Devotion Over Duty: Lessons from Mary and Martha
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the profound lessons found in the story of Mary and Martha from Luke 10, and how these lessons can transform our spiritual lives. We began by acknowledging the importance of both action and contemplation in our faith journey. While Martha was busy with preparations, Mary chose to sit at Jesus' feet, demonstrating a heart posture of submission and devotion. This story is not about condemning Martha's actions but rather highlighting the beauty of Mary's choice to prioritize being in the presence of Jesus.
We delved into the significance of sitting at Jesus' feet, a posture that symbolizes humility, hunger for spiritual nourishment, and a desire to be transformed by His words. This posture is not just physical but reflects a heart attitude that seeks to be filled by Jesus alone. We also examined the story of Lazarus in John 11, where Mary once again demonstrates her devotion by falling at Jesus' feet, even in the midst of grief. Her focus on Jesus rather than the outcome of her brother's situation teaches us to prioritize our relationship with Him over our circumstances.
Finally, we looked at the anointing of Jesus by Mary in John 12, where she poured expensive perfume on His feet and wiped them with her hair. This act of extravagant worship was a result of her repeated posture of humility and devotion. Mary's actions remind us that true worship is about going low, serving, and being willing to give our best to Jesus without concern for the opinions of others.
Key Takeaways:
- The Posture of Devotion: Mary's choice to sit at Jesus' feet reflects a heart posture of submission and devotion. This posture is not about physical positioning but about a heart that seeks to be transformed by Jesus' presence. It is a choice to prioritize being with Him over doing for Him. [01:07:20]
- Prioritizing Jesus Over Circumstances: In the story of Lazarus, Mary demonstrates her focus on Jesus rather than the outcome of her brother's situation. Her devotion teaches us to prioritize our relationship with Jesus over our circumstances, trusting that He is in control. [01:17:36]
- Extravagant Worship: Mary's act of anointing Jesus with expensive perfume is a powerful example of extravagant worship. It shows us that true worship involves giving our best to Jesus, regardless of the cost or the opinions of others. [01:29:14]
- God Shares Secrets with Worshippers: Mary's repeated posture of worship allowed her to understand the significance of anointing Jesus for His burial before others did. This teaches us that God shares His intimate secrets with those who consistently seek Him in worship. [01:26:48]
- Going Low in Worship: Mary's actions remind us that true worship involves going low, serving, and being willing to humble ourselves before Jesus. This posture of humility and service is a powerful expression of our love and devotion to Him. [01:27:46]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [57:06] - Declaration of Generosity
- [58:18] - Bible Distribution
- [59:23] - Importance of Young People
- [01:00:03] - Unexpected Sermon Preparation
- [01:01:08] - Introduction to Luke 10
- [01:02:01] - Mary and Martha's Story
- [01:03:10] - Misconceptions About Martha
- [01:04:02] - The Beauty of Mary's Choice
- [01:05:56] - Sitting at Jesus' Feet
- [01:08:36] - The Story of Lazarus
- [01:15:57] - Mary's Devotion in Grief
- [01:24:08] - Anointing of Jesus
- [01:27:09] - The Significance of Mary's Worship
- [01:33:16] - Invitation to Deeper Devotion
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Story of Mary and Martha
Bible Reading:
1. Luke 10:38-42 - The story of Mary and Martha
2. John 11:1-44 - The story of Lazarus
3. John 12:1-8 - The anointing of Jesus by Mary
Observation Questions:
1. In Luke 10:38-42, what are the different actions taken by Mary and Martha when Jesus visits their home? How does Jesus respond to each sister?
2. In John 11, how does Mary demonstrate her devotion to Jesus even in the face of her brother Lazarus's death?
3. In John 12, what does Mary's act of anointing Jesus with expensive perfume signify about her relationship with Him?
4. How does the story of Mary and Martha illustrate the balance between action and contemplation in our faith journey?
5. What does the act of sitting at Jesus' feet symbolize in the context of these stories?
6. How does Mary's repeated posture of worship allow her to understand the significance of anointing Jesus for His burial before others did?
4) In step four, write an "Interpretation and Application Questions" section with 4-5 questions. These questions should help the group think about the meaning and implications of the key takeaways from the sermon summary.
Here are some examples of good questions:
- How can we cultivate a heart posture of submission and devotion in our daily lives?
