Rooted in Rest: Prioritizing Being Over Doing
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, Crossroads! Today, we celebrated the return of our Mexico team and shared some exciting news about our softball team making it to the playoffs. We also reflected on the importance of true rest, as opposed to merely taking a trip. This ties into our current sermon series, "Rooted and Rest," which emphasizes the need for rhythms in our lives that allow us to rest and receive from God, enabling us to be more productive in His kingdom.
Our focus today was on the story of Mary and Martha from Luke 10:38-42. This story teaches us the importance of being with Jesus before doing things for Him. Martha was busy with preparations, while Mary chose to sit at Jesus' feet and listen. Jesus commended Mary for choosing what is better, highlighting that our identity should be rooted in being with Him rather than in our activities.
We explored how our culture often defines us by what we do, but Jesus calls us to find our identity in Him. This is a reminder that we are human beings, not human doings. When we prioritize being with Jesus, our actions flow naturally from that relationship, preventing us from becoming religious or judgmental.
We also discussed the significance of Jesus elevating women in a patriarchal society, as seen in His relationship with Mary and Martha. Despite Martha's moment of misdirection, she was a woman of great faith, as demonstrated in her interaction with Jesus after Lazarus' death.
Finally, we acknowledged the distractions in our lives that keep us from focusing on Jesus. Jesus invites us to bring our worries and chaos to Him, finding peace and rest in His presence. This invitation is not just a rebuke but a call to a deeper relationship with Him.
### Key Takeaways
1. Prioritizing Being Over Doing: Jesus teaches us the importance of being with Him before doing things for Him. Our identity should be rooted in our relationship with Jesus, not in our activities. This helps us avoid becoming religious or judgmental and ensures that our actions flow naturally from our connection with Him. [52:11]
2. Rest as a Divine Rhythm: True rest is essential for our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. It is not about laziness but about recognizing our limitations and embracing the rest that God has designed for us. This rest enables us to be more productive in the things God has called us to do. [48:05]
3. Jesus Elevates the Marginalized: In a patriarchal society, Jesus elevated and celebrated women, as seen in His relationship with Mary and Martha. This story reminds us that Jesus values and esteems all people, regardless of societal norms, and calls us to do the same. [58:08]
4. Distractions vs. Divine Interventions: We live in a world full of distractions that can keep us from focusing on Jesus. However, not all interruptions are distractions; some are divine interventions where God is trying to get our attention. We need to discern and respond to these moments, allowing God to guide us. [08:27]
5. Invitation to Relationship: Jesus invites us to bring our worries and chaos to Him, finding peace and rest in His presence. This invitation is not just a rebuke but a call to a deeper relationship with Him. In our moments of anxiety and distraction, Jesus offers us the opportunity to be with Him and find our true identity. [13:50]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[44:33] - Celebrating the Mexico Team
[45:58] - Softball Team Playoffs
[46:41] - Vacation Reflections
[48:05] - Rooted and Rest Series
[50:10] - Prayer and Scripture Reading
[51:13] - Mary and Martha Story
[52:11] - Being Before Doing
[53:12] - Human Beings, Not Human Doings
[54:11] - Personal Convictions in Ministry
[55:06] - Saved by Grace, Not Works
[56:08] - Great Faith, Misguided Actions
[57:38] - Mary and Martha's Context
[58:08] - Jesus Elevates Women
[59:34] - Women of Influence and Faith
[01:02:04] - Martha's Great Faith
[01:03:29] - Misdirected Faith
[01:04:58] - Distractions and Priorities
[01:07:28] - Multitasking and Distractions
[01:08:27] - Divine Interventions
[01:09:27] - Being Fully Present
[01:10:24] - Spending Time with Jesus
[01:11:21] - Jesus' Invitation to Martha
[01:12:20] - Good Intentions vs. Better Choices
[01:13:21] - Inner Chaos and Outer Control
[01:14:50] - Invitation to Relationship
[01:17:32] - Solitude with God
[01:18:03] - Knowing God vs. Knowing About God
[01:26:20] - Identity in Christ
[01:27:56] - Relationship Leads to Service
[01:28:39] - Invitation for Prayer and Baptism Event
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
- Luke 10:38-42
- John 11:21-27
### Observation Questions
1. In the story of Mary and Martha from Luke 10:38-42, what were the different actions taken by Mary and Martha when Jesus visited their home? ([50:44])
2. According to the sermon, what does Jesus' response to Martha reveal about His priorities for His followers? ([51:41])
3. How does the sermon describe the cultural significance of Jesus' interaction with Mary and Martha, especially in a patriarchal society? ([58:08])
4. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between rest and productivity in the context of God's kingdom? ([48:05])
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Jesus commend Mary for her choice to sit at His feet rather than helping Martha with the preparations? What does this teach us about the importance of being with Jesus? ([51:41])
