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Disciplined Mary (Luke 10:39) Mary sat at Jesus’ feet (ancient posture of pupils, cf. Ac. 22:3) Mary was continually listening to His word/teaching Mary knew that she could not live by bread alone (Matt. 4:4). Distracted Martha (Luke 10:40)
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Disciplined Mary (Luke 10:39) • Mary sat at Jesus’ feet (ancient posture of pupils, cf. Ac. 22:3) • Mary was continually listening to His word/teaching • Mary knew that she could not live by bread alone (Matt. 4:4)
Distracted Martha (Luke 10:40) • Martha was continually drawn away, distracted & over-occupied with much serving • Martha, in her anger and encumbered state, complained to Jesus about her sister • Appears to reproach Jesus for monopolizing Mary to Martha’s hurt • Fussed that Mary was neglecting serving duties, leaving all to Martha • Ordered Jesus to order Mary to help her in her serving duties • Absorbed in what she could do for Jesus, Martha forgot about what Jesus could do for her
Discerning Jesus (Luke 10:41-42) • Jesus’ evaluation of Martha: Worried and troubled about too many things • Martha was overly-concerned to entertain Jesus • She was rebuked by Jesus for was stressing the material • Jesus, who loved Martha, called her by name and chastened her (cf. Heb. 12:5-9) • Martha worried about “many things” in contrast to the “one thing” that is truly important (cf. Mt. 6:25-34)
Discerning Jesus (Luke 10:41-42) • Jesus’ evaluation of Mary: Chose the one needed, good, eternal thing • There is one duty or privilege that is pre-eminent • Food for the soul is the ONE thing needful • It is a matter of prioritizing matters • Mary chose the “good part” and kept on listening to Jesus • Commended by Jesus for emphasizing the spiritual over material • Mary’s feast would not be taken away from her • Live by the living word (1 Pet. 1:25) & you’ll live forever (Jn. 8:51) • There is eternal value in placing first things first