- In what ways can we prioritize our relationship with Jesus over our circumstances?
- How can we practice extravagant worship in our own lives, and what might that look like for each of us?
- What does it mean to "go low" in worship, and how can we apply this in our interactions with others?
- How can we position ourselves to receive God's intimate secrets through worship?
6) Step five is to create an "Application questions" section with 5-7 questions.
These questions should be very specific and personal. They should be designed to help people apply the key takeaways from the sermon summary to their own lives.
Below are examples of good specific questions:
- How can you make time this week to sit at Jesus' feet and listen to His words?
- Can you think of a situation in your life where you need to trust Jesus more than the circumstances? How can you shift your focus to Him?
- What is one way you can practice extravagant worship in your daily life?
- How can you cultivate a heart posture of humility and service in your interactions with others?
- Have you ever experienced a time when God shared a personal insight with you during worship? How did it impact your faith journey?
4) Step four is to write your Bible study discussion guide.
Your guide should include:
- A title
- A "Bible reading" section with the Bible passages you identified in step two.
- An "Observation questions" section with 3-4 questions.
- An "Application questions" section with 5-7 questions.
5) The final step is to review your discussion guide and make any final changes or improvements.
Here is the transcript of the sermon:
Good morning, everyone! It's so wonderful to see all of you here today. I hope you're as excited as I am to dive into the Word of God. Today, we're going to explore a story that many of you might be familiar with, the story of Mary and Martha from Luke 10. But before we get into that, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the importance of both action and contemplation in our faith journey. You see, both are crucial, but today, we're going to focus on the beauty of sitting at Jesus' feet, as Mary did, and what that means for our spiritual lives.
So, if you have your Bibles, please turn with me to Luke chapter 10. If you don't have a Bible, just raise your hand, and someone will bring one to you. And if you don't own a Bible, please keep the one we give you as our gift. Now, let's dive into the Word.
In Luke 10:38-42, we read about Jesus visiting the home of Martha and Mary. Martha was busy with all the preparations that had to be made, while Mary sat at Jesus' feet, listening to what He said. Martha, feeling overwhelmed, asked Jesus to tell Mary to help her. But Jesus gently reminded her that Mary had chosen what is better, and it would not be taken away from her.
Now, I know that many of us have heard this story before, and it's easy to think that Martha was in the wrong and Mary was in the right. But I don't think that's the point here. Martha was doing something good by serving Jesus, but Mary chose to sit at Jesus' feet and listen to Him. It's about a heart posture, a choice to prioritize being with Jesus over doing for Him.
Let's turn to John chapter 11. This is the story of Lazarus, Mary, and Martha. When Lazarus was sick, Mary and Martha sent word to Jesus, saying, "Lord, the one you love is sick." But Jesus didn't rush to their aid. He stayed where he was for two more days. When he finally arrived, Lazarus had been in the tomb for four days. Martha went out to meet Jesus and said, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died." But Mary, when she saw Jesus, fell at his feet, showing her devotion to Him even in her grief. She was more focused on Jesus than on the outcome of her brother's situation. This is a powerful lesson for us to learn: to prioritize our relationship with Jesus over our circumstances.
Now, let's turn to John chapter 12. This is the story of Mary anointing Jesus with expensive perfume. She poured it on his feet and wiped them with her hair. This act of worship was extravagant, and it shows us that true worship is about giving our best to Jesus, regardless of the cost or what others might think. Mary didn't care about the opinions of those around her; she was focused solely on Jesus. And because of her devotion, she was able to understand the significance of anointing Jesus for his burial before anyone else did. God shares his secrets with those who worship him in spirit and truth.
So, as we reflect on these stories, let's think about our own lives. How can we learn from Mary and Martha? How can we find the balance between action and contemplation in our own faith journeys? And how can we prioritize our relationship with Jesus over our circumstances? Let's discuss these questions together and see what God reveals to us today.``
5) Step five is to create your Bible study discussion guide.
Use the format below for your discussion guide:
Title: [Create a title that captures the main theme of the sermon summary]
Bible Reading:
- Luke 10:38-42
- John 11:1-44
- John 12:1-8
Observation Questions:
1. How did Mary and Martha each choose to interact with Jesus in Luke 10, and what does this reveal about their priorities?
2. In John 11, how did Mary and Martha respond differently to Jesus when their brother Lazarus was sick?
3. What does Mary's act of anointing Jesus' feet with expensive perfume in John 12 signify about her relationship with Him?