2. How does the sermon explain the concept of "being before doing" in the context of our spiritual lives? Why is this distinction important? ([52:11])
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that our culture often defines us by what we do? How does this contrast with Jesus' teaching in the story of Mary and Martha? ([53:12])
4. How does the sermon highlight the significance of Jesus elevating women in His ministry, and what implications does this have for how we view and treat marginalized groups today? ([58:08])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you prioritize doing things for Jesus over being with Him? How can you adjust your daily routine to spend more time in His presence? ([52:11])
2. The sermon discusses the importance of true rest. What are some practical steps you can take to incorporate rest into your weekly rhythm, recognizing your limitations and embracing the rest God has designed for you? ([48:05])
3. Think about the distractions in your life that keep you from focusing on Jesus. Identify one specific distraction and develop a plan to minimize it this week. ([51:13])
4. How can you follow Jesus' example of elevating and valuing marginalized individuals in your community? What specific actions can you take to show dignity and worth to those who are often overlooked? ([58:08])
5. The sermon mentions that not all interruptions are distractions; some are divine interventions. Can you recall a recent moment that felt like a divine intervention? How did you respond, and how can you be more attentive to such moments in the future? ([08:27])
6. Jesus invites us to bring our worries and chaos to Him. What are some current worries or chaotic situations in your life that you need to bring to Jesus? How can you practically lay these burdens at His feet this week? ([13:50])
7. The sermon emphasizes the importance of finding our identity in Christ rather than in our activities. How can you remind yourself daily that you are a human being, not a human doing? What practices can help reinforce this truth in your life? ([53:12])
Devotional
Day 1: Being with Jesus Before Doing for Jesus
Our culture often defines us by what we do, but Jesus calls us to find our identity in Him. The story of Mary and Martha in Luke 10:38-42 illustrates this beautifully. Martha was busy with preparations, while Mary chose to sit at Jesus' feet and listen. Jesus commended Mary for choosing what is better, highlighting that our identity should be rooted in being with Him rather than in our activities. When we prioritize being with Jesus, our actions flow naturally from that relationship, preventing us from becoming religious or judgmental. This is a reminder that we are human beings, not human doings. [52:11]
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.'"
Reflection: In what ways are you more like Martha, focusing on doing rather than being with Jesus? How can you intentionally prioritize time to sit at Jesus' feet this week?
Day 2: Embracing Divine Rest
True rest is essential for our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. It is not about laziness but about recognizing our limitations and embracing the rest that God has designed for us. This rest enables us to be more productive in the things God has called us to do. In our fast-paced world, it is easy to equate busyness with productivity, but God calls us to a rhythm of rest that allows us to recharge and refocus on Him. Embracing this divine rest helps us to be more effective in our service to His kingdom. [48:05]
Exodus 33:14 (ESV): "And he said, 'My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.'"
Reflection: What are some practical steps you can take to incorporate true rest into your weekly routine? How can you ensure that this rest is centered on God and not just a break from work?
Day 3: Jesus Values All People
In a patriarchal society, Jesus elevated and celebrated women, as seen in His relationship with Mary and Martha. This story reminds us that Jesus values and esteems all people, regardless of societal norms, and calls us to do the same. Despite Martha's moment of misdirection, she was a woman of great faith, as demonstrated in her interaction with Jesus after Lazarus' death. Jesus' actions challenge us to look beyond societal expectations and value each person as He does. [58:08]
Galatians 3:28 (ESV): "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."
Reflection: Are there people in your life or community whom you have overlooked or undervalued? How can you follow Jesus' example in elevating and valuing them?
Day 4: Discerning Divine Interventions
We live in a world full of distractions that can keep us from focusing on Jesus. However, not all interruptions are distractions; some are divine interventions where God is trying to get our attention. We need to discern and respond to these moments, allowing God to guide us. By being attentive to His voice, we can distinguish between mere distractions and opportunities for divine encounters. This discernment helps us to stay aligned with God's will and purpose for our lives. [08:27]
1 Kings 19:11-12 (ESV): "And he said, 'Go out and stand on the mount before the Lord.' And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper."
