Just Me and Jesus: Choosing Devotion Over Distraction

Life can feel like a never-ending cycle of responsibilities—getting the kids ready, working, cooking, making sure everyone else is taken care of. In the midst of all this busyness, it’s easy to forget about your own needs and your relationship with God. We often pour ourselves out for others, but rarely stop to ask: “What about me? Does anyone know what I’m going through?” Sometimes, we even take on too much, trying to please everyone, and end up neglecting our own souls.

Paul reminds us in Galatians that if we live to please people, we cannot truly serve Christ. Our first calling is to please God, not to win the approval of others. There are moments when it must be “just me and Jesus”—when we step away from the noise, the expectations, and the demands, and simply sit at His feet. Like Mary in Luke 10, who chose to listen to Jesus rather than be consumed by serving, we need to recognize when it’s time to pause and reset.

Martha’s service was good and necessary, but she became overwhelmed and frustrated, missing the greater opportunity to be present with Jesus. Jesus gently corrected her, not because her work was unimportant, but because she was anxious about many things when only one thing was truly needed in that moment: to be with Him. Mary’s choice to sit at Jesus’ feet was not a dismissal of service, but a recognition of what was most important at that time.

We all have seasons where we need to fall at Jesus’ feet—whether for strength, peace, encouragement, or simply to listen. It’s not about neglecting our responsibilities, but about knowing when to prioritize spiritual devotion over practical service. When we surrender and worship, we acknowledge that He is in control and that we are nothing without Him. No matter what’s happening around us, the invitation is always open to come to Jesus, to find rest, and to receive what we truly need.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Prioritize spiritual devotion over busyness It’s easy to get caught up in serving others and meeting everyone’s needs, but sometimes the most important thing is to pause and spend time with Jesus. Spiritual devotion isn’t about neglecting responsibilities, but about recognizing when to step away from the noise and focus on what truly matters. Like Mary, we must discern when it’s time to sit at His feet and listen. [13:16]
• 2. You can’t please everyone—please God first Trying to make everyone happy can leave you exhausted and empty. Paul’s words remind us that our primary calling is to please God, not people. When we seek God’s approval above all, we find freedom from the pressure to meet everyone’s expectations and can serve from a place of peace and purpose. [08:06]
• 3. Service is good, but don’t miss the moment Martha’s hospitality was valuable, but she missed the unique opportunity to be present with Jesus. There are times when our work and service are necessary, but we must be sensitive to moments when God is inviting us to simply be with Him. Don’t let anxiety or busyness rob you of the joy of His presence. [11:39]
• 4. Falling at Jesus’ feet brings renewal When we surrender and worship at Jesus’ feet, we find strength, peace, and encouragement for whatever we’re facing. It’s in these moments of humility and dependence that God meets us, restores us, and reminds us of our true identity and purpose.
  
  ** [18:04]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [07:09] - The Weight of Pleasing Others
• [08:06] - Pleasing God vs. Pleasing People
• [08:38] - Just Me and Jesus
• [08:59] - Remembering Our Purpose
• [09:26] - Jesus Visits Martha and Mary
• [10:34] - Mary Sits at Jesus’ Feet
• [11:08] - Martha’s Frustration
• [11:39] - Jesus’ Gentle Correction
• [12:13] - The Value of Service
• [13:16] - Mary’s Spiritual Devotion
• [14:36] - The Messiah in Your House
• [15:31] - Resetting at Jesus’ Feet
• [17:06] - The Power of Surrender
• [18:45] - Needs Met at His Feet
• [19:45] - Mary’s Gratitude and Devotion
• [28:23] - Let Some Things Wait
• [28:43] - Closing Blessing

Bible Reading

Luke 10:38-42 (ESV) — 38 Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house.
39 And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching.
40 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.”
41 But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things,
42 but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”

Galatians 1:10 (ESV) — For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.

Matthew 11:28 (ESV) — Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Observation Questions

1. In the story of Mary and Martha, what was Martha busy doing, and what did Mary choose to do instead? (Luke 10:38-42)
2. According to Galatians 1:10, what does Paul say about trying to please people versus pleasing God? [08:06]
3. What invitation does Jesus give in Matthew 11:28, and who is He speaking to?
4. In the sermon, what did the pastor say was Martha’s main problem when she was serving? [12:13]

Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think Jesus gently corrected Martha instead of praising her for her hard work? What does this tell us about Jesus’ priorities? [11:39]
2. How does trying to please everyone else affect our relationship with God, according to the sermon and Galatians 1:10? [08:06]
3. What does it mean to “sit at Jesus’ feet” in our lives today? How is this different from just being busy with good things? [13:16]
4. The sermon mentioned that falling at Jesus’ feet brings renewal and strength. Why is surrendering to Jesus so important when we feel overwhelmed? [18:04]

Application Questions

1. The sermon described life as a “never-ending cycle of responsibilities.” What are some specific things in your daily routine that keep you busy and distracted from spending time with Jesus? How can you make space to “sit at His feet” this week? [10:34]
2. Have you ever found yourself trying to please everyone around you, like Martha? What are some signs that you’re living to please people instead of God? What is one step you can take to shift your focus to pleasing God first? [08:06]
3. Think about a recent time when you felt anxious or overwhelmed by your responsibilities. Did you take that moment to pause and be with Jesus, or did you keep pushing through? What could you do differently next time? [11:39]
4. The pastor said, “Sometimes you may have to get away from some things. Get away from everybody. Get away from some things. And push the reset button.” What does “pushing the reset button” look like for you personally? [08:38]
5. When was the last time you felt truly renewed or encouraged after spending time with God? What did you do, and how did it help you? [18:04]
6. The sermon reminded us that service is good, but we shouldn’t miss the moment to be with Jesus. Are there any good things in your life that might be keeping you from the best thing—time with Jesus? How can you adjust your priorities? [13:16]
7. Jesus invites us to come to Him for rest (Matthew 11:28). What is one area of your life where you need to accept His invitation for rest and renewal right now? How can your group support you in this? [17:37]