4. How does the act of sitting at Jesus' feet symbolize a heart posture of submission and devotion?
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own life: Do you find yourself more often in the role of Mary or Martha? Why do you think that is?
2. How can you create more opportunities in your daily routine to sit at Jesus' feet and seek spiritual nourishment?
3. Think of a challenging situation you are currently facing. How can you shift your focus from the outcome to prioritizing your relationship with Jesus?
4. What does "extravagant worship" mean to you personally, and how can you express this in your life, regardless of others' opinions?
5. In what ways can you practice humility and service in your interactions with others this week?
6. Have you ever experienced a moment where God shared a personal insight with you during worship? How did it impact your faith journey?
7. What steps can you take to ensure that your worship is more about being with Jesus than doing for Him?
Devotional
Day 1: The Heart Posture of Devotion
Mary's choice to sit at Jesus' feet is a profound example of a heart posture that prioritizes being with Jesus over doing for Him. This posture is not about physical positioning but about a heart that seeks transformation through His presence. In a world that often values action and productivity, Mary's decision to focus on Jesus' words and presence reminds us of the importance of contemplation and submission in our spiritual journey. By choosing to be with Jesus, we open ourselves to His transformative power and allow our hearts to be molded by His love and wisdom. [01:07:20]
Luke 10:39-42 (ESV): "And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, 'Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.' But the Lord answered her, 'Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.'"
Reflection: In what ways can you prioritize being with Jesus over doing for Him today? What practical steps can you take to cultivate a heart posture of devotion?
Day 2: Trusting Jesus Over Circumstances
In the story of Lazarus, Mary exemplifies a focus on Jesus rather than the outcome of her brother's situation. Her devotion teaches us to prioritize our relationship with Jesus over our circumstances, trusting that He is in control. Even in the midst of grief, Mary falls at Jesus' feet, demonstrating her unwavering faith and trust in Him. This act of devotion encourages us to seek Jesus first, regardless of the challenges we face, and to trust in His sovereignty and goodness. [01:17:36]
John 11:32-35 (ESV): "Now when Mary came to where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet, saying to him, 'Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.' When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in his spirit and greatly troubled. And he said, 'Where have you laid him?' They said to him, 'Lord, come and see.' Jesus wept."
Reflection: What current circumstance in your life are you struggling to trust Jesus with? How can you shift your focus from the situation to your relationship with Him today?
Day 3: Extravagant Worship
Mary's act of anointing Jesus with expensive perfume is a powerful example of extravagant worship. Her willingness to give her best to Jesus, regardless of the cost or the opinions of others, challenges us to consider what true worship looks like in our own lives. Mary's actions remind us that worship is not just about singing songs or attending church services, but about offering our whole selves to Jesus in love and devotion. This kind of worship requires humility, sacrifice, and a heart that is fully surrendered to Him. [01:29:14]
John 12:3 (ESV): "Mary therefore took a pound of expensive ointment made from pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume."
Reflection: What is one way you can offer extravagant worship to Jesus today, regardless of the cost or the opinions of others?
Day 4: God Shares Secrets with Worshippers
Mary's repeated posture of worship allowed her to understand the significance of anointing Jesus for His burial before others did. This teaches us that God shares His intimate secrets with those who consistently seek Him in worship. When we prioritize worship and seek God's presence, we open ourselves to receive His wisdom and revelation. Mary's example encourages us to cultivate a lifestyle of worship, where we consistently seek God's heart and listen for His voice. [01:26:48]
Psalm 25:14 (ESV): "The friendship of the Lord is for those who fear him, and he makes known to them his covenant."
Reflection: How can you create space in your life to consistently seek God in worship and listen for His voice? What might He want to reveal to you today?
Day 5: Going Low in Worship
Mary's actions remind us that true worship involves going low, serving, and being willing to humble ourselves before Jesus. This posture of humility and service is a powerful expression of our love and devotion to Him. By choosing to go low, we acknowledge our dependence on Jesus and our desire to honor Him above all else. Mary's example challenges us to consider how we can embody this posture of humility in our own lives, serving others and seeking to glorify Jesus in all that we do. [01:27:46]
Philippians 2:3-4 (ESV): "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others."
Reflection: In what ways can you humble yourself and serve others as an act of worship to Jesus today? How can you embody a posture of going low in your daily interactions?
