(Notes from a sermon I preached on July 17, 2022

“But the Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her."
- Luke 10:41-42
 
This Gospel reading from Luke 10:38-42 presents us with two different responses to Jesus's presence in the home. Mary sees an opportunity to be WITH Jesus while Martha is preoccupied by doing things FOR Jesus. As we reflect upon this encounter we will all be encouraged to evaluate how we use time and develop relationships.
 
Martha could have served without being "worried and distracted" Then Jesus would have been OK with her service (ministry).

"What you worry about the most reveals what you VALUE the most. What you worry about the most also reveals where you TRUST God the least." - Craig Groeschel
 
Martha was not a bad person ... but her "work" was interfering with her "worship". We need to be able to pair our work and worship.

"When you start to worry, stop to pray." - Rick Warren (Pastor Rick's Daily Hope July 26, 2020)
 
We need to balance ministry and meditation ... our service in Jesus's name is supported & guided by the time we spend with him devotionally in prayer and scripture reading.

"Don’t let the noise of this world distract you from the voice of God." - Craig Groeschel
 
Jesus prefers casseroles ... and would appreciate a pot-luck supper !!
- Jesus says that “only one thing is needed,” meaning that only one dish is needed. But this one thing also stands for the better part which Mary has chosen, namely, listening to the Word of God. The implication is that Martha, if she kept the preparations simple, could also listen to Jesus. [Evangelical Commentary on the Bible]
 
What are we worried & distracted about?
- what others are/aren't doing
- clean houses
- paying the bills
- relationships
- filling the sanctuary
[We must focus on what is NECESSARY]

"Faith does not eliminate the distraction; it shifts the attention." - Steven Furtick
 
Finding balance ... being with Jesus and serving our neighbors.
A dose of daily devotions allows us to give God our worries as we commit to serving our neighbors.
 
Lo! I come With Joy To Do
     by Charles Wesley
Lo! I come with joy to do
The Master’s blessèd will,
Him in outward works pursue,
And serve His pleasure still;
Faithful to my Lord’s commands,
I still would choose the better part:
Serve with careful Martha’s hands,
And humble Mary’s heart.