Reflection: Think of a recent interruption in your life. Could it have been a divine intervention? How can you be more attentive to God's voice in such moments?
Day 5: Invitation to Deeper Relationship
Jesus invites us to bring our worries and chaos to Him, finding peace and rest in His presence. This invitation is not just a rebuke but a call to a deeper relationship with Him. In our moments of anxiety and distraction, Jesus offers us the opportunity to be with Him and find our true identity. By accepting this invitation, we can experience His peace and rest, which surpasses all understanding. This relationship with Jesus is the foundation of our faith and the source of our strength. [13:50]
Matthew 11:28-30 (ESV): "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."
Reflection: What worries or chaos are you currently facing? How can you bring these to Jesus and accept His invitation to find peace and rest in His presence?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "God will make a way when there seems to be no way. Can I get an amen, church? Good times. Good times." (14 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "It's the series that's teaching us and showing us the importance of having rhythms in our lives. That give us permission to rest and to receive everything that we need. In order that we're able to be productive and be about the things of the kingdom of God. This isn't about being lazy. It's not about having a poor work ethic. It's not about us finding our identity and what we do. So rest is like the counter to that. It's an idea of being able to say that we have limitations. That we are finite. And that God has designed us to be like that. To be able to find rest. Physically. Emotionally. Spiritually. We thrive when we find how to rest well." (53 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We are human beings. Not just human doings. In a world that is often defines us. By what you accomplish. What you do. What you believe. Jesus here is prioritizing. He's prioritizing not just the stuff. That needs to be done. Which there's always stuff. That needs to be done. But he's realigning. The priorities of our hearts. To remind us about being with Jesus. Always should proceed. Our doing things for Jesus." (33 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We all know. That we're saved by grace. Not by works. So that no one should ever boast. We all know that. Theologically. We're saved by God's grace. It's not about what we do. It is all about what God has done for us. Through his son Jesus Christ." (20 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Jesus was always lifting women up. He was always lifting everybody up. The most marginalized people in society. Jesus was elevating and esteeming them. To the dignity, value and worth. That how he sees them. Not how culture sees them." (14 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "The big idea. Of this story. I believe is teaching us this. Is that Jesus is teaching. Martha. Mary. You and me. The importance of being. Before doing. Or another way to say it. Is to rest before work. He's teaching us. The importance of prioritizing. Having. Being with Jesus. And experiencing him. In his presence. Rather than just jumping off and going. And doing things for him. We're taught in the scripture. And we're shown this principle. That is all throughout the bible. That Jesus is reminding. Mary, Martha. You and me. Of this." (50 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "It can become really easy. For. The work that you do. To become. Who you are. Or it becomes your relationship with God. When you're. Especially in ministry. But I think we're all geared. A lot of us are geared. To productivity. We live in a culture and a world. That that's how you make a living. Is you have to. Do something to get something. And it's really easy. For that mentality to transfer. Into our spirituality. Amen." (37 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "But even with great faith. Sometimes our great faith can be misdirected. In not the best ways. And that is kind of what we see happening. In this story. Is that Martha has faith. She is. Trying to serve God. And serve Jesus. But her faith is misdirected. It is not apportioned the best way. It is not directed in the best way. It is in his kindness. Calling her in repentance. To come back and to prioritize. And to bring alignment. Into what is most important." (34 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Distraction is not the same as divine intervention. Meaning this. There are times where God is not distracting you. He is intervening. He is getting your attention. Amen. Jesus of this. Of healing on the Sabbath. All the time Jesus was. And we see that these weren't distractions. That Jesus was leaning into. He was actually leaning into what his father was doing. So he said. I only do what I see my father doing. And so we need to understand. We need to have space and flexibility in our lives. To respond to how God and his spirit. Is working and moving in our lives. Those are divine interruptions." (39 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "What Jesus is inviting Martha into. Is her identity. Of who she is. She is a child. She belongs. She matters. And so she doesn't have to try to find that. In the things that are doing. The external things. But she can find that in the relationship. That Jesus invites her into. Listen for you and for me this morning. There is an invitation for us. In the chaos. In the craziness of life. When our hearts are worried. And when we are upset. Jesus is inviting you. Into relationship with himself." (39 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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