Quotes
God we want to be taught by you today I want to be taught by you will you reveal stuff to me even as I'm speaking our hearts are open we want to be changed we don't want to become puffed up with knowledge but transformed to be more like Jesus thank you Lord okay so Luke chapter 10 verse 38 as Jesus and his disciples were on their way he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. [01:01:32]
Mary sat where at the Lord's feet listen listening do you remember for those of you who were here a few weeks ago we looked at um ananas and Safar and the the bit in Acts 5 and just before then we talked about the uh the people the church as it was at the time um they sold houses properties whatever else and they came and laid it where at his feet where did Mary sit at his feet it's this it's this act of submission and adoration and devotion and she just wanted to sit at his feet and listen. [01:05:51]
I'm talking about a heart posture but it reflects in the physical posture if Jesus is sat let's assume they had chairs just for a minute like they had chairs like we have chairs Jesus is sat in a chair here and Jesus has come to my house and I grab a chair and sit at the chair in the chair I've I feel like I've just placed myself on the on the same level I I I want to declare to my own heart and to the spiritual realm no I'm at his feet I want to be at his feet. [01:07:59]
Mary she is way more interested in Jesus than she is in the outcome for her brother you missed that Mary's posture says I am more interested in you Jesus than I am in the outcome how many times can I honestly ly say that when I hear a bad report there's stuff going on that I am more interested in Jesus than I am in what I need or want him to do for me it's a beautiful thing. [01:17:44]
One of the beautiful things that this made available for Mary is in the midst of her turmoil over the loss of her brother she could offer Jesus fresh worship from a place of Brokenness isn't that a beautiful thing she could have just said why why did you not why were you not here why why this why that why my brother I mean what you even loved him what's he ever done for you no no no no no no no no it just wouldn't have got her anywhere but instead she she saw the opportunity what does this make available I can still Worship in this space. [01:20:59]
Mary took a pint of pure nard we know about nard from this weekend an expensive perfume and she poured it on jesus' feet and wiped his feet with her hair and the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume but one of his disciples Judas es scariot who was later to betray him objected why wasn't this perfume sold and the money given to the poor it was worth a year wages he didn't say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief. [01:24:34]
Mary I believe because of her repeated posture before Jesus she knew to anoint him for his burial before the disciples even did and do you know partly I can't promise you this is why but I think this is why is because God shares his Intimate Secrets with worshippers that repeated posture that we see and my guess is it wasn't only twice that Mary fell at Jesus his feet or sat at his feet it was a repeated posture so she knew she knew to anoint him. [01:26:48]
She went for his feet blessed are those who were poor in spirit she went for his feet again do you know whose job it is it's a servant's job to clean the feet she put herself in that position she recognized she knew she was consumed by who Jesus was and the only response was to fall down repeatedly at his feet it was a servant's job to do that. [01:28:49]
You never need to defend extravagant worship ever whatever that looks like whether it's singing whether it's dancing or whether it's washing jesus' feet or someone else's feet and everything in between you never need to apologize for extravagant worship it lights up Heaven absolutely lights up heaven and Jesus then steps in and he says leave her alone right now there's a beautiful thing going on they would have been reclined his feet would have been behind him can you imagine that moment for Jesus. [01:30:12]
I think Mary was one of those people who if you just mentioned the name of Jesus she would well up because she let herself be captivated by him and you got to let it happen it's not an automatic thing as Nicola says go slow go low father we sense your invitation into that place where our lives are one of adopting the posture of laying ourselves at your feet of sitting at your feet of looking up into your eyes not because I'm not entitled to sit on a chair but because I want my physical body to represent what's going on in my heart. [01:33:10]
Will you help me God to go lower will you help me not to consider the cost of my expensive jar of perfume but just to see you thank you God we are done let it please go on record I have finished a minute early the king is here um if you have children upstairs please do go and grab them and thank the leaders up there God bless everyone have a fantastic week. [01:36:17]
I think Mary was one of those people who if you just mentioned the name of Jesus she would well up because she let herself be captivated by him and you got to let it happen it's not an automatic thing as Nicola says go slow go low father we sense your invitation into that place where our lives are one of adopting the posture of laying ourselves at your feet of sitting at your feet of looking up into your eyes not because I'm not entitled to sit on a chair but because I want my physical body to represent what's going on in my heart. [01:33:10]
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