsheets. Others are like Mary... more social, laid back, relationship oriented. These differences can lead us to wrongly judge each other's intentions. Which do you think you are? Which way do you lean?
Pray:
- That you would keep your priorities in order.
- That you would be Mary this week.
This Week's City 7:
Type your new text here.
1. Who is Jesus? I believe Jesus is God because Jesus said He is God and proved it by rising from the dead and appearing to His disciples, His brother James, 500 others at one time and Paul.
(Mark 3:21; John 8:58, 10:30-33, 14:9-11; Acts 9:1-6; 1 Corinthians 15:3-8; Colossians 1:15-20; Hebrews 1:2-3; James 1:1)
(Mark 3:21; John 8:58, 10:30-33, 14:9-11; Acts 9:1-6; 1 Corinthians 15:3-8; Colossians 1:15-20; Hebrews 1:2-3; James 1:1)
1 Comment
I’m very much a Martha and have an administrative gift so I’m always thinking about the little details. I definitely identify with Martha in this instance and struggled with these verses. I think I kept trying to excuse the Martha behavior but I feel relieved to know that I can be Mary and not feel guilty.