God Wants You to Read the Room

Fitting in is something we all wrestle with, no matter our age or background. There are seasons when it feels like we just don’t belong—whether it’s because of our faith, our values, or simply the way God is moving in our lives. The story of Mary and Martha in Luke 10 reminds us that even those closest to Jesus struggled with these feelings. Mary and Martha were women in a society that didn’t always value their presence, yet Jesus came to their home, affirming their worth and calling.

It’s easy to look for a crew, to want people who understand us, who share our journey. But sometimes, God calls us to walk alone for a season—not as punishment, but as preparation. When we feel isolated, it’s not always a sign that something is wrong. Sometimes, it’s God making room for the right people to join us later, people who can walk with us into the next season of our calling. Even when it feels like no one sees us, we can rest in the truth that our names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life, and that Jesus calls us friend.

But as we walk this journey, distractions can creep in. Martha’s desire to serve Jesus was good, but her focus shifted from joyful service to anxious striving. Excellence is a beautiful thing, but when it becomes our obsession, it can rob us of intimacy with God. We must be careful not to let our service, our busyness, or even our pursuit of “good things” distract us from the “God things.” Relationship with Jesus must always come first.

Finally, Jesus’ response to Martha is a model of compassion and correction. He doesn’t shame her, but gently redirects her heart. Sometimes, our inability to go deeper with God is rooted in unresolved anger or bitterness—often with those closest to us. Sibling rivalry, family drama, or spiritual grudges can block our blessings and keep us from experiencing the fullness of God’s presence. Jesus calls us to let go, to forgive, and to pursue reconciliation, not just for the sake of others, but for our own spiritual growth. There is too much at stake to let anger or bitterness hold us back. God wants us to go deeper, but we must be willing to release what’s weighing us down.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Fitting in isn’t always the goal Longing to belong is natural, but God sometimes calls us to stand apart so He can prepare us for greater things. Seasons of loneliness can be divine setups for new relationships and deeper purpose. Our true identity is found in being known by God, not in the approval of others. [11:26]
• 2. Excellence can become a distraction Serving with excellence is good, but when it overshadows our relationship with God, it becomes a hindrance. Martha’s story warns us that even good intentions can lead to burnout and resentment if we lose sight of intimacy with Jesus. We must prioritize being with God over doing for God. [25:39]
• 3. Reconciliation unlocks deeper spiritual growth Unresolved anger, especially with family or spiritual siblings, can block our ability to worship and grow. Jesus teaches that reconciliation is more important than religious activity. Letting go of bitterness and pursuing peace opens the door to deeper blessings and intimacy with God. [37:02]
• 4. You are never truly alone in God’s family Even when you feel isolated, you are surrounded by a spiritual army—God’s people, angels, and the presence of Christ Himself. The enemy wants you to believe you’re alone, but God’s community is bigger and stronger than you realize. Lean into the support and power of God’s family. [20:30]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [01:40] - Choir Days and Childhood Memories
• [03:10] - Kids Dismissed and Setting the Scene
• [03:50] - Reading from Luke 10
• [05:58] - The Struggle to Fit In
• [09:00] - Mary and Martha’s Unique Calling
• [11:26] - Walking Alone and Finding Community
• [13:23] - God Knows Your Name
• [15:07] - Waiting for Jesus’ Return
• [17:30] - Jesus Comes with His Crew
• [19:47] - God Is Raising an Army
• [23:13] - Removing Distractions
• [25:39] - Excellence vs. Relationship
• [32:14] - Going Deeper with Jesus
• [34:46] - Sibling Rivalry and Spiritual Growth
• [42:39] - Letting Go of Bitterness
• [45:28] - Closing Prayer and Invitation
• [49:36] - Final Announcements and Dismissal

Bible Reading

Luke 10:38-42 (ESV) — > Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. 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.”

John 15:15 (ESV) — > No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.

1 John 4:20 (ESV) — > If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen.

Observation Questions

1. In the story of Mary and Martha, what was Martha doing that caused her to feel frustrated, and how did Jesus respond to her? ([33:02])
2. According to John 15:15, what does Jesus call his followers, and what does that mean about our relationship with Him? ([14:10])
3. What does 1 John 4:20 say about the connection between loving God and loving others? ([37:27])
4. In the sermon, what are some examples given of how people can feel like they don’t fit in, even in church or among other believers? ([11:53])

Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think Jesus gently corrected Martha instead of shaming her for being distracted by serving? What does this show us about His character? ([33:02])
2. The sermon mentions that sometimes God calls us to walk alone for a season. What might be the purpose behind these seasons of loneliness or feeling like you don’t fit in? ([11:26])
3. How can striving for excellence in serving God become a distraction from actually being with God? What are some signs that this might be happening in someone’s life? ([25:39])
4. Why is reconciliation with others, especially family or spiritual siblings, so important for our spiritual growth according to the sermon and 1 John 4:20? ([37:49])

Application Questions

1. Have you ever felt like you didn’t fit in because of your faith or values? How did you handle that season, and what did you learn from it? ([11:53])
2. Is there an area in your life where you are serving or striving for excellence, but it’s starting to feel more like stress than joy? What is one step you could take to refocus on your relationship with Jesus? ([25:39])
3. The sermon talks about “good things” versus “God things.” Can you identify something in your weekly routine that is good, but might be distracting you from time with God? What could you do differently this week? ([30:14])
4. Are there any unresolved conflicts or bitterness in your family or church relationships that might be holding you back spiritually? What would it look like to take a step toward reconciliation? ([37:49])
5. When you feel isolated or alone, what helps you remember that you are part of God’s family and not truly alone? Is there a specific person or group you can reach out to for support? ([20:30])
6. Think about a time when you let anger or frustration with someone close to you affect your ability to worship or connect with God. What could you do differently if that situation happened again? ([39:36])
7. The sermon says, “God wants you to go deeper, but you must be willing to release what’s weighing you down.” What is one thing you need to let go of in order to grow closer to God right now? ([43:47])